A vacation in Florida isn’t complete without visiting a beach or two, or ten! It’s true; Florida has plenty of beaches to choose from, ranging from the popular sands such as South Beach, Key West, and Palm Beach, to the lesser known beaches in The Florida Panhandle, such as Dog Island and Blue Mountain Beach. Among the relatively solitary beaches in the state is Grayton Beach, an artsy community also located in The Florida Panhandle.
Visiting Grayton Beach is like experiencing the past and the present at the same time. The area is dotted with historic cottages as well as modern beach homes. It’s not uncommon to see a white picket fence or a street paved with crushed oyster shells in Grayton Beach. The area also boasts majestic oak trees, pine, and magnolias.
But when it comes to the water, it doesn’t get any better than Grayton Beach State Park, a beautiful white sand beach that is mostly secluded in the summer months. In addition to a pristine beach, Grayton Beach State Park features huge dunes, hiking trails, lots of wildlife and a coastal dune lake called West Lake.
At the end of the day if you wish to stay in the area, you have your choice of plenty of dining opportunities, including the Red Bar, a local place that offers live music and delicious food. The laid back community also offers shopping. If you still have time, continue to the nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, yet another place with beautiful beaches that isn’t swarming with crowds.