My husband and I visited Rosemary/Alys Beach the first weekend of October and here are my top 10 reasons to visit during fall. We stayed in the middle of Rosemary Beach which ended up being a 10-minute bike ride to Alys and a walk or bike ride to the main area of Rosemary. I HIGHLY recommend staying around our area.
- 1. Fantastic Weather:
One of the most significant draws for visiting Rosemary Beach in the fall is the weather. Another point is you will still enjoy warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. We had one full hot beach day and took evening bike rides that didn’t result in my makeup melting. The average temperature hovers around the mid-70s to low 80s, making it ideal for outdoor activities like strolling along the beach, cycling, or simply relaxing in the shade.
2. Biking:
Biking through Rosemary and Alys Beach was one of my favorite activities. We biked to get our morning coffee, got lost sightseeing the homes, rode to the beaches, caught a sunset, and out for dinner. We basically biked everywhere we went that weekend. I am certain we would not have enjoyed that ride in July. We did a 2-day rental and if you enjoy biking then you should do the same. It made the weekend more enjoyable knowing we could take our time.
3. Less Crowded:
Rosemary & Alys Beach are popular summer destinations, but by October, most of the tourists have returned home. This means you can explore the town and its beautiful surroundings with fewer crowds and more tranquility. The quieter atmosphere allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and the charming architecture without the hustle and bustle of summer.
4. Lower Prices:
With the drop in tourist numbers after the peak season, you’re more likely to find attractive deals on accommodations, dining, and activities in Rosemary Beach. Many vacation rentals and hotels offer off-season rates, making it a budget-friendly time to visit. Plus, you won’t have to contend with long lines or reservations at popular restaurants. Waiting to make reservations was a HUGE win for us. We didn’t want to feel like we had to build our vacation around a schedule so it was great to decide what type of food we wanted for the evening instead of booking 3 weeks in advance.
5. SUNSETS:
October sunsets in Rosemary Beach are nothing short of breathtaking. With the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the clear skies and tranquil waters create a stunning backdrop for watching the sun dip below the horizon. HOWEVER- any sunset on that beach is gorgeous. One of our favorite nights was going to get a Cacio Pepe Pizza at Amici Italian Kitchen and bringing it to the beach to eat and watch the sunset. We were there for Happy Hour and got our pizza for $10. You can’t get a Chick-fil-A meal for $10. https://amici30a.com/
6.Alys Beach:
One of the best ways to explore Alys Beach and its unique charm is by taking a leisurely bike ride. Alys Beach is designed with a network of picturesque walking and biking paths that meander through the community, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to see the town. The compact layout and meticulously planned streets make it a cyclist’s paradise. Whether you bring your bike or rent one from a local shop, the flat terrain and well-maintained paths make for a pleasant ride.
Alys Beach, in particular, is famous for its pristine, all-white Mediterranean-inspired architecture, creating a striking contrast with the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Strolling through the quiet streets of Alys Beach during October allows you to fully appreciate the stunning and serene aesthetic of this neighboring community.
7. Restaurants, Bars and Happy Hours:
Speaking of Happy Hours…If you are looking for areas to cut costs, I recommend looking into the local happy hours. We found 3 places that had amazing drink specials and food. Two of our favorites were on Alys Beach.
The Citizen: The half-dozen oysters & whipped feta dip at The Citizen were phenomenal. The oysters came with 3 sauces and one of them had this magical lemon, sherry, goodness flavor that I sipped at the end. https://citizenalys.com/
Neat Another Happy Hour place we visited in Alys was Neat. They gave high-end drinks for $8! Are you kidding $8?!?! We ended up going here twice. https://alysbeach.com/neat/
Amici 30A- Specialty Pizza $10. https://amici30a.com/
Pescado $$$ — Dinner or Cocktails on the roof Make this your big dinner night out OR one of your cocktail pre-dinner outings on the rooftop for the sunset. We happened to luck out and get BOTH! https://rooftop30a.com/dinner-menu
If you decide to go for dinner I LOVED my dish. I had the LOBSTER PAPPARDELLE. Now I am not the Lobster gal however it was a special night. My only feedback was there wasn’t enough lobster but the flavor was incredible. Lenny had the catch of the day. I would say- his dish was healthy and mine was not at all.
Another tip: they are used to big spenders here so if you get a recommendation for a bourbon for your “liquor front flavor cocktail” like Lenny then just go ahead and ask the cost. He paid $35 for his drink. So obviously he drank slowly.
La Crema Tapas: Lunch or Dinner https://lacrematapas.com/
We ended up getting 3 tapas here and splitting them. I love how they played with flavor combinations. Here are my reviews;
SERRANO WRAPPED FIGS- If you love figs get them. The goat cheese added something extra to it. However, if you don’t love figs like us it’s just a “that was an interesting combination but wouldn’t crave it”
FISH TACOS: These were great. Get em!
STEAK TOSTADAS- OMG my favorite thing we had here!
George’s on Alys Beach: To be honest… you could do without going here. Sorry…
My dish was ok…
However- Lenny had the tostadas and freaking loved them. He said they were one of the best. It was hard for me to get a bite.
The Pearl: https://www.thepearlrb.com/
Ok don’t @me but… I think the Pearl is overrated. I saw them go up to the rooftop, and get a cheap drink/beer. Check out the daytime or sunset view then head out. Don’t spend your afternoon or evening here. There are better spots. But go up there and check out the rooftop for some great views and pics. We weren’t impressed with the atmosphere and service. Believe me, I am all about everyone having an off day but…
Fonville Press: https://fonvillepress.com/cafe-bar/
Lastly we went to Fonville Press for brunch. We sat outside at the outdoor bar and had a wonderful experience. This restaurant/cafe made you feel like you weren’t in Florida. Meanwhile, the entire restaurant was “on brand” even the blender matched the decor. A local small shop is attached that offers water, wine, snacks, etc. that you can take back to your rental or the beach.
8. Grayton Beach — 15 min drive
Black Bear Bread Co. — https://blackbearbreadco.com/
We took a 15-minute drive and went to the Grayton Beach location. We wanted to check out the main Greyton Beach area and shop so this was our first stop. Get there early because you will wait but it is worth it. They make their pastries in-house so rather than choosing one; I got a breakfast special AND a pastry. I got the cinnamon roll and my gosh it was one of the best ones I have ever had. Afterward, we walked around Grayton Beach which I HIGHLY recommend. Their town area was so cute and had unique shops for gifts, apparel, record stores, kid’s toy shops, a local bookstore, and even a row of RVs that had been turned into food trucks.
Conclusion: Rosemary Beach, Florida, is a fantastic destination year-round, but October has the unique charm that sets it apart from the other months. The pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to enjoy the town at a more relaxed pace make it a fantastic time to visit. Whether you’re a beach lover, an architecture enthusiast, or someone looking for a peaceful fall retreat, Rosemary Beach & Alys Beach in October offers something for everyone. So, if you’re seeking a delightful autumn escape, be sure to consider Rosemary Beach as your destination of choice.