The cat is definitely out of the bag. USA Today recently identified the Emerald Coast's Santa Rosa Beach as one of the ten best kept secret beaches in Florida. Noting the brilliant green waters and sugar white sand, the reporter wondered whether she was actually in the Bahamas, and not in Northwest Florida. While Santa Rosa Beach tends to generate a little less buzz than its neighbors to the east and west, it is home to a number of upscale, fine dining restaurants, plenty of beach, Eden Gardens State Park and Topsail Nature Preserve. Topsail is home to more than three miles of secluded beach, majestic dunes well over 25 feet tall, and three rare freshwater coastal dune lakes. The article makes specific mention of the artists' colony, Gulf Place, a fun and funky mixed-use space full of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and workspaces. Hosting a number of special events throughout the year, Gulf Place is a great place to explore the more eclectic side of Santa Rosa Beach and 30-A. There are a number of exquisite rental properties available in Santa Rosa Beach, including the artfully designed A Wave From It All, and the casually elegant Driftwood. Located near Destin and the Beaches of 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach is the perfect option for visitors looking to stay a little off the beaten path. Of course, with continued national press, the area won't remain a secret for much longer.