Posted on 6/18/2024
Blue Mountain Beach, a beloved favorite among Ocean Reef Resorts guests, is a captivating coastal village on 30A that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and charming local culture. If you haven't heard of this enchanting destination, here's why it stands out as one of the most popular spots on Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast.
Historical Significance
& Natural Beauty
With the highest elevation on the entire Gulf of Mexico, Blue Mountain Beach earned its name over 400 years ago. Spanish explorers in the 1500s, while mapping the Florida coastline from a safe distance offshore, mistook the towering hills covered in blue Lupine flowers for "blue mountains" bordering a "beach." They named the area "Blu La Montana La Playa" (Blue Mountain Beach), a name that was later translated into English. These forested hills rise almost seventy feet tall, resembling mountains from afar and offering breathtaking views.
Unique Coastal Dune Lakes
The "mountains" of Blue Mountain Beach embrace three precious coastal dune lakes: Draper, Big Redfish, and Little Redfish Lake. These rare natural treasures, found in only a few places worldwide, feature creek-like estuaries that create a unique habitat by mixing saltwater and spring-fed waters. This environment supports a diverse range of fish, waterfowl, and wildlife, making it a haven for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding enthusiasts.Outdoor Adventures Await
Bordering thousands of acres of the Pt. Washington State Forest, Blue Mountain Beach provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, with creeks, lush marshlands, vast woodlands, and miles of sandy trails perfect for nature hikes and mountain biking.
Charming Coastal Village
The coastal village itself exudes a charming, almost Bohemian atmosphere, home to local artists and a variety of popular spots. Visitors can enjoy local restaurants with lively bars, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, a wonderful bakery, and Walton County's oldest health food store, For the Health of It, which offers organic produce, smoothies, herbs, homeopathic remedies, and massage therapy.
Nearby Attractions
Just minutes away, iconic Seaside to the East offers seasonal festivals, live concerts in an outdoor amphitheater, holiday fireworks, restaurants, beach bars, boutiques, and galleries. To the west, the nationally acclaimed Santa Rosa Beach village center of Gulf Place features a large amphitheater lined with Royal Palms, surrounded by restaurants, bars, boutiques, specialty shops, and galleries. Gulf Place hosts outdoor concerts, seasonal festivities, and numerous art venues, particularly vibrant from spring through fall.
Popular Blue Mountain Beach Vacation Rentals
Let's take a closer look at some of our most popular Blue Mountain Beach vacation rentals, each offering unique charm and comfort for an unforgettable 30A getaway.
Sandy by the Sea
4 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 12 Guests
This lovely four-bedroom Blue Mountain Beach home in the residential enclave of Sandcastles by the Sea will embrace you and twelve other happy beachgoing guests with the wonderful charm of yesteryear. This gracious rental is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your favorite furry family member (small dogs only), too! The wonderful Old Florida exterior architectural design is perfectly complemented by interior creature comforts. A charming wraparound columned veranda overlooks the front yard, bordered by a white picket fence, while a screened porch and an open balcony above invite you to relax while enjoying the balmy Gulf breezes. The "here and now" interiors are loaded with comfortable furnishings and are fashionably up-to-date. The primary bedroom upstairs is a world unto itself, spanning the entire second floor with a king-size bed, a full ensuite luxury bath, and its own screened-in porch with an adjoining open balcony. This romantic private space allows you to relax, reminisce about your fun day, and plan adventures for the rest of your stay. Your kids can go upstairs, where they will love the special third-floor hideaway that contains double bunk beds and twin trundles.
I know some may think it’s an oxymoron to say relaxing and family in the same sentence, but this truly was! The house was beautiful and fit our adult family well. The closeness to the beach, walking paths and private pool were a dream! The cowgirl kitchen and Irish pub added elements of nearby entertainment and variety. The short drive to Destin allowed us to capture a dolphin tour and the Boathouse Oyster bar two of our favorite stops! I highly recommend this location.
by Tina from Greenwood, INSandcastles by the Sea 402
3 Bedrooms / 2 Full & 1 Half Bathrooms / 8 Guests
This three-bedroom townhome in Sandcastles by the Sea has a great location close to the sugary shore and can sleep up to eight happy gulf goers with the use of a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living area. It is located on the south side of Scenic 30A, just a short five-minute stroll away from the beautiful beach and glowing emerald-toned waters of the Gulf. The primary bedroom and two guest quarters are upstairs on the top level. All three of these bedrooms include access to a balcony, and one has lovely views of the community swimming pool framed by a row of towering tropical palms in the distance.
