Blue Mountain Beach

Question

We are considering renting a house in Blue Mountain Beach the first week of June. Have stayed in Destin once and loved it, but we are a large group and didn’t get out much (did lots of beaching and pool time at the house, but group was too large to try to get out to dinner a lot of the time in evenings).

1. How is this area compared to Destin in terms of crowding?

2. What grocery store in nearby? Any Costco or Sam’s?

3. The house we may rent has a golf cart, is there usually available parking at the beach?

Answer

Blue Mountain Beach, located along Scenic Highway 30A, offers a very different experience compared to Destin. While Destin is known for its bustling beach scene, high-rise condos, and tourist-heavy areas, Blue Mountain Beach is quieter, more residential, and has a laid-back, less commercialized feel. It’s a great choice if your group wants a more relaxed vibe while still being on the Gulf Coast.

Regarding crowding:

The beaches in Blue Mountain Beach tend to be less crowded than Destin, even during peak summer months, though early June can see moderate activity as vacationers arrive.
30A communities like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Grayton Beach nearby may attract visitors, but Blue Mountain itself is generally quieter and less developed.

Grocery and shopping options:

For everyday groceries, there are Publix and Winn-Dixie stores within a short drive (roughly 5–15 minutes depending on location along 30A).
For bulk shopping, the closest Sam’s Club is in Miramar Beach, about a 25–30 minute drive east. Costco is farther away, located in Destin or Pensacola, which would be around a 40–60 minute drive.

Parking and golf cart usage:

Many homes along 30A, including those in Blue Mountain Beach, provide golf carts primarily for short local trips. They can be handy for visiting nearby beaches or local eateries.
Public beach access points usually have parking lots, but space can fill up during busier summer weekends. A golf cart can be convenient for avoiding parking congestion if your rental is near a public access point.
Be sure to check with your rental property about any private beach access or dedicated parking, as some homes have their own paths or small lots for guests.

Overall, Blue Mountain Beach offers a peaceful, family-friendly environment compared to Destin, with adequate grocery options and manageable beach access, making it well-suited for a larger group looking for a mix of beach and pool relaxation.