I visited a beach town in Florida's 'Hamptons of the South.' It felt charmingly European, but I found better spots nearby.

Rosemary Beach is a beachfront community along 30A that was designed to be walkable and bikeable — its residents are supposed to live, work, and play here without ever needing a car.

Although some live in Rosemary Beach year-round, many homes are rented out as vacation properties.

After all, the 30A stretch along the Gulf of Mexico continues to become a popular travel destination for vacationers around the country.

I've found it's somewhat common for Northwest Florida beaches to be private. The ones in Rosemary Beach were no exception.

Beach access was blocked with a gate that could only be opened with key cards, which are given to residents (or loaned to vacationers in local rental properties).

During my visit, a resident let me pass through the gate as she opened it, so I was able to view one of the beautifully constructed wooden beach access points, complete with umbrellas and Adirondack chairs.

I didn't step on the pristine sands since I technically wasn't allowed, but like all beaches in this area, it was stunning from afar.

Home designs in Rosemary Beach are based on the European colonial architecture of the Dutch West Indies, all stucco and high arches.

Local architecture is also inspired by buildings in historic spots like New Orleans and St. Augustine, which feature European styles that have been adapted for warm weather.

Surrounded by cobblestone streets and lush greenery, the houses of Rosemary Beach are truly something to behold.

Each home seemed to have its own personality, right down to European-style touches like elaborate stone fountains and rustic wrought-iron gates.

I stopped by The Pearl, a hotel in the heart of downtown Rosemary Beach.

With its peaked clock tower and sky-sweeping turrets, it reminded me of a cross between an Alpine ski lodge and a modernist Barcelona high-rise.

The high-end yet quaint hotel felt like the perfect spot to grab a cocktail and cool off before heading back into the downtown area to explore. I especially appreciated its rooftop bar, which had stunning views of the Gulf.

You won't find discount souvenir shops in downtown Rosemary Beach. Instead, the streets are lined with boutiques selling goods with high price tags.

Even simple Rosemary Beach crewnecks ran for $70 to $100 — most beach towns sell similar styles for about half the price.

I enjoyed walking through the beautiful stores but found myself passing on $200 sweaters and $180 skin serums. They seemed like investments I'd research and purchase carefully, not more impulsive buys I'd pick up on vacation.

I preferred shopping in other towns in the area, where stores seemed to offer items in a wider price range.

Dining al fresco is as European as it gets, and Rosemary Beach offers many opportunities for guests to have a meal outdoors and unwind in the setting sun.

Restaurants had varied menus ranging from Southern comfort food with high-end twists to classic steak and seafood fare.

Most spots I passed had café-style seating right outside their door — bistro tables with umbrellas and seats under striped awnings lined the sidewalks.

The relaxed dining vibe here reminded me of a European vacation. I felt like I was back on the streets of Florence.

I spent time in many beach towns along 30A, from Seaside to Grayton Beach, and was blown away by how unique each was, especially given how close together they all are.

After an evening exploring Rosemary Beach, I found myself agreeing with the many TikTokers who compared the town to ones in Europe. But although the area was very pretty, it wouldn't top my list as the best 30A beach town.

The nearby Seaside, for example, charmed me with its lineup of eateries along Airstream Row, impressive restaurants, and cute beach cottages. Grayton Beach also had wonderfully artsy vibes, and Alys Beach felt Grecian with its sun-washed buildings.

I'd definitely return to Rosemary Beach to walk around and enjoy the sights — I just wouldn't plan my whole trip to 30A around it.