Hiking Trail Through Scrub Oak Hammoch at Grayton Beach State Park

Gorgeous white sandy beaches and warm gulf breezes abound at Grayton Beach State Park. This 2,000 acre public recreational area lies between Destin and Panama City Beach in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Its sister park is nearby Deer Lake State Park.

Grayton Beach State Park’s Western Lake provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing while the Gulf’s warm waters are a pleasure to swim in. Guests also love exploring the trails, camping, birdwatching, picnicking and more.

Activities

Discover the serene beauty of this Florida state park’s 13 distinct natural communities: sandhill, scrub, beach dune, baygall, seepage slope, coastal dune lake, dome, wet flatwoods, estuarine tidal marsh, mesic flatwoods, depression marsh, scrubby flatwoods and marine unconsolidated substrate.

Explore the trails, paddle along the lake, have a picnic at the beach and learn more about the nature and wildlife of this pristine area.

Here are some more activities that you can do during your visit to Grayton Beach State Park:

Boating at Grayton Beach State Park

Kayak or canoe along the Western Lake and experience the beauty of this 100-acre coastal dune lake. The park’s ranger station is equipped with kayak and NuCanoe rentals as well as paddles and life vests. A boat ramp on the lake may be used to launch kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and small engine or trolling motor boats.

Swimming at Grayton Beach State Park

Spend a relaxing day in the warm waters and on the sugar white soft sandy beach at Grayton Beach State Park. Be aware of swimming conditions; there are no lifeguards at the park.

A beach wheelchair is available for those who need it.

Hiking at Grayton Beach State Park

Explore the trails inside of and outside of Grayton Beach State Park. Trails flow through the pine flatwoods and sand dunes and along the salt marshes and Western Lake.

Here are some of the trails at Grayton Beach State Park

  • Nature Trail – Easy 1 mile trail that travels through the pines, sand dunes and marshland along the edge of Western Lake.
  • Western Lake Trail – Easy 4.9 mile trail through the forest and along the lake. One of the best trails for observing wildflowers, plants and birds.
  • Timpoochee Trail – Easy 36.8 mile paved trail that extends outside of the park and through many other communities (idyllic beach towns). There are many spots to stop and rest along this path.

Biking at Grayton Beach State Park

Bring your mountain bike and discover the 4.5 mile multi use trail that leads through the pine forest. And then head out of the park and ride along the paved Walton County bike path that extends the length of County Road 30-A, through the seaside villages of South Walton.

Fishing at Grayton Beach State Park

Take a chance and see if you can catch catfish, bass, bream, redfish, flounder and white speckled trout during your visit to Grayton Beach State Park. Western Lake contains both freshwater and saltwater fish. Be sure to pick up a Florida fishing license before heading to the park.

Birding at Grayton Beach State Park

Because of its location along the Great Florida Birding Trail, Grayton Beach State Park is an excellent place to see both native and migrating bird species. The endangered Choctawhatchee beach mouse makes its home in the sand dunes (walking in this area is prohibited).

Eastern bluebird, Great Blue Heron, Barred Owl, Savannah Sparrow, Bald Eagle, Orange-crowned Warbler and Brown-headed Nuthatch may be seen from the nature trails within the park. And along the beach many shorebirds may be seen.

Nature and Wildlife at Grayton Beach State Park

Whether visiting for a few hours or a few days you’ll be certain to observe various signs of wildlife throughout the park. Birds, turtles, white-tailed deer, gray foxes and Florida black bear are just a few commonly seen.

Pets at Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park allows pets that are properly leashed (leash no longer than 6 feet), supervised and cleaned up after. Pets are not allowed in park buildings, including cabins, or in the beach area.

Camping at Grayton Beach State Park

Stay the night inside Grayton Beach State Park and camp in the picturesque pines not far from the Gulf Coast! The park has a campground with 59 sites and 30 two-bedroom cabins available for guests to reserve.

Each camp site has electric and water hookups (some sites also have connections for sewer) and can accommodate RVs or tents. Picnic tables and grills are located at each site and bathhouses are a short walk away.

Each of the duplex style cabins sleep up to 6 and have a basic kitchen, gas fireplace, screened in porch and outdoor grill. Towels and linens are provided but not replenished daily. Pets are not allowed inside the cabins.

Park Location

Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park Rd
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone: 850.267.8300

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a good YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Grayton Beach State Park: