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Rosemary Beach is in the 30A region of Florida's panhandle that's becoming a beloved tourist spot.
The town is known for its cobblestone streets and European vibes. I found it charming but pricey.
I'd return, but Rosemary Beach wouldn't be the first place I'd want to stay in 30A.
Though I've lived in Florida for many years, I only recently visited Rosemary Beach.
It's known for its distinctly European feel with its gas street lamps, cobblestone streets, outdoor cafés, and colonial-inspired architecture. It's also one of many towns in 30A, the beach-filled stretch between Panama City and Destin that many call "the Hamptons of the South."
The area reminded me of Cannes or Florence, but it wasn't the highlight of my trip to 30A.
Rosemary Beach is part housing community, part downtown area.
There are a bunch of rental properties in downtown Rosemary Beach.
Terri Peters
Rosemary Beach is a beachfront community along 30A designed to be walkable and bikeable — residents are supposed to live, work, and play here without ever needing a car.
While some people live in Rosemary Beach year-round, many homes are vacation-rental properties.
After all, the 30A stretch along the Gulf of Mexico continues to become a popular travel destination for vacationers around the country.
The beaches here are private, but there are some public ones nearby.
Rosemary Beach has private beaches that were stunning from afar.
Terri Peters
It's common for Northwest Florida beaches to be private. The ones in Rosemary Beach were no exception.
Beach access was blocked with a gate that could only be opened with key cards given to residents or loaned to vacationers in local rental properties.
During my visit, a resident let me pass through the gate as she opened it so I could view one of the beautifully constructed wooden beach access points, complete with umbrellas and Adirondack chairs.
I didn't step on the pristine sands since I technically wasn't allowed, but like all beaches in this area, it was stunning from afar.
I spent some time admiring the architecture of the houses in Rosemary Beach.
Many homes in Rosemary Beach featured arches.
Terri Peters
Home designs in Rosemary Beach are based on the European colonial architecture of the Dutch West Indies, all stucco and high arches.
The local architecture is also inspired by buildings in historic spots such as New Orleans and St. Augustine, Florida, which feature European styles that have been adapted for warm weather.
Surrounded by cobblestone streets and lush greenery, the houses of Rosemary Beach are truly something to behold.
Each home seemed to have its own personality, down to European-style touches like elaborate stone fountains and rustic wrought-iron gates.
During my trip, I had a drink at one of the town's beautiful landmarks.
The Pearl is a photo-worthy hotel in Rosemary Beach.
Terri Peters
I stopped by The Pearl, a hotel in the heart of downtown Rosemary Beach.
With its peaked clock tower and sky-sweeping turrets, it reminded me of a cross between an Alpine ski lodge and a modernist Barcelona high-rise.
The high-end yet quaint hotel felt like the perfect spot to grab a cocktail and cool off before heading back into the downtown area to explore. I especially appreciated its rooftop bar, which had stunning views of the Gulf.
The boutique-filled shopping areas also felt European.
Rosemary Beach isn't a place I'd go to for discounted souvenirs.
Terri Peters
You won't find discount souvenir shops in downtown Rosemary Beach. Instead, the streets are lined with boutiques selling goods with high price tags.
Even simple Rosemary Beach crewnecks ran for $70 to $100 — most beach towns sell similar styles for about half the price.
I enjoyed walking through the beautiful stores but passed on $200 sweaters and $180 skin serums. They seemed like investments I'd research and purchase carefully, not impulsive buys I'd pick up on vacation.
I preferred shopping in other towns in the area, where stores offered items in a wider price range.
There were plenty of opportunities to dine outdoors.
Rosemary Beach has a lot of restaurants with outdoor seating.
Terri Peters
Dining al fresco is as European as it gets, and Rosemary Beach offers many opportunities for guests to have a meal outdoors and unwind in the setting sun.
Restaurants had varied menus, from Southern comfort food with high-end twists to classic steak and seafood fare.
Most spots I passed had café-style seating outside their door — bistro tables with umbrellas and seats under striped awnings lined the sidewalks.
The relaxed dining vibe here reminded me of a European vacation. I felt like I was back on the streets of Florence.
Rosemary Beach wasn't my favorite spot in 30A, but it's cute enough that I'd go back.
Rosemary Beach was beautiful but not my favorite part of 30A.
Terri Peters
I spent time in many beach towns along 30A, from Seaside to Grayton Beach, and was blown away by how unique each was, especially given how close together they all are.
After an evening exploring Rosemary Beach, I agreed with the many TikTokers who compared the town to places in Europe. But even though the area was very pretty, it wouldn't be at the top of my list for the best 30A beach town.
The nearby Seaside, for example, charmed me with its lineup of eateries along Airstream Row, impressive restaurants, and cute beach cottages. Grayton Beach had wonderfully artsy vibes, and Alys Beach felt Grecian with its sun-washed buildings.
I'd definitely return to Rosemary Beach to walk around and enjoy the sights — I just wouldn't plan my whole trip to 30A around it.
