Vacation rentals in Blue Mountain Beach

Named for the blue lupine flowers that tremble in the coastal breeze, this relaxed beach town also happens to boast the highest point on the Gulf of Mexico. And it’s only 65 feet high! Though hardly a proper mountain, the mostly residential enclave — one of the 16 along scenic highway 30A that make up South Walton — does feature an abundance of natural splendor, including turquoise waters, fine white sand, rare dune lakes, and verdant forestland.

After you’ve had your fill of outdoor exploration, you can grab local seafood at one of the funky cafes or admire the colorful paintings at the local art gallery. Doing it all on a rented bike is a surefire way to spot some of the resident wildlife, including white-tail deer and majestic shorebirds. With so many easy access points to the beach, this hidden gem makes for a simple but highly rewarding seaside getaway.

Despite the heat and humidity, summer is the most popular time of year to visit Blue Mountain Beach. But here’s a tip: spring and fall are actually far more desirable. Spring offers warm temperatures, low humidity, and abundant wildflowers; fall boasts mild weather along with fabulous food festivals in South Walton like the Baytowne Beer Festival and the Harvest Wine & Food Festival. Temperatures drop in wintertime, clearing all but the most diehard travelers from the beach, but the lack of crowds and crisp morning air can be quite lovely, as can the festive holiday season. Just be sure to pack a sweater!

Note that hurricane season lasts from early June through October, peaking in August and September.

Timpoochee Trail

This 18.4-mile bike trail is paved and mostly flat, stretching from Inlet Beach to Dune Allen and traversing beach communities and access points, fish camps, dune lakes, and state parks. Consider a stop at Deer Lake State Park, where you can hit the beach, go fishing, or explore the region’s rare and beautiful coastal dunes. Blue Mountain Beach actually features three dune lakes, two of which, Little Redfish Lake and Big Redfish Lake, are open to the public.

Justin Gaffrey’s Art Gallery

Who says a painting can’t also be a sculpture? Artist Justin Gaffrey “sculpts” his paintings with a palette knife and pure acrylic paints to create multidimensional pieces rich with color and texture. The Panhandle’s land and seascapes are his primary subjects, and Gaffrey has become the region’s most renowned artist.

Redd’s Fueling Station

Tucked away behind a gas station on 30A, this local favorite serves up potent beer, inventive wine-based cocktails, delicious seafood, and some great live music.