Blue Mountain Beach sits as one of the most laid-back and naturally elevated communities along Scenic Highway 30A in Walton County, Florida. This stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast offers peace, quiet, and natural beauty where towering dunes meet sparkling emerald waters.
Our luxurious vacation rentals, conveniently located near the water in Blue Mountain Beach, are the perfect place for you and your family to stay and experience all that this neighborhood has to offer.
Ready to plan your vacation? This guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Where Is Blue Mountain Beach?
Photo Credit: C.M. White
Blue Mountain Beach is a small community and beach within the popular 30A area. It is located between Grayton Beach to the east and Santa Rosa Beach to the west. It's also within a short drive of Seaside, Gulf Place, and other popular 30A destinations.
Three airports serve the 30A area:
- Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP): ~45 minutes to Blue Mountain Beach
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS): ~60 minutes to Blue Mountain Beach
- Pensacola International (PNS): ~100 minutes to Blue Mountain Beach
Why Stay in Blue Mountain Beach?
Photo Credit: Rotorhead 30A Productions
With so many quaint, scenic towns to choose from along the 30A, why should you opt for this particular slice of sand? What makes this beach town unique? Let's dig into the many attractions and amenities that make Blue Mountain Beach worth a visit.
The Beach and Coastal Scenery
The beach at Blue Mountain Beach delivers exactly what draws travelers to Florida’s Emerald Coast: bright white quartz sand that squeaks underfoot, emerald-green water so clear you can spot fish from the shore, and gentle surf perfect for wading and swimming.
The town has plenty of public beach access points, so it's easy to make the most of it. Hire a beach chair and settle in to enjoy the view.
What sets this stretch apart visually are the dunes themselves. Covered in seasonal blue lupine blooms, sea oats, and native coastal plants, the dune line creates a living backdrop that shifts with the seasons. Spring brings the most dramatic color, typically from March through May, when the blue lupine flowers carpet the sandy hills in purple-blue hues that inspired the town’s name.
That 64-65 foot elevation of the dunes creates more than just pretty views. The height generates slightly cooler breezes than lower-lying 30A sections, and standing atop the dune boardwalks offers panoramic vistas stretching across the Gulf of Mexico. On clear days, you can see for miles in either direction along the coast.
Coastal Dune Lakes
One of Blue Mountain Beach’s most remarkable features lies just behind the dunes: a collection of rare coastal dune lakes found in only a handful of places on Earth. These brackish bodies of water occur naturally in parts of Northwest Florida, Madagascar, Australia, and New Zealand—and nowhere else.
Draper Lake sits on the eastern edge of Blue Mountain Beach. This horseshoe-shaped lake is primarily residential, bordered by longleaf pine forests and architect-designed homes. While access is more limited than other lakes, the scenery is postcard-perfect, especially during morning light.
Big Redfish Lake, located west of County Road 83, draws the most visitors. The brackish water here supports redfish, speckled trout, and other Gulf species that migrate in when the lake connects to the ocean. Paddleboarding and fishing remain the most popular activities, with calm morning conditions ideal for beginners.
Little Redfish Lake offers a smaller, more secluded experience west of its larger neighbor. This is the spot for quiet sunrise paddles and bird-watching. Herons, egrets, and osprey frequent the shoreline, and you’ll often have the water nearly to yourself on weekday mornings.
One of the most fascinating phenomena to witness is the outfall event. After periods of heavy rain, these coastal dune lakes can break through the dune line and flow into the Gulf, creating a temporary channel. While spectacular to observe, approach these outfalls cautiously as currents can be strong.
Trails, Biking, and Outdoor Adventure
Blue Mountain Beach ranks among the best bases on 30A for outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine beach time with cycling and hiking. Direct access to paved paths and forest singletrack puts adventure minutes from your doorstep.
The Timpoochee Trail runs 18 miles parallel to Scenic 30A, connecting beach communities from east to west.
From Blue Mountain Beach, cyclists can easily pedal west toward Dune Allen and Gulf Place for lunch and shopping, or head east toward Grayton Beach and Seaside, all within an hour’s casual ride.
Big Daddy’s Bike Shop in Blue Mountain Beach has operated for years as the local favorite for bike rentals, repairs, and sales. They offer cruisers, kids’ bikes, tandem options, and electric bikes for those wanting extra assistance on longer rides. If you're not sure what will suit you best, just head into Big Daddy's and chat to the friendly team.
Point Washington State Forest & Longleaf Greenway
Just inland from Blue Mountain Beach, Point Washington State Forest encompasses more than 15,000 acres of protected coastal ecosystems. This vast natural area offers a stark contrast to the beach scene and provides excellent half-day adventures for visitors wanting more than sun and sand.
You can visit the forest by car or bike to it instead via a trail entrance on County Road 83 just north of 30A.
