Gather at Grayton Beach for Quirky Fun
Grayton Beach on 30A for the Win!
Thanks again to iTrip vacations for contributing this article about Grayton Beach on 30A.
The South Walton-30A area is a strip of highway that runs through 16 unique beach communities, all different in style and culture. Located on 30A, between Destin and Panama City Beach in Florida, travelers will find Grayton Beach nestled in a more forested area.
Populated with small cottages and a mix of shops and galleries, this lovely Beach is also home to welcoming and fun-loving locals. So much so that town’s unofficial slogan is “Nice dogs, strange people.” And these people help make Grayton Beach one of the funkiest beach towns in the Florida panhandle. Before you make your way down 30A, learn more about this popular area:
What to Do in Grayton Beach
Most of the town resides inside the Grayton Beach State Park, providing guests a blend of natural forest area and white sand beaches. First, obtain a permit and take a four-wheel drive on the beach. Grayton Beach is the only beach in the area that allows four-wheelers, or you can rent a bike and ride through the entire 30A area. For more bike riding options, check out the Best South Walton Bike Trails.
Grayton Beach has also consistently ranked as one of the most acclaimed beaches in the South Walton-30A area for its water recreation and stunning views. Visitors can fish, sail, kayak, swim, dolphin-watch, book a fishing charter and much more. Sundays are a popular day to visit Grayton Beach, with a weekly tradition named Sunday Funday, when people gather to just have fun. Even in the cooler months Sunday Funday welcomes locals and visitors alike to build beach bonfires and relax to the sounds of the Gulf’s waters.
Spend the Day at Grayton Beach State Park
One of the top attractions in Grayton Beach is the state park that surrounds the neighborhood. Measuring nearly 2,000 acres, the Grayton Beach State Park showcases natural beauty and abundant recreation options. A boat ramp allows guests access to both fresh and saltwater fishing, as well as kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. While exploring, make sure to admire the saltwater ecosystem, and you can even pitch a tent to say overnight in the fully equipped campsite. Those on foot or two wheels can ride on the 4-mile trail that winds through flatwoods.
Browse Grayton Beach Shops
Several locally owned shops and galleries helped develop Grayton Beach into the laid-back community for which it’s known. According to online reviewers, top shops include The Workshop by Ginger Leigh Designs, The Studio Gallery, and Wunderland Candy and Craft Factory. The Shops at Grayton Beach features a colorful selection of boutiques, such as Allison Craft Designs and Ophelia Swimwear. Grayton Corners also houses other retails including the popular Grayton’s General Store, where you can purchase the well known 30A stickers. Uptown Grayton offers even more shops and restaurants, such as Uptown Girls, He Said She Said and Islanders Coastal Outfitter.
Get Your Fill
When it’s time to recharge or just hang out, you’ll have an eclectic mix of restaurants to choose from as well. Nearly a dozen locally owned options invite diners to sample fresh flavors infused with international flair. From Asian to steaks and seafood, guests are bound to get their fix in Grayton Beach. For coffee and breakfast, head to Another Broken Egg, Bad Ass Coffee and Cafe Hibiscus. A few top lunch and dinner options include Cafe Thirty-A, Chanticleer Bakery and Eatery, Fish Out of the Water, Goatfeather’s, Pandora’s, and Chiringo.
Red Bar – an iconic gathering spot in 30A – draws locals and visitors from all over. Noted as a “must-see” hot spot, the bar showcases a Bohemian beach vibe, complete with live jazz music and Southern fare. Red Bar also houses a souvenir shop full of shirts, hats and trinkets, all showcasing the best of this quirky neighborhood.
Interested in the entire 30A area?
Start with our 30A Guide!
and 6 Fun Things To D On Your Next Visit To 30a
Also read about the Seaside Farmer’s Market