Blue Mountain Beach is a laid back somewhat Bohemian residential enclave in the heart of the beautiful world of Scenic 30A. It boasts having the very first health food store in the county whimsically named "For the Health of It." They feature organic produce, smoothies, local honey, handmade soaps, a Tropical Juice Bar, gourmet coffees, teas, and massage therapy. Award-winning artist Justin Gaffrey's Studio Gallery is located here just off Scenic 30A. He creates vibrant, unique, almost three-dimensional artwork using heavy acrylic oils that rise between one to five inches above the pallet's surface and features the area's sensational scenery.
The main distinction of Blue Mountain Beach is that it has the highest elevation along the entire Gulf Coast. Early Spanish explorers who were mapping the coast of Florida gave it this name, and an interesting story comes with it. Further down the coast, they were close to shore and attacked by Native Americans, so they decided to map the rest of the area from some distance away. When they came across this location, they saw what they thought were Blue Mountains rising up beside the otherwise flat shoreline. They actually saw the high hills next to the beach covered with wild Blue Lupine flowers, which are indigenous to this area, hence the name! Many guests have fallen in love with Blue Mountain Beach, and here are some of the popular things to do if you visit here.
The Beach in Blue Mountain
The sugar-white beaches in this area have received national acclaim due to the brilliantly bright crystalline shoreline. They are composed of pure white quartz crystal, which was shaved off of the Appalachian Mountain tops by glaciers eons ago during the last Ice Age. Over 10,000 years of tidal action ground the quartz into the white powdery form we see today. It is cool to the touch, and the reflective quality creates a dazzling jeweled emerald green color in the clear water as natural microscopic plankton glitters in the sunlight.
The Views in Blue Mountain
Since the hills and ancient dunes in Blue Mountain Beach rise over sixty feet above the gorgeous Gulf – the views are phenomenal. There are four beach access points along Blue Mountain Road, which parallels the sugary shoreline at the top of the dunes and offers 180-degree panoramic views for as far as the eye can see. Vivid views include the long white ribbon of bright beach in both directions as well as striking vistas of the glittering Gulf all the way to the southern horizon. The main regional beach access point south of Scenic 30A at the end of Old Blue Mountain Road includes parking, restroom facilities with showers, and seasonal lifeguards on duty.
The Beach State Park & Forest
South Walton County is renowned for being blessed with over 15,000 acres of protected forests and state beach parks. Grayton Beach State Park is less than three miles away from Blue Mountain Beach towards the east and was just named the Best Most Beautiful in America. Dr. Beach, aka Stephen Leatherman, who has a doctorate in marine life, uses expansive criteria for an annual rating of the nation's seashore for natural beauty, sand quality, cleanliness, and water color. This beach park came in at Number One! It features almost 2,000 acres that include preserved forests, the bright beach, shimmering dunes, pristine wetlands, and an exotic 100-acre Coastal Dune Lake. These kinds of lakes are true treasures since they are found hardly anywhere else in the world. A magical salted freshwater mixture harbors abundant wildlife and a wide assortment of fish. Adventurers kayak, canoe or paddleboard on the lake in pursuit of fish or to explore the stunning natural beauty.
A nature path meanders through the expansive forest in each direction for 4.5 miles, which are available for hiking or trail biking. Besides the serene scenery, adventurers may spot White-Tailed Deer, Squirrels, Rabbits, Gray Foxes, and an occasional Black Bear. Seagulls, Great Blue Herons, Snowy White Egrets, Osprey Hawks, and American Bald Eagles can be seen soaring overhead or fishing near the shore.
The Timpoochee Bike Trail
If you and your family are into biking, you will be happy to know that a wide paved bike trail that goes by the Native American name of "Timpoochee" was created in recent years. It begins along Scenic 30A from Emerald Coast Parkway at the Topsail Hill State Park next to Dune Allen and travels nineteen miles all the way to Rosemary Beach at the other end. It passes by thousands of acres of natural forests, sugary dunes, the beautiful beach, and many other coastal dune lake treasures. A charming covered bike bridge near one of the lakes marks the western entrance to Blue Mountain Beach. Besides getting great exercise and experiencing the gorgeous scenery, many bikers like to stop at picturesque coastal villages along the way to grab a bite, have a drink, or go window shopping. Top places for an enchanting pit stop include Gulf Place at Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Seacrest, and Rosemary Beach. If you didn't bring a bike, you might rent one at Big Daddy's Bikes and Beach Shop next to the health food store. You may also want to check out Pedego Bike Rentals nearby in Watercolor, who provide discounts to Ocean Reef guests for electric bikes.
Restaurants & Bars in Blue Mountain
There are three restaurants with bars in Blue Mountain Beach, and they are within walking distance of our vacation rentals. They also all receive 4.5+ Star Ratings!
Blue Mable Smokehouse & Provisions features smoked wings, burgers, steaks, seafood, fish, and a wide assortment of Southern Comfort Food appetizers as well as sides. They have a popular daily Happy Hour that goes from 3 pm till 6 pm.
The Red Fish Taco offers authentic crispy or soft tacos of all kinds for use with delicious dips, in salads, and as an entrée. They also serve all sorts of margaritas, specialty drinks, and an assortment of ice-cold beers. You may dine in or eat al fresco. Live musical entertainment is provided during the season from 6 pm till 9 pm.
Read more: Happy Hour on 30A
Redd's Fueling Station is a rollicking place that serves up wine, beer, sangria, and some specialty drinks. It is known for the singing bartender named Redd. She puts on quite a show and inspires everyone to have a fun time. This funky, eclectic watering hole serves fantastic eats that include a variety of "Under the Hood" items which are mostly Mexican styled appetizers, "Oil Change" dishes like Matt's Jalapeno Popper Burgers and Lug Nuts & Hubcap Meatloaf Sliders and the "Engine Overhaul" that features Moo Moo Brisket, Slow Cooked Beer Bathed Ribs, and Fish in a Pan.
For some yummy desserts, be sure to check out the highly-rated Blue Mountain Creamery for ice cream cones and sundaes. The Blue Mountain Bakery nearby serves glazed Cinnamon Rolls, Banana Nut Bread, Muffins, Scones, Cupcakes, Cookies, and big slices of Cake.
Seasonal Festivals
Although Blue Mountain Beach does not have festivals itself, this locale is less than three miles away from picturesque places that do in each direction! Iconic Seaside towards the east has seasonal festivals, free live music concerts in their outdoor amphitheater, fireworks on special holidays, restaurants, beach bars, boutiques, and galleries. The Santa Rosa Beach village center of Gulf Place towards the west also has a large outdoor amphitheater bordered by restaurants, specialty shops, and galleries. It features free live concerts, seasonal festivities, and art shows throughout most of the year.
If you are becoming captivated by the beautiful Bohemian-like charming abode of Blue Mountain Beach, enjoy taking a look at our user-friendly website for distinctive 30A vacation rentals. You will see individual detailed descriptions, vivid imagery, satellite views of each location, seasonal rental rates, and calendar dates available to make your reservation. Enjoy!
