Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach is smack in the middle of South Walton, but it takes a little digging to get to the heart of it. If you drive through Blue Mountain on winding Scenic 30A between Grayton Beach to the east and Santa Rosa Beach to the west, you might miss what makes our quirky little town special.

Blue Mountain Beach prides itself on its laid back attitude and towering beauty. It’s local legend that the first passing sailors mistook the community’s towering sand dunes (covered with Blue Lupine flowers) for mountains after many long months spent at sea.

Located within Blue Mountain Beach are three rare coastal dune lakes, Little Redfish Lake, Big Redfish Lake and Draper Lake – all great for fishing and kayaking.

A few blocks up from the public beach access on Scenic 83 is a trail entrance into the Point Washington State Forest. If you follow the trail back you’ll encounter thick Cypress swamps, towering stands of Longleaf Pine, and large fields of wildflowers in the Spring and Fall.

Food in Blue Mountain Beach is ample and full of personality. Stop by Johnny McTighes Irish Pub, hang with the locals, and see if you can catch a live lobster for your lunch in an unusual twist on the classic drop-claw game machine, or just sit back and enjoy a Guinness and a slice of homemade pizza.

Just across the street is For the Health of It, a locally owned health food shop that specializes in organic produce, yummy smoothies and health supplements. Oh, and this is the place to go to find excellent massage (locals swear by it).

Just down the street is the Justin Gaffrey Art Studio. Stop by for a visual treat and see work by the acclaimed artist. Just down the street from the studio, as you head west towards Gulf Place is Basmati’s Restaurant on Draper Lake, a great little spot to grab sushi and Pan-Asian eats.

But don’t forget your bathing suit when you explore Blue Mountain Beach. The water is clear and cool, and the view of the “Blue Mountains” from the gulf is a site to be remembered long after your trip is done.