Grayton Beach might not be home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, or any of Florida’s other top attractions, but that’s OK with its residents. If you’re looking for a laid back part of Florida that has way more natural beauty, shops, and restaurants than roller coasters, you’re sure to fall in love with Grayton Beach.
Here’s a look at the best attractions that Grayton Beach has to offer.
Grayton Beach State Park
Covering 2,200 acres along Florida’s northwestern coast, Grayton Beach State Park is one of the state’s most popular parks for a reason. Pristine white sand and jewel green waters invite thousands of swimmers, sunbathers, snorkelers, and campers each year. A 100-acre coastal dune lake beckons kayakers who wish to get glimpses of the local wildlife.
Campers can pitch a tent or rent one of the quaint cabins that are equipped with an outdoor grill, screened-in porch, and central A/C and heat. Best of all, the beach fee is only $5 per person. Grayton Beach is just one of several beach towns that make up the area.
Dining Variety
There is no shortage of restaurants in Grayton Beach, and you can find something for everyone’s tastes. Seafood, of course, is a given in this town, but you can also sample Asian and Italian cuisine, or start your day off right at Cafe Hibiscus, one of the town’s most popular breakfast spots.
If you live for live music, then a visit to the infamous Red Bar should be on your list. The beloved community restaurant recently reopened after a fire destroyed the original building. The resident band, the Red Bar Jazz Band, performs every Tuesday through Saturday night as patrons relax on cozy seating.
Shopping and Galleries
Grayton Beach is home to several eclectic shops and art galleries filled with photography and original paintings inspired by the natural surroundings. Uptown Grayton is the town’s outdoor shopping mall with a bike path running through it. You can find men’s and women’s designer clothes, as well as handcrafted goods and coffee shops.
The Gypsea Boutique, just across the street from The Red Bar, is a favorite with locals and tourists. True to its name, you can find Bohemian style clothing and jewelry made by local artists.
Outdoor Explorations
Exploring the outdoors is a part of life in Grayton Beach. You can bike or hike the area, learn how to paddleboard like a pro, and charter a fishing boat in nearby South Walton.
Several yoga studios also take advantage of the nearby waterways to host yoga sessions on beaches, or even the water on paddleboards, which will definitely test your balance.
Live a Laid Back Lifestyle at Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach’s unofficial motto is “nice dogs, strange people.” That’s a tongue-in-cheek way of describing a slightly eccentric village, that has a lot to offer anyone who appreciates a slower pace.
If you’re looking for a vacation or year-round home in Grayton Beach, start with a property search on our site.
