August 9, 2024A mix of chill vibes, stunning landscapes, and exciting adventures, Blue Mountain Beach is a unique and picturesque 30A destination.
With its gorgeous coastline and lively neighborhood, it sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation.
Let’s uncover the best Blue Mountain Beach activities and attractions so you can make the most of your time in this stunning 30A location.
Beach and Water Activities
The Beach
True to its name, Blue Mountain Beach’s rolling dunes are covered in Blue Lupine and claim the highest elevation in South Walton at 65 feet. The pristine shores and crystal-clear waters make it perfect for a variety of beach activities. Go for a swim, sunbathe, then take another dip. Or simply stroll along the sandy shoreline. The serene environment makes beachcombing a popular pastime, with plenty of unique shells and treasures to discover.
Beach Sand Sculptures
For a unique experience, book a two-hour sandcastle lesson with Beach Sand Sculptures. The fun, knowledgeable instructors can meet you at your vacation rental and teach everyone in the family how to construct impressive sand structures.
The Neighborhood
More than just a beautiful beach, Blue Mountain Beach is also a 30A community rich in history. It offers an idyllic blend of old Florida charm and modern flair, from modest one-story homes nestled in wooded areas and contemporary beachfront masterpieces to everything in between. This tight-knit, laid-back community features open-air dining, a superb live music scene, stellar cuisine, and fun shops, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking
Enjoy playing in the water? With three dune lakes and the Gulf of Mexico, Blue Mountain Beach is perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Several rental spots and guided tours are available, allowing you to explore the stunning coastlines at your own pace. The easy-to-challenging activities provide a fun and engaging way to experience the beauty.
Coastal Dune Lakes
Blue Mountain Beach is home to three rare coastal dune lakes, Little Redfish Lake, Big Redfish Lake, and Draper Lake – all great for fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Big Redfish Lake is one of the larger dune lakes here, and it’s well-known among local anglers. Redfish are plentiful in the lake, as are several other species of saltwater fish. When water levels are high, like after heavy rain, Big Redfish Lake and Little Redfish Lake both outflow across the beachfront to the gulf. This is a great time to visit and witness this rare spectacle!
The Gulf
For the more adventurous, paddleboarding out on the clear gulf water is a blast. A few pro tips: Simply walk your board into the water, keep the nose pointed toward the waves with the tip up, and then hop on. Paddle on your knees to get through the small surf, then stand and keep your knees bent to stay fluid. Eventually, you’ll be cruising along, looking for sea turtles, dolphins, and other Gulf wildlife!
The Rental Shop 30A
With fast & free delivery, The Rental Shop 30A will be happy to supply all the fun, with daily and weekly rentals. They buy brand-new paddleboard inventory annually and take immaculate care of all their gear.
Surf Sup Paddle Board Rentals
Surf Sup Paddle Board Rentals is a mobile Stand Up Paddle ( SUP ) Board rental service for all of Blue Mountain Beach. Their quality SUP ATX paddleboards are designed for all skill levels and all sizes of paddlers.
Nature, Hiking, and Biking Trails
Timpoochee Trail
Blue Mountain Beach offers scenic views and a chance to immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty. The 18.6-mile multi-use Timpoochee Trail is just a fancy name for the paved path that runs parallel to the entire length of 30A. Passing through all of 30’s communities, the Trail is family-friendly and perfect for biking, walking, and running, offering scenic views of the coastline, dunes, and local flora.
Point Washington State Forest
Located nearby, the 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest includes more than 27 miles of an extensive trail system, perfect for hiking and biking. The distinct trails twist through longleaf pine flatwoods, wet prairie, coastal scrub, swamplands and sandhills.
The forest is home to a variety of outdoor activities and provides an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of the region. With its tranquil environment and well-marked trails, Point Washington State Forest is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
INSIDER TIP: Blue Mountain Beach is picturesque at any time of year, but the area really comes to life during spring and fall. You’ll find wildflowers throughout the state forest’s fields and lupins canvasing the dune’s slopes when the weather is a little bit cooler.
Longleaf Greenway Trail
A peaceful 14.2-mile trail that spans the Western and Eastern portions of Point Washington. Featuring three moderate routes: the East Trail (2.5 miles), the Western Trail (2.5 miles), and the Middle Trail (3.25 miles), all are famous for bird watching, hiking, and mountain biking. The terrain features a mostly flat and sandy singletrack path open year-round, providing an accessible and inviting route for all ages.
The trail officially begins near Sea Pond Road, but the most common entrance point is the Blue Mountain Beach parking lot, where parking is available. From there, take the paved bike bath north along Florida Hwy 83 for about 1/8 mile to the trail sign indicating the trail entrance of the Point Washington Forest.
From the trailhead, descend slightly to a wooden bridge over Red Fish Lake then after a short incline the trail begins snaking through the pines! As you hike, bike, or run along the trail, you’ll encounter native flora and fauna. The trail is well-maintained and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Maps are available at Big Daddy’s Bike Shop in Blue Mountain Beach.
Big Daddy’s Bike Shop
In Blue Mountain Beach, Big Daddy’s Bike Shop is full-service, offering new bike sales from top brands. They also provide expert bike repair and a variety of rental options for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking to buy, repair, or rent, their friendly staff ensures you have everything you need for a great biking experience along 30A.