The forest protects multiple distinct habitats:
- Longleaf pine flatwoods: Open, park-like forests with grassy understory
- Wet prairies: Seasonal wetlands teeming with wading birds
- Cypress swamps: Dark, atmospheric waterways with towering trees
- Scrubby sandhills: Sandy uplands with unique drought-adapted plants
The Longleaf Greenway Trail system provides roughly 14 miles of interconnected routes linking the western and eastern portions of the forest. Trail difficulty ranges from easy, flat segments to moderate sandy hills—something for every fitness level.
Water Sports: Paddleboarding, Kayaking, and Gulf Adventures
Blue Mountain Beach’s calm morning conditions make it an excellent destination for paddle sports, whether you prefer the open Gulf or the sheltered dune lakes.
Early risers often launch paddleboards on the Gulf at sunrise, when the water lies nearly flat and marine life becomes more active. Dolphins frequently cruise just offshore, rays glide through the shallows, and patient paddlers occasionally spot sea turtles breaking the surface.
Kayaks and SUPs are available through several rental options. Some beach access points offer hourly rentals, while mobile rental companies deliver gear directly to vacation homes and condos, which is a convenient option for busy families with young children.
Shopping, Markets, and Local Art
Photo Credit: Q88
Blue Mountain Beach blends practical beach shops, wellness-oriented markets, and local art galleries into a compact shopping experience that rarely requires driving.
Several art galleries and studios showcase 30A artists’ coastal-inspired work. You’ll find paintings capturing Gulf sunsets, driftwood sculptures, handmade jewelry, and photography prints. These charming shops make browsing an activity unto itself, and you might find a unique piece to remember your trip.
Periodic farmers' markets pop up in the Blue Mountain Beach area, often on Sunday mornings. Expect regional organic produce, mouthwatering cakes and baked goods, handmade soaps, and local crafts. These markets offer excellent opportunities for meeting locals and picking up genuinely local products.
Eating and Drinking in Blue Mountain Beach
Photo Credit: Denys Poliakov
Blue Mountain Beach offers a distinctive dining scene that perfectly complements its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A.
There's plenty of choice available. No matter if you're looking for a healthy dish like grilled chicken thighs and rice, or something more indulgent like a juicy burger and fries, you're bound to find it.
Here's where to find some of the area's most delicious food:
Blue Mountain Bakery
Mornings in Blue Mountain Beach often begin at Blue Mountain Bakery, a beloved spot known for its flaky pastries, cinnamon rolls, and other freshly baked goods that draw both locals and visitors.
Red Fish Taco
For lunch, Red Fish Taco stands out as a local institution, famous for its street corn and taco salad that appeals to Tex-Mex-loving taste buds.
Cafe Tango
Looking for an upscale dinner joint with an intimate atmosphere? Try Café Tango, where you'll find the likes of handmade pasta and filet mignon.
Basmati's Asian Cuisine
Basmati’s Asian Cuisine is a hidden gem offering Asian fusion dishes, like creative sushi rolls and spicy Thai curries.
Local Catch
Local Catch brings a lively sports-bar energy with fresh Gulf seafood favorites, often drawing Alabama football fans during game days for a spirited communal experience.
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
The Blue Mountain Beach Creamery’s famous frozen custard and ice cream cones are not to be missed when you're in need of a sweet treat. Look out for inventive flavors like praline bacon.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Blue Mountain Beach remains relaxed but lively, anchored by spots like Johnny McTighe’s Irish Pub, which delivers authentic Irish hospitality along with wood-fired pizza and Irish Reuben sandwiches.
Redd’s Pub, also known as Redd's Fuelling Station because it's tucked behind a gas station, is a quirky hidden gem where a singing bartender entertains guests. Enjoy thirst-quenching margaritas and cold beer.
Nearby Towns and Easy Day Trips from Blue Mountain Beach
One of Blue Mountain Beach’s biggest advantages is its central location on 30A, making day trips to neighboring towns effortless.
Eastbound: Grayton Beach & Seaside
A 5-minute drive brings you to Grayton Beach and its namesake State Park. Explore an oceanfront dune system, paddle in Western Lake, and explore wooded areas with hiking trails through pine forests. The small commercial district features casual restaurants and local character.
Continue 10-15 minutes east to reach Seaside, the iconic new urbanist community featuring pastel cottages, a town square, food trucks, independent bookstores, and frequent community events. The town’s planning and architecture inspired countless developments nationwide.
Westbound: Gulf Place & Dune Allen
Heading west from Blue Mountain Beach leads to Gulf Place (shopping, dining, live music venues) and Dune Allen (quieter beach access). The western 30A stretch feels slightly less developed, appealing to those seeking solitude.
Longer Day Trips
For outlet shopping, deep-sea fishing charters, or larger attractions, consider day trips to Destin or Panama City Beach. These destinations offer different energy than 30A—busier, more commercial, but with amenities like water parks and major retailers. Return to Blue Mountain Beach’s quieter evenings for the best of both worlds.
Choose Blue Mountain Beach, FL for Your Next Getaway
Whether you’re drawn by the rare coastal dune lakes, the views from the point of highest elevation on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the charming beach towns nearby, or simply the promise of white sand and emerald water, Blue Mountain Beach won't disappoint.
Book your stay with us early, and prepare to relax and unwind in this coastal haven.