Grayton Beach, Florida
Grayton Beach State Park was recently voted #1 Best Beach in America by Dr. Stephen Letherman (Dr. Beach). As with all the beaches along the Emerald Coast, the sand at Grayton Beach is snow white like powdered sugar. It is said to speak to you when you walk on it. Dr. Beach is quoted saying, “The sand is pure quartz crystal and some of the highest quality in the world.”
Grayton Beach State Park is 2000-acres of a sliver of paradise nestled along 30A. Its lush terrain and sand dunes offer plenty of opportunities to get in touch with nature. Whether you are looking to bike ride, bird watch, camp, go fishing, hiking, or do some boating, Grayton Beach State Park has it all. There are 50 campground sites, as well as 30 two-bedroom cabins at the west end of the park. Learn more…
Grayton Beach is unique in so many ways. It is one of the only places in the United States where fishing boats launch directly into the Gulf of Mexico from the beach and the only place in South Walton where permit holders (locals) can drive vehicles onto the sand and enjoy tailgate sunset parties. The town’s unofficial slogan is “Nice Dogs, Strange People.”
Unlike a lot of other areas along the Emerald Coast, Development has been very limited in this area. This allows the majestic sand dunes to blanket the mile-long beach giving it that truly back to nature feel. The park has full amenities including showers and restrooms.
Another cool feature of the park is an artificial “Sea Turtle Reef” built in 2015 and just 783 feet from the shore makes from some great snorkeling.
- Reef Coordinates: N 30 19.33100 W 086 09.48300
The Park is just 1.5 miles west of the popular beach community of Seaside, Florida and 14 miles east of Miramar Beach, Florida. This village is the heart and soul of 30A. It’s definitely worth a day trip if you are visiting the area. The extra publicity is bringing more people to the beach as expected, so the rule of arriving early is still in place here.
The historic community of Grayton Beach is known as a creative haven for artists, musicians, chefs, or anyone who wants to escape and live the beach lifestyle. You may spot a celebrity or two while in the area, but we don’t bother them because this is where they come to get away as well.
While you’re in Grayton, stop by The Shops of Grayton, with its quaint shops, cafes, and galleries, and take in a few of the community’s treasures.
How to get here:
To get to Santa Rosa Beach from Destin, follow US 98 east from CR 293 for 16.5 miles. Or from Freeport, drive south on US 331 and cross Choctawhatchee Bay. At US 98, turn left.
From US 98, turn south onto CR 283. Continue 1.7 miles to CR 30A. Turn left and drive 0.6 mile to the park entrance on the right. The Western Lake trailhead is another 0.2 miles east past the main entrance on the left side of the road.
357 Main Park Rd. Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
