Britt & Alex's Grayton Beach Guidebook
Beach
If Seaside is the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, then Grayton Beach is her soul. In fact, in these parts, Grayton is where vacationing first began, with early travelers arriving by horse and buggy to these sugar-white shores.
Grayton Beach, with historic cottages, twisting oak trees, quaint shops and galleries, and fun and quirky residents.
The community’s unofficial slogan is “Nice Dogs, Strange People.”
Grayton Beach is also the only place in the region where you can take a 4-wheel drive vehicle directly out onto the sand (but only with a proper permit!). You can also go on a pedal tour to explore the area’s best bars and restaurants!
The preferred Sunday hangout for many locals, kids love to splash-around in the warm waters of the Western Lake outfall, while watching dolphins skip across the emerald green Gulf. The weekly tradition is called Sunday Funday, and the fun doesn’t stop when it gets cold. Can you say beach bonfire?
Grayton is home to South Walton’s famous Red Bar – home of a million fuzzy memories, as well as jazz and bluegrass bands that get the crowds dancing almost every night.
Was that a big celebrity that you just spotted back in the corner booth? Probably. But we don’t bother them here. Just like they rest of us, they come to 30A and South Walton to relax and create special memories with their families.
106 íbúar mæla með
Grayton Beach
If Seaside is the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, then Grayton Beach is her soul. In fact, in these parts, Grayton is where vacationing first began, with early travelers arriving by horse and buggy to these sugar-white shores.
Grayton Beach, with historic cottages, twisting oak trees, quaint shops and galleries, and fun and quirky residents.
The community’s unofficial slogan is “Nice Dogs, Strange People.”
Grayton Beach is also the only place in the region where you can take a 4-wheel drive vehicle directly out onto the sand (but only with a proper permit!). You can also go on a pedal tour to explore the area’s best bars and restaurants!
The preferred Sunday hangout for many locals, kids love to splash-around in the warm waters of the Western Lake outfall, while watching dolphins skip across the emerald green Gulf. The weekly tradition is called Sunday Funday, and the fun doesn’t stop when it gets cold. Can you say beach bonfire?
Grayton is home to South Walton’s famous Red Bar – home of a million fuzzy memories, as well as jazz and bluegrass bands that get the crowds dancing almost every night.
Was that a big celebrity that you just spotted back in the corner booth? Probably. But we don’t bother them here. Just like they rest of us, they come to 30A and South Walton to relax and create special memories with their families.
1-2mi from mile from Grayton Beach and Sand Reef Cottage- Hailed by Time magazine as perhaps “the most astounding design achievement of its era,” Seaside is credited with founding a global town-planning movement known as New Urbanism.
Founded by Robert and Daryl Davis in 1981, Seaside’s innovative small town design was carefully planned. With its nine unique beach pavilions, cobblestone streets, quaint cottages, white picket fences, and picture-perfect parks and storefronts, it’s no wonder that The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey was filmed here.
You’ll find kids walking to Seaside Neighborhood School, and the The Repertory Theatre, where actors are busy rehearsing for tonight’s big show. Travel is by foot or bicycle. There’s a town grocer (the famous Modica Market), a book and record store (Sundog Books and Central Square Records), charming art and jewelery galleries, cafes, toy shops, clothing boutiques, a weekly farmer’s market, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars … It’s the way life should be.
359 íbúar mæla með
Seaside
1-2mi from mile from Grayton Beach and Sand Reef Cottage- Hailed by Time magazine as perhaps “the most astounding design achievement of its era,” Seaside is credited with founding a global town-planning movement known as New Urbanism.
Founded by Robert and Daryl Davis in 1981, Seaside’s innovative small town design was carefully planned. With its nine unique beach pavilions, cobblestone streets, quaint cottages, white picket fences, and picture-perfect parks and storefronts, it’s no wonder that The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey was filmed here.
You’ll find kids walking to Seaside Neighborhood School, and the The Repertory Theatre, where actors are busy rehearsing for tonight’s big show. Travel is by foot or bicycle. There’s a town grocer (the famous Modica Market), a book and record store (Sundog Books and Central Square Records), charming art and jewelery galleries, cafes, toy shops, clothing boutiques, a weekly farmer’s market, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars … It’s the way life should be.
One to two miles west of Grayton Beach and Sand Reef Cottage- Said to be the highest point anywhere on the Gulf of Mexico (at a whopping elevation of 64 feet), “Blue Mountain Beach” is hardly a mountain… but at least they got the beach part right. As for the blue? Folks say it likely originated from the blue lupine flowers that still flourish between the homes here. At one time, they blanketed these Gulf-side hills.
Today, Blue Mountain Beach consists mostly of private residences, but like the lupines, there are also a few funky local businesses sprinkled in for good measure. Don’t miss a chance to marvel at Justin Gaffrey’s Art Gallery (look for the colorful paintings that are frequently on display on dusty road on the north side of 30A).
