Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach was the first community established in Beaches of South Walton, some time in the late 19th century.
If you’ve never been to Grayton Beach, it’s time you get yourself over here. It’s quite the place. Grayton Beach was the first community established in Beaches of South Walton, some time in the late 19th century. If you walk down one of Grayton Beach's oyster-shell roads, you may have the feeling things don't change very fast here. Pine and oak trees surround many of the natural old wooden homes. Grayton Beach which celebrated its 110th anniversary July 4th, 2000 still maintains that same “small cozy town” character with narrow tree lined streets and friendly people with funky art galleries, antique and specialty shops, a general store, and the infamous Red Bar. The most popular indoor destination in Grayton Beach, the Red Bar is a favorite for fun with friends and family while taking in the eclectic decor, listening to great live jazz music and enjoying great food and cocktails. Scattered throughout the area are private-home rentals, unique boutiques and art galleries. Further inland, the region is covered with thick pine and hardwood forests, and 14 lakes, making it an ideal spot for anglers. Grayton Beach State Park is one of the most scenic along the Gulf Coast. It’s composed of untouched Florida woodlands, salt marshes, rolling sand dunes, white sand and contrasting blue-green waters. The park offers swimming, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and camping. Worth visiting while in Grayton Beach is Eden Gardens State Park, where you’ll find an antebellum mansion that’s got furnishings that date back as far as the 17th century. The surrounding gardens are beautiful year-round, but are exceptional in March when the azaleas and dogwoods are in full bloom.
The Grayton Beach hiking trail is one of the most scenic in the area, circling sand dunes, skirting the coastal dune lake, and cutting right through a dense scrub hammock. With the public dock on scenic Western Lake, kayaking or canoeing offers great exploring opportunity
Grayton Beach is a laid back place with quaint historic cottages mixed with modern houses. There’s all kinds of opportunity to do more natural things like bird watching, canoeing, sailing, fishing, hiking, and biking along the Scenic 30A bike path which runs the entire 17-mile length of Scenic 30A.
If you want to find what an old time Florida vacation is like, with all the modern conveniences you’d expect, Grayton Beach is your place.
...THIS is where the fun starts!
