Wide-open beaches and an appealing old-meets-new vibe.
Known as one of South Walton’s most untouched and pristine neighborhoods, Inlet Beach is paradise for beach lovers. Within walking distance of beautiful Rosemary Beach, the area features high-end shopping and dining, modern amenities and wide swaths of toe-pleasing sand.
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Named for Phillips Inlet on Lake Powell in the 13 surrounding acres of protected land, Inlet Beach is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents can fish, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle, stroll amidst the dunes and birdwatch – all close by.
With the area’s largest regional beach access, the welcoming Inlet Beach community offers relaxation, recreation and mesmerizing gulf views within steps of their front door. There’s a delightfully Old Florida feel here, where cozy cottages are complemented by luxury residences. With just a beach chair, a good book and sunscreen, local residents are rewarded with a ready-made perfect beach day – no prep work required.
Why You’ll Love It
- Area’s largest regional beach access
- Walking distance to Rosemary Beach
- Upscale shopping and dining
- Old Florida feel with commitment to conservation
- Luxury real estate mingled with cozy cottages
- Easy access to Camp Helen State Park and Lake Powell
Everyday Life
R&R is de rigueur in Inlet Beach. No one will bat an eyelash if you flit footloose and fancy-free from the beach to the local boutiques to an al fresco lunch and, later, sunset cocktails. Luxury life is easy here, where cool, casual and comfortable best describe this easternmost community on 30A. Residents adore the untouched natural beauty of their town, where preserving the white-sand beaches and coastal dunes, sustainable architecture and eco-friendly practices are just par for the course. Known for its pristine, Old Florida splendor, Inlet Beach attracts those who wish to travel back in time to a gentler, simpler time when beach life was the best life.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Life is good when it’s mealtime in Inlet Beach. Fresh Gulf seafood, award-winning wines and hand-crafted cocktails, some of the best diner fare in Northwest Florida, and even incredible sushi headline the menus in Inlet Beach.
Start the day, any day, at The Donut Hole, Inlet Beach’s staple for donuts, pastries and hearty Southern classics. Those in-the-know line up early for the best selection or to nab a table where you can sit awhile and order oversized omelets, eggs Benedict and other breakfast classics. The entire menu, from biscuits to burgers, is available all day. Not to be overlooked, Cafe Aroma is a delightful spot for coffee and delicious donuts, too.
For authentic Neapolitan pizza and piled-high lasagnas, locals head to amici 30A Italian Kitchen (the owners also run Amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen). For pub grub, they’ll gather at Shades Bar & Grill for tuna dip, jambalaya pasta and mahi tacos. After a day of shopping, pick up fresh sushi or ramen at Shaka Sushi and Noodle Bar at The Shoppes.
When Inlet Beach residents are craving a special-occasion meal at a luxury restaurant, they choose Tim Creehan’s Cuvee 30A, known for its succulent seafood specialties, live music and Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. “Emeril’s Florida” has showcased the renowned restaurants for its signature dishes, such as Amy Grant’s Seared Tuna Rare and Vince Gill’s Pecan-Crusted Grouper. The happy hour here is considered the best along the Emerald Coast.
While it’s easy to slip into a peaceful Old World lull in Inlet Beach, a day of luxury shopping here can be just as serene. Peruse designer fashions, home goods, jewelry and more along the palm-lined streets of 30Avenue, a luxury lifestyle venue. Choose from the art and exquisite furnishings at Bohlert Massey Interiors, leveling up your home to luxury status. From show-stopping mirrors of tobacco-hued leather and brass to indoor/outdoor pillows in a global motif, you’ll find whatever style you’re seeking. Allow Willow + Mercer to be your fashion guru, whether you leave with outfits by DVF or Kelly Wearstler. Pick up locally based artisanal and gourmet products, from lip balms to olive oil-derived soaps, at 30A Olive Oil. Stick around to explore the brick-paved streets and sidewalks of 30A, with an architecture and landscape reminiscent of the area’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Bop over to The Crossings at Inlet Beach, a retail center adorned in historic Florida style with its white lap siding and reclaimed wood accents, where fantastic store choices are complemented by casual dining opportunities. Don’t miss The Blue Giraffe, a gallery and gift shop featuring work by local artists and artisans. Inspire your inner chef with a stop at Destin Ice Market 30A to pick up fresh seafood, prime steaks, fine wines, delectable cheeses and so much more!
Things to Do
It’s not all waves and window shopping in Inlet Beach. Sharing a border with Camp Helen State Park, the community has immediate access to this award-winning state landmark. Visitors of all ages can learn about the area’s geology, exploring prehistoric middens and mounds that reveal human settlement in the area more than 4,000 years ago.
Nearby Lake Powell offers paddling, fishing and more. This nearly 800-acre coastal dune lake has been honored with an “Outstanding Florida Waters” designation. Kayak, paddle board, hike and birdwatch, looking out for both salt- and freshwater species.
Snorkelers are drawn to the Inlet Beach Cobia Reef Hunt, installed as part of the South Walton Artificial Reef Association program. It’s about 870 feet off the Inlet Beach shore and a fantastic spot to spy colorful fish and other marine life.
Ride bikes along the Timpoochee Trail, which starts near Inlet Beach and turns back near Grayton Beach. It’s a wonderful way to connect to all of the charming communities along 30A, from wooded areas to white-sand beaches to boutique shopping. Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach are just up the path to the north, offering numerous shopping and dining experiences.
Inlet Beach Real Estate & Homes for Sale
Inlet Beach is a choice spot for those looking to make their permanent residence feel more like a vacation. Whether your primary home, a secondary home or an investment property, Inlet Beach’s appeal remains the same: a front-row seat on the relaxed South Walton luxury beach lifestyle. Inlet Beach homes range from 1,000-square-foot condos starting at $1,000,000 to luxurious 3,500-square-foot beachfront villas that can sell for up to $8 million.
