Parks

Grayton Beach is in the center of the “Beaches of South Walton” - a special place where development has come slowly, and nature's treasures still remain unspoiled. Our 26-mile stretch of pristine coastline is draped with the aroma of clean salt air and the fresh scent of deep pine forests, and is interwoven with the unique charm of 18 individual beach communities. Whatever your preference, from beachside cottages to world -class resorts, you’ll find it here. Explore the sugar-white sands and emerald green waters of top-rated beaches, the woods and marshlands where endangered plants, animals and exotic birds thrive … you'll love our unspoiled nature.

Golf
Enjoy 126 challenging holes on top-rated courses. Fully stocked golf shops and driving ranges. In the Beaches of South Walton, even golf can be a water sport! More info

Tennis
A tennis lover's haven with all levels of play available. Challenge yourself on hard, rubico, and even the only Wimbledon-style grass courts in North Florida. Group or individual clinics and lessons available. More Info.

Fishing
Freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities abound at the Beaches of SoWal. Gulf of Mexico; Choctawhatchee Bay; freshwater lakes, rivers and stocked ponds are plentiful. More info

by Lori Ceier, WaltonOutdoors.com

40% of South Walton’s 56,000 acres is owned by the State, and thus protected from future development.

Grayton Beach State Park
Located on Scenic 30A just East of Grayton Beach.
Box 6600, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, (850) 231-4210
Grayton Beach State Recreation Area'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 was dedicated and opened in 1968.

Salt spray and wind pruning, two of nature's landscaping tools, are seen everywhere. What sometimes appears to be "bushes" in the dunes are often full-size slash pines and southern magnolia trees with only their tops protruding from the drifting sand. Also found within the park boundaries are pine flatwoods and scrub. Scenic Western Lake is ringed by extensive salt marsh.

What you’ll read in the magazines and travel guides about Grayton Beach:
also see ecotourism page...