C<\/span>lear green waters lapping onto crystalline sandy beaches have earned Florida\u2019s Panhandle the nickname of \u201cEmerald Coast.\u201d That impressive moniker resonates with Inspirato Members<\/a><\/span>, who stay in the club\u2019s spacious, charming cottages<\/a><\/span> in the communities of Rosemary Beach and WaterColor<\/a><\/span>, located along the scenic Highway 30A<\/a>. Much of this area was designed to hark back to the quiet, friendly beach communities of previous generations, making it ideal for family vacations full of sunshine, beach time, and biking through the beautiful scenery. It\u2019s worth staying inside, as well, for the excellent dining and shopping.<\/p>\n Travelers in Rosemary Beach can cross one of nine iconic dune walkovers to reach the nearest water\u2019s edge. There are a number of other stunning beaches, wildflower-strewn nature trails, and picnic areas along 30A, all a short walk \u2013 or bike ride, the locals\u2019 preferred mode of transportation \u2013 from Inspirato\u2019s comfortable residences.<\/p>\n As members explain, there\u2019s a lot to do here. Keep reading to find out Inspirato\u2019s picks for things to do, see, eat, and explore in Rosemary Beach, WaterColor, and the other communities along the beautiful coast.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n \n \n\n<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Florida\u2019s state parks combine the best of the outdoors in one place, especially Grayton Beach State Park<\/a>. Spanning the ocean and inland sides of Highway 30A, stroll the Hobbit Hole trail through scrub oaks and blue lupine to a scenic vista of the sea at the top of the dunes. On the opposite side of the highway, there\u2019s a bike trail through the pine flatwoods. One of the largest dune lakes in the state, Western Lake is an ideal kayaking spot.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n Right at the entrance to Choctawhatchee Bay lies Crab Island, an underwater sandbar at the edge of the Gulf. Rent a boat to dock in the harbor or try kayaking in for a workout. Floating food vendors sail over to you, selling ice cream and Southern-style boiled peanuts, and there\u2019s an inflatable waterslide and obstacle course beside the stage where local bands play.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has grown in popularity on Florida\u2019s Emerald Coast thanks to the lush dune lakes, curving rivers, and the expansive Gulf of Mexico. Sign up for lessons, take a SUP yoga class, or have your paddleboard outfitted with a rod holder for a SUP fishing excursion.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n A day at the beach building sand castles is exactly what most parents picture doing with their kids on vacation. A former architect and his wife founded Beach Sand Sculptures<\/a> to show families how to do just that. Traveling up and down the beaches, they help families build elaborate and creative sculptures. You can\u2019t take it with you, but a sunny day on the water, building and playing with your family, is what memories are made of.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n \n \n\n<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stinky\u2019s Fish Camp<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 The name might elicit giggles from little ones, but the food will leave everyone satisfied. Chef Jim Richard is known for Stinky\u2019s Stew, made with fresh seafood, shellfish, and vegetables in a garlic and white wine broth, and the key lime pie he makes according to his grandmother\u2019s recipe. Sit on the screened-in patio that looks out to the marshes, live music drifting out from the bar.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n Restaurant Paradis<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Offering a luxe wine country atmosphere with coastal flair, Restaurant Paradis will draw you in with its warm lounge and impressive wine list. Laidback luxury and understated elegance reign supreme within the establishment, which provides expertly cooked local seafood and martini specialties.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Caf\u00e9 Thirty-A<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Situated in a classic, Gulf-style house with high ceilings, a metal roof, and a wraparound veranda, the relaxed and sophisticated interior features exposed rafters alongside white linen tablecloths. You\u2019ll feel like a true Southerner after trying the signature grilled Georgia quail served on a bed of creamy grits with sage fritters.<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\nThe property had an amazing location. It's a short walk to the pool, steps from the beach and the green space in front of the house is perfect for the kids to play. Every night we were there (during the summer) tons of kids played soccer, kickball, football, Frisbee right outside the house until dark. The Rosemary Beach community is amazing. There are great shops and restaurants within walking\/biking distance whether you want a fancy dinner, a sandwich, or an ice cream cone, it's all right there. We'll definitely come back to Rosemary Beach.<\/blockquote>
Things to Do<\/h2>\n
GO OUTSIDE<\/h3>\n
LOCAL FAVORITE<\/h3>\n
GET ACTIVE<\/h3>\n
FAMILY TIME<\/h3>\n
Dining<\/h2>\n
FAMILY<\/h3>\n
ROMANTIC<\/h3>\n
FINE DINING<\/h3>\n
LOCAL<\/h3>\n