Last Updated on February 26, 2024
Grayton Beach State Park is in Santa Rosa Beach, along the Florida Panhandle.
Approximately 28 miles northwest of Panama City Beach, Grayton Beach is close to other area state parks (Deer Lake State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, to name a couple.)
The Northwest Florida park in South Walton County is known for its beautiful and pristine beaches. In fact, it has been considered one of the best beaches in the United States.
We’re recommending some of our top places to visit near Grayton Beach State Park, including nearby places to eat, stay, and shop during your trip.
From fresh seafood to comfortable accommodations to interesting shops, check out all the places you can see on a visit to this beautiful Gulf of Mexico coastal destination known for its emerald green water.
Visiting Grayton Beach State Park
The Gulf Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, and Grayton Beach State Park is no exception.
Located off Florida Scenic Highway 30A, the park offers visitors plenty of things to do and different natural environments to explore.
Natural areas of the state park include coastal dune lakes, pine flatwoods, scrub oaks, coastal forest, and sand dunes, amongst other interesting spots.
Things to Do at Grayton Beach State Park
There is a wide variety of things to do at the nearly 2000-acre state park.
The most popular spot within the park is its beach, which is thought to be the best beach in the area.
If you are on the fence about whether or not to agree with this recognition, plan to catch a Grayton Beach sunset during your trip – you won’t have any doubts about it being the best beach after that!
Hikers should lace up their favorite hiking shoes and try the miles of trails available in the park. There is Grayton Beach Nature Trail, a 1-mile nature trail that starts at the beach parking area, and a 4.5-mile trail around the parks’ scenic Western Lake.
The lake’s brackish waters and the parks’ salt marsh ecosystem make for excellent saltwater fishing. Visitors can explore the backwaters of Western Lake via a boat ramp with a canoe or kayak. Rentals are available at the ranger station.
There is a picnic area on the southwestern side of the lake for those who want access to lake views while enjoying a packed lunch at a picnic table.
You may also spot wildlife, including American Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Snowy White Egrets, Pelicans, Osprey, and sometimes alligators or Florida Black Bears.
Grayton Beach State Park Experiences and Camping
Grayton Beach State Park has both a campground and cabins that can be reserved. The Grayton Beach State Park Campground has one of the nicest camping areas on the Panhandle.
Campsites have access to water and electricity hook-ups.
A mile away from the beaches and located within the pine woods, the park has a duplex cabin area with 30 cabins. Each cabin comes with air conditioning, a gas fireplace, a kitchen for your dining needs, and a bathroom with heated water for hot showers.
Cabins require a minimum 2-night stay. They can be reserved up to 11 months in advance.
TIPS:
- Grayton Beach State Park is open daily from 8 am to sundown.
- Park entrance fees are $5 per vehicle (two to eight people), $4 per single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
- Camping is available at $30 per night plus tax and a $6.70 reservation fee. RVs are also charged a $7 utility fee per night.
- Cabins can be reserved starting at $110 per night plus tax, a $6.70 reservation fee, and a $7 utility fee per night.
- The park provides accessible amenities like beach Mobi-Mats and beach wheelchairs.
- There are no lifeguards patrolling the beach.
- Leashed pets are allowed in the designated day-use areas within the park.
For more information, visit the official Florida State Parks website.
Grayton Beach State Park Address: 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Where to Eat Near Grayton Beach State Park: Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill
Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill is a great restaurant to visit during your trip to Grayton Beach State Park. Located only a mile away, Hurricane Oyster Bar offers a mix of local Gulf Coast cuisines mixed with New Orleans and Caribbean flavors.
If you are looking for the best oysters, this is the place to visit. Hurricane Oyster Bar serves oysters raw, steamed, grilled, and baked – with a variety of styles.
From Southern Traditional to Peruvian to Rockefeller to Cajun and more, there are many ways to order your oysters!
The menu also includes starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos, other specialties and entrees, and some delicious dessert options.
Happy Hour is held daily and extends great deals not only on drinks, but some of the restaurant’s favorite bites, like burgers, empanadas, and tacos.
TIPS:
- Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.
- Happy Hour is held daily from 3-6 pm.
- No reservations are accepted – first come, first served.
- Dine-in and takeout options are available.
For more information, visit the official Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill website.
Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill Address: 37 Logan Ln., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Additional Places to Eat Near Grayton Beach State Park:
- Chiringo, 63 Hotz Ave, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- The Red Bar, 70 Hotz Ave, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
- Grayton Seafood Co., 50 Uptown Grayton Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Crackings, 51 Uptown Grayton Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Beach Camp Brewing Co., 170 E. County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Where to Stay Near Grayton Beach State Park: Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
If you want an affordable and comfortable place to stay near Grayton Beach State Park, check out Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse. It is a 13-room guesthouse located just a mile away from the park.
Each room offers different sizing, décor, and amenities. Some rooms are pet-friendly, some have kitchenettes, and some have separate living rooms and dining areas.
One of the most notable features of this place is its onsite café. It is a mostly vegetarian breakfast café that serves waffles, oatmeal, fruit bowls, baked goods, and more! Beverages include coffee, tea, juice, and smoothies.
TIPS:
- Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is open daily.
- Check-in is at 3 pm. Check-out is at 11 am.
- Complimentary breakfast is available from 8 am to 10 am.
- There are three rooms at the guesthouse that can accommodate pets, with an additional pet fee of $25 per night per pet.
For more information, visit the official Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse website.
Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse Address: 85 DeFuniak St., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Additional Places to Stay Near Grayton Beach State Park:
- WaterColor Inn, 34 Goldenrod Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Live Oak Landing, 229 Pitts Ave, Freeport, FL 32439
- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Where to Shop Near Grayton Beach State Park: Shops of Grayton
Shops of Grayton are a collection of shops in Santa Rosa Beach. They are conveniently located a mile away from Grayton Beach State Park and offer a variety of goods for sale and places to eat.
There are eight businesses on the property selling everything from custom home décor to original art pieces to glass art that you can create yourself!
If you are hungry, there is a noodle bar onsite, a café, and a bar room.
TIPS:
- Shops of Grayton’s operating hours vary per individual business.
- Dining options are available onsite.
- Glass art classes can be booked online with the Shard Shop.
For more information, visit the official Shops of Grayton website.
Shops of Grayton Address: Logan Ln., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Additional Places to Shop Near Grayton Beach State Park:
- Uptown Grayton, 50 Uptown Grayton Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Seagrove Plaza, 3723 E. County Hwy. 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Grand Boulevard, 585 Grand Blvd., Miramar Beach, FL 32550
- The Market Shops, 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Miramar Beach, FL 32550
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