Welcome to Grayton Beach
Coastal community with panoramic ocean views
Referred to as the Original Beach Town by Southern Living Magazine, Grayton Beach is a tiny coastal village located about 30 minutes from Destin. It's a mecca for artists, chefs, musicians, and just about anyone looking to escape the chaos of daily living. It boasts endless natural beauty in its stretch of beach, dunes, and Grayton Beach State Park, which surrounds the community on three sides.
Homebuyers looking to purchase a property in Grayton Beach will find options ranging from original clap-back beach cottages to larger cottages. Newer properties are luxurious, with large living areas, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and ocean views. Whatever your real estate preferences, you're bound to find something that suits your style and needs.
What to Love
- Old Florida feel
- Small community where everyone knows everyone
- Western Lake outflow happens here, creating an amazing "lazy river" for a few days
Local Lifestyle
Residents spend most of their time on the beach, swimming, fishing, or wandering along the shoreline. When not enjoying the beach, they explore the locally-owned cafes and restaurants. This is the kind of place where folks hand out "Grayton Beach: Nice Dogs Strange People" bumper stickers, wait patiently for hours to get a taste of 30A crab cakes, and stop by the corner coffee shop for hugs. Grayton Beach is special and a tad weird — but that's exactly what makes it so great.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Chanticleer Eatery is a laid-back casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. It offers made-from-scratch bread, sandwiches, salads, and soups at lunchtime. The dinner menu includes shrimp and grits, smoky jambalaya and juicy burgers, ribeyes and pork chops, and a variety of terrific appetizers. Desserts include cookies, cakes, and key lime pie.
Borago’s Italian menu is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. You can hit the upstairs bar to dine like an authentic local or the downstairs beach bar for a more casual experience. Chiringo is a Spanish-influenced beach bar that blends global beach flavors with Southern charm. Attached to this eatery is Hotz Coffee, which serves up YOLO blend coffee produced by Amavida Coffee. You can also order gluten-free muffins and donuts.
The Red Bar is an iconic gathering place for locals and tourists in 30A. It showcases a Bohemia vibe, complete with Southern fare and live jazz music. It also houses a souvenir shop showcasing the best of Grayton Beach. For other must-eat spots, check out
Hurricane Oyster Bar,
Grayton Seafood Company,
Hibiscus Cafe, and
Pandora's.
Things to Do
Grayton Beach State Park is more than a background for golden sunrises and shimmering afternoons. You can go canoeing, kayaking, or fishing at Western Lake. You can trek the four miles of trails throughout the coastal forest. You could spend an entire day exploring this park and soaking in the sunshine.
Grayton Beach is one of only two places on 30A with permitted beach driving. This unique privilege allows residents to appreciate their favorite beaches in a different way. It means you can drive close to the water, park in the sand, and enjoy the coast up close.
There are some great places to enjoy live music in Grayton Beach, many of which are within walking distance of your home. The Red Bar is the most popular venue and often sees celebrity guests. You can also enjoy karaoke nights at
Chiringo, an open mic at
AJ's Grayton Beach, and live music on Saturdays at
Hibiscus Cafe.
Schools
The South Walton County School District serves Grayton Beach: