Florida Guide > Other Florida
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach State Park is situated in Walton County, mid way between Destin and Panama City Beach. This is yet another of the Gulf Coasts gorgeous white sandy beaches, with the added extra of a lovely lake, rolling sea oat dunes and good walking trails. This beach is part of an area also known as The Emerald Coast.
The first known residents here were the Choctaw Indians followed by American Pioneers who lived along side the prolific wild hogs.
Then in 1885, Major Charles T Gray built a house here. At this time, most of the area was owned by the Federal Government.
Since the soil is too sandy to farm, this area was slow to grow, but in 1890, 2 other army families joined the major and together they planned the layout of the roads.
The only building left from those times is found at the end of cr 238 and is called "Wash a way" so plan a detour to visit this historic place.
The Emerald Coast boasts 20 miles of gorgeous beach and oyster shell roads. Most of the houses are made of wood. Highway 30A wanders round the coast encompassing 11 beaches.
Grayton Beach is named after one of the Gulf Coasts oldest towns (established in the late 1800s) however, Graytons access by road or rail was poor and it suffered a decline. The State Park was opened in 1968 and covers some 2228 acres; it has a mile long beach, a lovely lake and a nature trail. Also there is an amphitheatre where the rangers give talks in the summer.
There are 5 miles of trails to explore and they wind round scrub, flat pine and sand dunes. One of the strangest sights is what appears to be the tops of magnolias and pines peeping through the sand. . . . well the truth is that is exactly what they are. Nature has trimmed these trees with winds and salt spray Pick up an informative leaflet from the ranger station before you start your trail.
There is a picnic area here so bring your lunch (and lots to drink) with you.
This area is undergoing a 10 year regeneration programme that will restore and retain its old world charm.
This park costs only $4 for a car and up to 8 people and there are several near by parks as well including Falling Waters, Ponce De Leon and Deer Lake.
CONTACT DETAILS
Grayton Beach
357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
Phone: 850-231-4210
Fax: Contact Park for Number
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