Grayton Beach

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature Grayton Beach State Park lies within the Coastal Lowlands region with 13 distinct natural communities—beach dune, mesic flatwoods, sandhill, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, baygall, depression marsh, dome, seepage slope, wet flatwoods, coastal dune lake, estuarine tidal marsh and marine unconsolidated substrate. Three major coastal dune lakes lie mostly within the park’s boundaries—Western Lake, Alligator Lake and Little Redfish Lake. Dune lakes are unusual coastal features found in few other places in the world. The shoreline at Grayton Beach has been shaped by the wave action, winds and longshore currents of the gulf. The effects of salt spray and wind pruning, two of nature’s landscaping tools, are evidenced everywhere. Drifting sand also changes the landscape. What appear to be “bushes” in the dunes are often full-sized slash pines and southern magnolias, with only the tree tops protruding. Shorebirds are numerous on the beach and sea turtles often nest here during the summer. The dunes are home to the endangered Choctawhatchee beach mouse. Foot traffic is prohibited on sand dunes and bird nesting areas. The park’s name comes from the neighboring township of Grayton Beach, one of the oldest townships along the Gulf of Mexico in Walton County. Obtained through a land lease from the Florida Board of Education in 1964, Grayton Beach State Park was dedicated and opened in 1968. Grayton Beach State Park 357 Main Park Road Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 267-8300 FloridaStateParks.org • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Northwest Florida Grayton Beach State Park Crystal Clear Emerald Waters Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. For camping information, contact Reserve America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in SM Welcome to Grayton Beach State Park. This 2,200-acre park showcases rolling dunes covered with golden sea oats and sugar-sand beaches that taper into the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy unlimited opportunities for fun, enjoyment and relaxation. Discover Grayton Beach’s natural area with beaches, forests, coastal dune lakes and numerous recreational facilities. Thirty cabins are nestled in the privacy of pine scrub on the park’s western property. It is only a short walk to the Gulf of Mexico. No phones, no televisions, just ...the REAL Florida. Campsites in a wooded area near Western Lake are equipped with picnic tables, grills, water and electricity. Rangers provide programs seasonally. Swimming and fishing along a mile of shoreline are the park’s most popular activities. Catch saltwater fish in the surf, or catch fresh and saltwater fish in the lakes’ brackish water. A boat ramp and picnic shelters are adjacent to Western Lake. Canoe rentals are available at the ranger station. The Grayton Beach Hike and Bike Trail begins across from the park entrance on County Road 30A. Enjoy 4.2 miles of trail. An optional Lake Loop Trail connects with nearby state forest trails and the scenic 30A paved trail The one-mile Grayton Beach Nature Trail begins near the beach parking area and winds through sand dunes, pine flatwood and sand scrub oak to the edge of Western Lake. A selfguiding brochure is available at the park entrance station. Directions The park is on County Road 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.