Clean, comfortable, and convenient! After a long drive, walking into this rental was perfect. The place was spotless, had so much deck + lounging space, and the rooms were great. My group and I were shocked at how close beach access was as well. Unlike other areas of 30A, beach access here felt more relaxed and private. We come to this area a lot as a couple and with friends and this will be our go to rental from now on. This is a rare find in a community that makes you feel at home while also giving you a vacation feel.
by Karan from Atlanta, GASunseekers 1
3 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 6 Guests
This comfortably furnished vacation rental at Sunseekers with three bedrooms easily sleeps six happy beachgoers. It sits high upon a sugary dune in Blue Mountain Beach, famously known for having the highest elevation on the entire Gulf of Mexico. Panoramic views out towards the sunny southern horizon across the glittering jeweled Gulf seem endless and are truly heavenly. A covered patio off the open living area provides a perfect spot to enjoy your favorite libations while relishing the vivid vistas and listening to the surf sounds down below when the waves are high. Stairs conveniently go down to the private beach. Note that another residence (shown later) in this Gulf-front community can also sleep six if you have additional members for a larger beach reunion.
Open your back door and you’re steps from the sand and crystal waters. Sit on your back porch and watch the waves roll in with your morning coffee… there’s only one negative: you will have to check out eventually.
by Lari from Zulch, TXPlaya Azul
4 Bedrooms / 4 Full Bathrooms / 12 Guests
This spacious, stately three-story Mediterranean-styled home located in the Palmeira Villas has four bedrooms with multiple beds, bunks, and a sleeper sofa to accommodate twelve fortunate Gulf-going guests. A palatial entry includes an arch-columned veranda that leads inside through a double set of curved atrium window-topped glass doors. The open living, dining, and kitchen areas are adorned with Corinthian columns and encompass the entire first floor, providing a palatial setting. Regal, comfortable furnishings are accented by crystal chandeliers, rich, handsome cabinetry, and tall tray ceilings. The primary bedroom encompasses the entire third floor, which includes a very romantic balcony with views of the glistening Gulf in the distance, along with a luxurious ensuite bath with granite-topped double vanities, a deep soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. This manor home has an awesome location just an arrow's shot away from the beautiful beach, but a private plunge pool is available for a refreshing dip just steps away in the backyard.
Best house we’ve stayed. Super clean, luxurious home, more than enough towels and linens, more than enough room for our family of 6, across the street from the beach, close to great eats, what more could you ask for! Excellent home, will stay there again!
by Sergio from Waxhaw, NCDeja Blue
4 Bedrooms / 3 Full & 1 Half Bathrooms / 9 Guests
This lovely four-bedroom Blue Mountain Beach vacation home in Highlands Park comfortably sleeps nine privileged guests. It has a very welcoming presence with a wide front veranda that has seating that invites you to "come and sit a spell" while enjoying a favorite drink. The golden Americana charm on the exteriors is complemented by state-of-the-art creature comforts inside since this home was recently built. This locale is a short distance away from the sugary shoreline overlooking the jewel-tone waters of the glowing Gulf. It is just steps away from a lavish community swimming pool that resembles a lush tropical oasis. A lovely lagoon-shaped pool has an island with a tropical palm tree in its center. The spacious patio is also adorned with palms and includes a bubbling hot tub above a stone waterfall that cascades down over stones into a little pool. There are restroom facilities on-site, and an observation tower invites you to look out upon the sensational scenery.
We really enjoyed ourselves as a large family. The décor was awesome and location right across from the pool and the beach was just a few blocks away and not a problem at all with the golf cart. We will be back!
by Anonymous from Poplar Bluff, MOModern 30A
5 Bedrooms / 5 Full & 2 Half Bathrooms / 12 Guests
This stylish, newly completed three-story rental residence has five bedrooms, five full luxury baths, two half baths, and the ability to accommodate up to a dozen lucky guests. It is located in The Crest, a lavish, exclusively gated enclave with only nine residences. It features a palm-studded patio with a large swimming pool that has a unique shallow watery shelf for refreshing sunbathing and an adjacent bubbling hot tub for pampered relaxation. Individually furnished cabanas border the pool on two sides, and restroom facilities are conveniently nearby. The first floor has guest quarters, a beautiful living area with a wet bar, a mini refrigerator, a dining area, and a wall of glass doors leading out to a patio overlooking the lush grounds. The second floor has a lavish primary bedroom with its own balcony, an ensuite luxury bath with double vanities, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Two other comfortably furnished guest bedrooms with ensuite baths and a game room are also on this level. The bright, opulent, open living, dining, and kitchen area on the third floor features a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows with glass doors leading out to a furnished balcony with glittering views of the distant Gulf. Handsome coastal and tropically styled furnishings flank an open state-of-the-art kitchen with upscale commercial appliances. Another guest bedroom with an ensuite bath and a half-bath powder room are also on this level. A rooftop terrace off a wet bar and powder room provides panoramic views of the glorious Gulf across the southern horizon. It is perfect for entertaining with a gas grill, a comfortably furnished outdoor living area, and a dining table beneath a pergola for partial shade.