Local Dining
Shunk Gulley
Are you a fan of oysters? Shunk Gulley offers a casual atmosphere, live music, and a menu featuring garlic parmesan oysters and shrimp and crab soup. Don’t miss the key lime pie for dessert!
Basmati’s Asian Cuisine
A Blue Mountain Beach institution, Basmati’s offers creative Asian cuisine and sushi in a charming setting. Enjoy sushi rolls and Thai curries, especially on the cozy back porch during cooler months.
Stinky’s Fish Camp
Head to Stinky’s Fish Camp for fresh Gulf seafood and an amazing oyster selection. Try the smoked Gruyere and bacon oysters and savor their signature entrees, including Gulf-caught fish and shrimp and grits.
Vue on 30A
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and delicious food at Vue on 30A, where you can sip handcrafted cocktails and savor a premier dining experience. It’s also conveniently located at the Santa Rosa Beach Golf and Beach Club.
Johnny McTighes Irish Pub
At Johnny McTighes Irish Pub, enjoy Irish hospitality, a great beer selection, and tasty food. Don’t miss the Ruben sandwich, Irish Nachos, and pizza, perfect for watching a game or meeting friends.
Red Fish Taco
Enjoy delicious meals, thirst-quenching margaritas, and live music at Red Fish Taco. My favorite is the taco salad topped with grilled chicken thighs, and don’t forget the street corn.
Cowgirl Kitchen
Satisfy your cravings at Cowgirl Kitchen, known for its creative Southern dishes in a historic cottage. Enjoy breakfast burritos, lunchtime sandwiches, and the famous meatloaf plate with macaroni and cheese.
Blue Mountain Bakery
Indulge in freshly baked goods at Blue Mountain Bakery, from flaky croissants to mouthwatering cakes. Be sure to get there early for the popular cinnamon rolls and enjoy their wraps and salads.
Local Catch
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced seafood at Local Catch, including fish tacos, shrimp po’boys, and crab cakes. It’s the perfect place for Alabama football fans to gather and watch games.
Redd’s Fueling Station
At Redd’s Fueling Station, the singing bartender, Redd, serves up drinks and entertainment. The menu features delicious appetizers, burgers, and daily specials, with Redd taking song requests.
30A Thai
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at 30A Thai, featuring elegant decor and mouthwatering Thai dishes. The new west-end spot is perfect for a lively dining experience with delicious food.
Mimmo’s
Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Mimmo’s, where handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seafood dishes are made with love. Enjoy your meal with a glass of wine to complete the experience.
Local Shopping, Dining, and Events at Gulf Place
Gulf Place
Visit Gulf Place for a vibrant shopping and dining experience. This lively area features boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants for every taste—whether you want a gourmet meal or a casual coffee.
Just across Scenic Highway 30A, the 30A Store has beach gear, cold beer, and treats from Sunrise Coffee. Relax at their handcrafted bar or lounge in beach chairs to enjoy the Gulf breeze. The Artists at Gulf Place showcase local talents in colorful huts, and La Playa offers live music on their open-air patio most nights, complete with table-side fire pits for a cozy atmosphere.
On Sundays, enjoy lunch at Pizza by the Sea and join locals for kickball on the green. Pet owners can check out Furry Fanatics for organic pet food and 30A-branded merchandise. Be sure to check the event schedule at Gulley Amphitheater for live music and events on weekends throughout the year!
More Family-Friendly Activities
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
A trip to Blue Mountain Beach wouldn’t be complete without stopping by The Creamery, serving homemade ice cream! A great little ice cream shop with good flavors and quick service, Blue Mountain Beach Creamery is run by sixth-generation locals. Is your favorite Espresso Chocolate Chip? Or Strawberry Cheesecake?
No matter, you can always count on it being fresh and delicious! The yogurt and sorbet, as well as waffle cones, are also made fresh daily. The 30A institution also serves milkshakes, Charlie’s Donuts, Lucky Goat coffee, frozen custard, Bill’s Lemonade, sno-cones, and plenty more treats. So good!
Ed Walline Park
A public beach access that’s so nice, it’s also a park. Ed Walline Park isn’t necessarily a “family attraction”, but its attractiveness and convenience, sure attract a lot of people.
More commonly known as Ed Walline Regional Beach Access, the park features parking, a picnic pavilion, a water fountain, a viewing deck, seasonal lifeguards, a beach-conditions flag, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.
Whether you’re planning a picnic or just want to let the kids run around and play, Ed Walline Park is basically your gateway to the sand and water of Blue Mountain Beach. Sweet!
Blue Mountain Beach Farmers Market
Don’t miss the local farmers’ market where you can find fresh produce and the area’s best locally made, handmade goods! Located outside For The Heath from 9am-1pm on the first and third Sunday of each month, shop fresh produce, locally-made soaps, delicious baked goods, yummy treats, and much more.
Blue Mountain Beach is filled with exciting activities and attractions that cater to all interests. From its stunning beaches and water activities to its scenic trails, local dining, and family-friendly spots, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on the best Blue Mountain Beach activities and attractions. Plan your trip today and experience all that this charming area has to offer.
BOOK YOUR STAY!
Book your stay with Oversee Vacation Rentals and make your Blue Mountain Beach vacation truly unforgettable! For more details, visit our Blue Mountain Beach Area Page.