For The Health Of It is a favorite local health food store. Right across 30A is an assortment of great local restaurants and pubs that cater to the other end of the dietary spectrum.
Looking for bike rentals or repairs? The team at Big Daddy’s is ever-helpful, and hey, you’re already atop the highest point in South Walton, so it’s all downhill from here….
25 íbúar mæla með
Blue Mountain Beach
One to two miles west of Grayton Beach and Sand Reef Cottage- Said to be the highest point anywhere on the Gulf of Mexico (at a whopping elevation of 64 feet), “Blue Mountain Beach” is hardly a mountain… but at least they got the beach part right. As for the blue? Folks say it likely originated from the blue lupine flowers that still flourish between the homes here. At one time, they blanketed these Gulf-side hills.
Today, Blue Mountain Beach consists mostly of private residences, but like the lupines, there are also a few funky local businesses sprinkled in for good measure. Don’t miss a chance to marvel at Justin Gaffrey’s Art Gallery (look for the colorful paintings that are frequently on display on dusty road on the north side of 30A).
For The Health Of It is a favorite local health food store. Right across 30A is an assortment of great local restaurants and pubs that cater to the other end of the dietary spectrum.
Looking for bike rentals or repairs? The team at Big Daddy’s is ever-helpful, and hey, you’re already atop the highest point in South Walton, so it’s all downhill from here….
Food scene
The Red Bar
70 Hotz AveThe most famous restaurant bar in all of 30A!
Our personal favorite. Walking distance from Sand Reef Cottage, you can find the best coffee and breakfast eats. In the evenings they have spirits and live music from time to time.
88 íbúar mæla með
Black Bear bread co.
325 Grand BlvdOur personal favorite. Walking distance from Sand Reef Cottage, you can find the best coffee and breakfast eats. In the evenings they have spirits and live music from time to time.
Excellent, local restaurant with high quality food. Odd hours, so check before going. Walking distance from Sand Reef Cottage .
37 íbúar mæla með
Chanticleer Eatery
55 Clayton LnExcellent, local restaurant with high quality food. Odd hours, so check before going. Walking distance from Sand Reef Cottage .
For the Health of It
2217 W County Hwy 30AGreat spot if you want healthy eats!
Chiringo
63 Hotz AveGrayton Beer Brewpub
170 E County Hwy 30AClassic Grayton Beach restaurant
Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions
2260 W County Hwy 30AStinky's Fish Camp
5960 W County Hwy 30AWalking distance! Love this place. Not just Oysters either!
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Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill
37 Logan LnWalking distance! Love this place. Not just Oysters either!
Local shops
The Zoo Gallery
500 Grand BlvdCute place to look for unique art and gifts.
Super hip shop (skateboards, leather goods, vintage t-shirts, etc.).
Owner also has a photography shop next door with amazing beach shots!
Captured Clothing
Super hip shop (skateboards, leather goods, vintage t-shirts, etc.).
Owner also has a photography shop next door with amazing beach shots!
Modus Photography
37 Logan LnAmazing photography!
Adventure
Family oriented Gulf fishing charters, launching directly from Grayton Beach. Gone are the days of waking up early, driving to the boat, and riding for hours before you can fish. We'll pick you up directly from South Walton's sugar-white sand beach and can be fishing within 20 minutes on most days. Captain Larry is a life long native of the area and has been fishing here his entire life. Catch a pile of fish on a 3 or 4 hour trip.
Dead Fish Charters
1 Garfield StreetGreat bike shop in Blue Mountain, close to Grayton. They also rent trailers and tricycle bikes.
31 íbúar mæla með
Big Daddy's Bike Shop
2217 County Rd 30AGreat bike shop in Blue Mountain, close to Grayton. They also rent trailers and tricycle bikes.
BOTE Grayton Beach
32 E County Hwy 30AKayak and paddle board rental
South Walton Carts
170 Wrm CirGolf cart rental
Sightseeing
Grayton Beach consistently ranks among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States. The beach provides an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing and surf fishing, and is the backdrop for golden sunrises and silver moonlit evenings. The nearly 2,000-acre park features a boat ramp that provides access to the lake's brackish waters for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Visitors can paddle a canoe, stand-up paddle board or kayak on scenic Western Lake to get a closer look at a salt marsh ecosystem. A nature trail winds through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias stand, bent and twisted by the salt winds. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy more than four miles of trails throughout the pine flatwoods. Options for overnight stays include modern cabins and a full-facility campground equipped for tents and RV's.
108 íbúar mæla með
Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park RdGrayton Beach consistently ranks among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States. The beach provides an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing and surf fishing, and is the backdrop for golden sunrises and silver moonlit evenings. The nearly 2,000-acre park features a boat ramp that provides access to the lake's brackish waters for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Visitors can paddle a canoe, stand-up paddle board or kayak on scenic Western Lake to get a closer look at a salt marsh ecosystem. A nature trail winds through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias stand, bent and twisted by the salt winds. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy more than four miles of trails throughout the pine flatwoods. Options for overnight stays include modern cabins and a full-facility campground equipped for tents and RV's.