Best vacay spot!! So close to everything. Condo was Ahh-mazing, beautifully decorated and well stocked with all the necessities. Each bedroom had a private bathroom. There were 2 Primary Suites, a game room, double w/d units (very handy), and an awesome rooftop deck which was great for catching the sunset views! The on-site pool was Oh-So-Fabulous - practically our private Pool & Cabana for the entirety of our stay!!! Can you say Saaweet!! Oh, and there was a on-site Golf Cart available to rent with our condo. So convenient and easy. Plenty of great food spots were nearby like Local Catch, Papa Surf, Mimmo’s, and Cowgirl Kitchen. Shopping 30 min. or less, Groceries 10 min or less, Beach 5 min., and Airport (ECP) 40-50 min. Everything you want and need right at your feet… just like vacations should be!!!
by Becky from Franklin, TNTipsy Marlin
2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 6 Guests
This pleasingly attractive two-story Blue Mountain home with two bedrooms can accommodate six carefree guests along with your favorite fur baby since it is also pet-friendly. It has a gracious southern-styled look with thick white square-columned verandas on the first and second floors. The sugary shoreline beside the jeweled gulf waters is less than a handful of minutes away by car. The open living, dining, and kitchen area provides a bright setting with plenty of sunny windows along with gleaming honey-toned hardwood flooring throughout. Comfortable coastal and cottage-styled furnishings with beach-inspired décor provide a warm, welcoming ambiance.
Cute Florida cottage minutes from the beach and great restaurants. The home is in a quiet neighborhood and had everything we needed. The golf cart is also a great addition! We will definitely be back.
by Anonymous from Milwaukee, WIBlue Mountain Villas 12
1 Bedroom / 1 Full Bathrooms / 6 Guests
This lovely one-bedroom ground floor rental at the secluded Gulf-front Blue Mountain Villas, tucked off Scenic 30A, could be the perfect place for two. If you plan to bring a couple of beloved wee ones with you, there is also a queen-size sleeper sofa available. It is indeed a wonderful place for a romantic rendezvous since it comes with a private covered patio that looks out across a lush green lawn toward the emerald-hued Gulf shimmering in the distance. The open living area has full views of the gorgeous coast throughout since a wall of windows frames this spectacular seascape. Sliding glass doors beckon you out onto the private patio so that, along with the dazzling views, you may enjoy the lovely breeze while listening to the soothing surf. Note that another rental residence in this Gulf-front complex can sleep eight if you have other members joining you for a beach reunion. And here it is...
We had the best time staying at this property. It was clean and very nice. We have small children and the easy access to the beach was the best part. This was our 3rd year staying in blue mountain beach and we love this area!! Highly recommend this property!
by Megan from Ripley, MSBlue Mountain Villas 34
2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 8 Guests
This two-bedroom vacation rental is a sought-after end unit and takes full advantage of the glorious Gulf views. It can accommodate up to eight happy beachgoers. The main open living area has a dramatic vaulted ceiling with a wall of sliding glass balcony doors crowned with atrium upper windows, highlighting the beachfront views. This stylish residence features decorative art throughout, depicting beach scenes for coastal ambiance, along with tropical bamboo shelving showcasing seashells, coral, and marine life sculptures. The spacious primary bedroom on this floor has a sunny window and a vaulted ceiling with access to a hall bath and a walk-in shower that doubles as a powder room. A staircase soars up to a lovely bright loft living area with vivid views of the Gulf through the soaring upper atrium windows. The cottage-styled guest bedroom on this level has a sunny window and access to a bath off the loft living area with a tub-shower combination.
The view of the ocean from the balcony and living room area was absolutely beautiful!
by Claudia from Harvest, ALSunseekers 4
2 Bedrooms / 2 Full Bathrooms / 6 Guests
This Gulf-front Blue Mountain Beach rental at Sunseekers has two bedrooms but can accommodate six guests with the use of multiple beds and a full-size sleeper sofa. This second-floor residence has a balcony off the open living area where you can enjoy the breezy views. The upscale furnishings include comfortable pieces done in fashionable Vintage Modern and beach-inspired tropical styles. The primary bedroom provides a serene setting with double windows that face out to the gleaming Gulf. A glass door on another wall provides easy access to the beach balcony to enjoy the Gulf views while listening to the soothing surf sounds. This room has a private ensuite bath with a walk-in shower. The sunny guest bedroom with double windows for natural light has direct access to a full ensuite-styled bathroom with a tub-shower combination that is also accessible from the hallway to serve as a convenient powder room.
We couldn’t be happier with our stay. Ocean Reef company is very accommodating and gave us all that we needed. I’ve truly never experienced such generous hospitality with the condo’s towels, kitchen utensils, and overall amenities. Me and my wife were so obsessed with the ocean views from our balcony. The gulf water was turquoise blue for our entire stay! It was the first time we had experienced the 30A area and we will for sure be booking this listing again.
by Ghaith from Woodstock, GAExplore Blue Mountain Beach Vacation Rentals
Enjoy exploring each of these popular Ocean Reef Resorts vacation rentals in Blue Mountain Beach here on our acclaimed website. You will find detailed descriptions, vivid property images, aerial views of individual locations, seasonal rental rates, and availability calendars. With accommodations that can sleep six to twelve guests in a variety of styles, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your group of happy beachgoers.
