Bedazzling Blue Mountain Beach

One of the most unique, serene but bedazzling vacation spots along the Gulf Coast is the quaint community of Blue Mountain Beach. Ocean Reef is pleased to be able to offer many rental properties in the middle of all this luscious serenity. Although located in the Beaches of South Walton along Scenic 30A, Blue Mountain has the look and feel of a location you might find elsewhere. The forested rolling hills, vista views of the shimmering Gulf waters below and the somewhat discerning lifestyle seem “west coast” but have a distinct southern charm. Legend has it that Blue Mountain Beach was named by early explorers, who sailed by noting the appearance of bluish colored mountains near the shore. What these explorers saw were the towering dunes and hills covered at that time with abundant blue flowered Gulf Coast Lupine. Blue Mountain Beach is also one of the highest elevations along the entire Gulf of Mexico with twenty-five foot dunes near the beach reaching up to seventy-four feet tall on the top of “Blue Mountain” itself!  From a distance, this area towered over the flat shoreline these explorers passed in the rest of Florida, hence the name Blue Mountain Beach.

The beach in Blue Mountain is so clean and perfect, that it is listed as a Blue Wave Beach, which is one of our nation's highest designations for natural beauty. The main beach access here has awesome gulf views since it is many steps down to the beach below. The entire area is bordered to the north by a huge expanse of woodlands which is part of the Point Washington State Forest. Hiking, Jeep and rugged bike trails transverse the woods which have gently rolling hills with lots of wildlife flora and fauna. Three of the extremely rare and precious Coastal Dune Lakes are located in Blue Mountain with some names that sound like they came from a Dr. Seuss book. These include Big Redfish, Little Redfish and Draper Lake which provide great places to fish. A paved bike trail runs along Scenic 30A with views of these pristine areas. There is even a covered bridge that crosses part of Draper Lake, but if you stop be careful for other speeding bikes, since it is at the bottom of two hills!

If you want to cycle, Big Daddy's Bike Rentals are right in the middle of town. They sit next to a unique, friendly, new age place called For the Health of It which started as the first health food store in Walton County. Besides natural, organic foods they offer vitamins, a juice bar, aromatherapy and even massage. Across the street you will see Sally's by the Sea Store which is a cute country store that also specializes in serving a yummy breakfast. The back of this store is called, appropriately enough, Sally's Back Side! This favorite haunt among locals is a fun, funky bar and grill specializing in BBQ as well as live, special entertainment. Be sure to check out “Red” the bartender. Besides serving drinks, this vivacious lady sings and dances around the tables on select nights, providing lots of merriment for those in attendance. Just literally around the bend in the road, you may visit with Blue Mountain Beach's acclaimed, local artist named Justin Gaffrey. This young artist has a huge passion for artwork and works out of his local studio. His love of art is evidenced by his colorful, almost 3D acrylic paintings with bright sunflowers and other floral designs.

Whenever you are looking for a special place apart from everything else, be sure to check out Ocean Reef Resort's extensive selection of vacation rentals in Blue Mountain Beach. Once you vacation among the bedazzling Blue Mountains near the beach, you may want to stay for a lifetime!