Grayton Beach is a funky little beach town full of free-spirited folks with a laid-back attitude, hence their unofficial slogan: “Nice dogs, Strange People.” But don’t let this slogan scare you. The town is nestled inside Grayton Beach State Park and includes a Blue Wave Beach named the most beautiful beach in America by “Dr. Beach” for its natural beauty, pristine cleanliness, and immaculate quality.

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park encompasses 2,000 acres, and a large part of this enchantingly beautiful place includes Western Lake. Near the beach, you can relax and watch families play where Western Lake meets the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal dune lakes, like Western Lake, are rare treasures that are located hardly anywhere else in the world, other than exotic destinations like Madagascar, New Zealand, Australia and parts of the Pacific Northwest. The freshwater lake intermittently opens and closes its dune connection to salted water, creating a magical mixture supporting abundant wildlife.

The estuary that connects Western Lake to the gorgeous gulf flows in both directions, rippling its way towards the gulf like a creek when the tide is going out and washing back in with the waves when the tide is coming back in. This “creek” is easy to wade across and provides an enchanting experience alongside the beach.

Experience the Bountiful Wildlife

Many vacationers and locals alike take advantage of Grayton Beach to become “one” with nature since it is a natural habitat for Great Blue Herons, Pelicans, Osprey, Snowy White Egrets, and Bald Eagles. People enjoy experiencing the bountiful wildlife via paddleboard, kayak, or canoe which can be rented out at the state park.

Grayton Beach also provides a perfect place for angling adventures. The surrounding waters have both freshwater and saltwater fish that include Bream, Bass, Catfish, Flounder, Mullet, Redfish, and Speckled Trout.

This casual coastal town is a perfect place for family vacations and meaningful time spent with good friends. Being only a 45-minute drive away from the popular destination Destin, Grayton Beach also makes for a memorable day trip to explore even more that the Florida gulf has to offer.