| GRAYTON BEACH STATE RECREATION
AREA
 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. This 400- acre park offers
rolling sea oat-covered dunes with wide, white sand beaches tapering into
the emerald green waters of the Gulf.
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.
WILDLIFE
Shorebirds are numerous on the beach, and sea turtles often nest here during
the summer months. Foot traffic is prohibited on sand dunes and in nesting
areas.
ACTIVITIES
Swimming and fishing along the park's one mile of shoreline are the most
popular activities for visitors. Saltwater species are caught in the surf,
while both fresh and saltwater fish are caught in the lake's brackish water.
A boat ramp is available on
Western Lake.
Thirty-seven
campsites in pine scrub near Western Lake are equipped with picnic tables,
grills, water and electricity. Park rangers provide campfire programs
seasonally. A large picnic pavilion overlooking the Gulf waters may be
reserved for group activities.
The Grayton Beach Nature Trail
begins near the beach parking area and winds among sand dunes, pine flatwoods
and scrub communities. It is interpreted by a self-guiding leaflet available
at the ranger station.
Grayton
Beach State Recreation Aea is located on S.R. 30-A, south of U.S.
98. Contact:
Grayton Beach State Recreation
Area
Box 6600
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 32459
(850) 231-4210
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