Grayton Beach State Park features pristine landscapes, camping, self-guided nature trails, picnic areas and is a popular spot for bird watching. The trails wind through pine flatwoods and around small freshwater ponds, which are a natural habitat for wading birds, water birds and lowland birds. Plovers, Terns and Gulls are often spotted on trails near the beach. The two nature trails in Grayton Beach State Park include the Flatwoods Trail and the Western Lake Loop located on the north side of Scenic Highway 30A near the main park entrance.
Trail Distance: 3.81 Miles
Easy/Moderate - Mix of Flat and Paved Trails with Hard Ground with Some Sandy, Hilly Areas
Great Florida Birding Trail
Restrooms Available
Parking Available
Wheelchair Accessible
108 íbúar mæla með
Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park RdGrayton Beach State Park features pristine landscapes, camping, self-guided nature trails, picnic areas and is a popular spot for bird watching. The trails wind through pine flatwoods and around small freshwater ponds, which are a natural habitat for wading birds, water birds and lowland birds. Plovers, Terns and Gulls are often spotted on trails near the beach. The two nature trails in Grayton Beach State Park include the Flatwoods Trail and the Western Lake Loop located on the north side of Scenic Highway 30A near the main park entrance.
Trail Distance: 3.81 Miles
Easy/Moderate - Mix of Flat and Paved Trails with Hard Ground with Some Sandy, Hilly Areas
Great Florida Birding Trail
Restrooms Available
Parking Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Grayton Beach State Park features pristine landscapes, camping, self-guided nature trails, picnic areas and is a popular spot for bird watching. The trails wind through pine flatwoods and around small freshwater ponds, which are a natural habitat for wading birds, water birds and lowland birds. Plovers, Terns and Gulls are often spotted on trails near the beach. The two nature trails in Grayton Beach State Park include the Flatwoods Trail and the Western Lake Loop located on the north side of Scenic Highway 30A near the main park entrance.
Trail Distance: .7 Miles
Easy/Moderate - Mix of Flat and Paved Trails with Hard Ground with Some Sandy, Hilly Areas
Great Florida Birding Trail
Restrooms Available
Parking Available
Wheelchair Accessible
108 íbúar mæla með
Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park RdGrayton Beach State Park features pristine landscapes, camping, self-guided nature trails, picnic areas and is a popular spot for bird watching. The trails wind through pine flatwoods and around small freshwater ponds, which are a natural habitat for wading birds, water birds and lowland birds. Plovers, Terns and Gulls are often spotted on trails near the beach. The two nature trails in Grayton Beach State Park include the Flatwoods Trail and the Western Lake Loop located on the north side of Scenic Highway 30A near the main park entrance.
Trail Distance: .7 Miles
Easy/Moderate - Mix of Flat and Paved Trails with Hard Ground with Some Sandy, Hilly Areas
Great Florida Birding Trail
Restrooms Available
Parking Available
Wheelchair Accessible
Over 40 percent of South Walton’s land is protected, and the majority of that acreage is part of the Point Washington State Forest system. A popular access point is the Eastern Lake Trail System, located along S. County Road 395.
This particular trail system offers 3.5, 5 and 10-mile loops, ideal for both hikers and bicyclists. Pets are also allowed, if on a leash.
The 15,400-acre forest is home to ten natural communities, including sandhill, cypress swamps, basin swamps, wet flatwoods and wet prairie.
Overnight camping is allowed in special primitive areas of Point Washington State Forest. You can get more info and reserve a spot for only $10 by calling 850-373-1801.
44 íbúar mæla með
Point Washington ríkisskógur
U.S. 98Over 40 percent of South Walton’s land is protected, and the majority of that acreage is part of the Point Washington State Forest system. A popular access point is the Eastern Lake Trail System, located along S. County Road 395.
This particular trail system offers 3.5, 5 and 10-mile loops, ideal for both hikers and bicyclists. Pets are also allowed, if on a leash.
The 15,400-acre forest is home to ten natural communities, including sandhill, cypress swamps, basin swamps, wet flatwoods and wet prairie.
Overnight camping is allowed in special primitive areas of Point Washington State Forest. You can get more info and reserve a spot for only $10 by calling 850-373-1801.
Through the Seaside Farmers Market our community can learn about seasonality and sustainable farming practices by directly getting to know the people who grow their food. The Market aims to empower through education and awareness, thus allowing people to make active decisions towards the betterment of their personal health, that of their families, and the planet as a whole. Join us in the Seaside Amphitheater every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
14 íbúar mæla með
Seaside Farmers Market
2235 E County Hwy 30AThrough the Seaside Farmers Market our community can learn about seasonality and sustainable farming practices by directly getting to know the people who grow their food. The Market aims to empower through education and awareness, thus allowing people to make active decisions towards the betterment of their personal health, that of their families, and the planet as a whole. Join us in the Seaside Amphitheater every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.