Choosing your next vacation can be both exciting and stressful. You picture yourself enjoying all sorts of unique activities, but the question remains: where should you go? This year, pick a place that your whole family will love. The Emerald Coast and 30A offer some of Florida’s premier vacation destinations. Our slice of paradise features turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, and family-friendly fun. This area has numerous beach towns to choose from for your next beach getaway. When it comes to Destin vs. Santa Rosa Beach, we are here to offer some guidance.
These two destinations aren’t far apart, but they offer entirely different experiences. So, are you ready to decide which one’s right for you and your family? Let’s get into it!
Whatever you choose, we invite you to download our free 30A Vacation Guide! Inside, we compiled some of our favorite local recommendations for the best restaurants, activities, attractions, and places to stay.
Destin vs. Santa Rosa Beach: Discover the Best Beaches and Activities
Why Choose Destin
Lively, activity‑packed, and full of entertainment
Destin, located on the western shores of the Florida panhandle, is known for its lively atmosphere and fishing. There are tons of activities to choose from, including boating, parasailing, amusement parks, and shopping centers like Destin Commons and HarborWalk Village. This vacation destination also has a vibrant nightlife, plenty of restaurants, and family attractions. Visitors love the Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Destin HarborWalk offers food, fun, boats, and more!
If you are a traveler who enjoys high energy and plenty of variety, Destin may appeal to you. From anglers to foodies, many vacationers relish the lively coastal scene of Destin.
What to Do in Destin?
Go Fishing: Make the most of your passion when you visit Destin! Enjoy some of the best panhandle fishing and catch some local fish!
Savor a Delicious Dinner: Experience top-notch Sandestin dining at excellent local restaurants like Sunset Bay Cafe and Bijoux.
Visit Gator Beach Alligator Park: Gator Beach offers a one‑of‑a‑kind chance to safely get close to real alligators, making it an exciting stop for visitors of all ages. Conveniently located next to Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill, it’s easy to enjoy a great meal after your gator encounter.
Santa Rosa Beach: A Treasure on 30A
Serene, scenic, and family-friendly
Did you know Santa Rosa Beach is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets? Indeed, this lovely beach community is a top destination in the state and is a sparkling gem on 30A. Santa Rosa Beach is a community in the South Walton area known for its magnificent beaches. It’s considered the area’s original beach neighborhood, with laid-back vibes and gorgeous Gulf views. If you are ready to slow down, escape the hustle and bustle, and enjoy a wide array of activities and sights, then this is the vacation destination for you. It is the ideal place for a fun, low-key vacation.
Relax on the beach, build sandcastles with your little ones, and eat at some of the best restaurants on 30A. Cafe Thirty-A is one of our all-time favorites and offers a great selection of seafood in a homey and elegant atmosphere. Do you love to play golf in your spare time? You’ll be delighted to know that Santa Rosa Beach is also home to some of the most beautiful golf courses on 30A. The Emerald Bay Golf Club is one of the most prestigious and offers a peaceful atmosphere as you swing the ball with views of the bay in the distance.
What to Do in Santa Rosa?
Enjoy Long Days on the Beach: Spend your day lying in the sand or splashing in the waves at Blue Mountain Beach. Guests of Adagio enjoy private beach access to this stunning stretch of beach on the Gulf Coast.
Go Kayaking: Santa Rosa Beach offers many opportunities for water sports, including kayaking! Check out the various Santa Rosa Beach kayak rentals and prepare for a fun day on the water.
Visit the Eden Gardens: History buffs and nature lovers will love strolling through this park and discovering the original 1895 mansion. It boasts magnificent Louis XVI furniture!
Ride the Timpochee Trail: This iconic trail connects all of 30A via a convenient bike path. Ride over coastal dune lakes, take in the natural beauty, and make your way to a favorite spot for brunch or an ice cream cone.
Spend the Day at Adagio: Surround yourself with luxury, style, and incredible amenities when you stay at Adagio. You never have to leave the comfort of this condo community to have a wonderful day at the beach. Lounge by one of the two pools, soak in the hot tub, walk on the beach, grill out, or simply enjoy the views from your balcony.
No Matter What You Decide, Book Your Stay at Adagio!
Now that you’ve learned all you need to know about Destin vs. Santa Rosa Beach, it’s time to find your perfect condo! Adagio 30A is ideal for a family vacation or romantic getaway. The best part is that while Adagio is located in Santa Rosa Beach, all the attractions of Destin are only a short drive away. You can enjoy a fun activity or some shopping, then return to Adagio for rest and relaxation.
Pamper yourself in Adagio E-303. This beautiful top-floor unit offers splendid views of the pool and courtyard. It has three spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms, plus a scenic balcony where you can sip on a glass of wine and enjoy a stunning sunset. The rental also includes a well-equipped kitchen with all new cabinets and appliances. It’s the perfect place to cook yourself a delicious breakfast when you wake up in the morning! Think about all the quality time you’ll spend with your loved ones and the unforgettable memories you’ll make here.
If you can’t make it to the beach one day, check out our pools! We have a 1,700-square-foot, heated Gulf-side pool with an infinity edge overlooking the Emerald Coast, and an 8,000-square-foot front pool with three tiers of fountains and waterfalls. You will love the amenities at Adagio!
Book Your 30A Getaway Today!