“Nice Dogs, Friendly Folks” is the unofficial slogan of funky Grayton Beach, Florida. Here you’ll find a mix of vacation rentals – from historical cottage rentals to condos and large beachfront rental homes. This eclectic beach town may be tiny, but it has a welcoming mix of places to stay. Plus, you’ll find great dining, charter fishing, live music, and pristine natural areas to explore.
Grayton Beach is located off Florida’s scenic Highway 30A, just west of Seaside. Grayton Beach State Park surrounds this vintage enclave of vacation rentals, which stretches right down to one of the most beautiful beaches in America. Beachfront rental homes overlook wide, white sand beaches that are sparkling clean.
Grayton Beach Rentals
You’ll find a variety of vacation rentals in Grayton Beach – this town may be small, but there’s something for everyone. However, you won’t find a large hotel here. Nestled among oak and pine trees, with sandy yards and native plants, places to stay in Grayton Beach are loaded with Old Florida charm.
Cottage Rentals
Popular cottage rentals have picket fences and handcrafted interiors of traditional cypress lumber. Screen porches provide a welcoming place to relax after a long day of fun. Toast marshmallows in a fire pit or toss your fishing line in the nearby lake. Cottage homes for rent are perfect for a romantic getaway or bring the kids for some low-tech summer fun.
Bed & Breakfast
If you’re looking for a romantic hotel with full-service amenities, the Hibiscus Guesthouse is the perfect getaway. This Bed-and-Breakfast has 13 uniquely-decorated rooms and a cafe. It offers a quiet retreat and is the closest hotel to the beachfront area.
Vacation Rentals
Grayton Beach homes for rent include beachfront homes and vacation rentals with views of Western Lake or coastal forest. Rental homes range in size from 2- to 3-bedroom houses to large beachfront dwellings that can accommodate large groups and family reunions. Designed as vacation rentals, Grayton Beach homes have both king- and queen-sized beds, and many have rooms with bunk beds for the kids. Large dining rooms make these beachfront rentals the perfect place to spend the holidays. Many vacation homes have porches for relaxing and dining outside.
A private pool and deck can be the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. Vacation homes with pools provide safe swimming for all ages, so they’re popular rental homes for families with small children.
Condo Rentals
For smaller groups, a condo rental might be just the right size. Rent a one-bedroom condo for a romantic getaway or book a three-bedroom home for a family of six. Condos in Grayton Beach aren’t tall condo towers like many resort communities. Here, rental condos are designed to look like houses, with several units sharing a swimming pool.
Despite its small size, Grayton Beach has a variety of vacation rental homes, cottages, and condos for rent where you can experience Florida’s colorful, rustic charm.
Things to Do in Grayton Beach
Staying in a small village surrounded by nature means you won’t be nightclub-hopping. People come to Grayton Beach for the quiet, the views of the lagoon and wildlife, and the pristine beaches. Swim, sunbathe, picnic, surf, or rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore Western Lake. Fish are abundant, and you can have a great day on the water with one of the Grayton Beach fishing charters – locally known as the “Mosquito Fleet.”
In the evening, head on over to Grayton Beach’s famous Red Bar for live music. Of course, the neighboring towns of Seaside and Destin have plenty of bars and restaurants to keep your group entertained.
Grayton Beach’s Best Restaurants
The Red Bar, famous for its funky decor and great food, is one of only two restaurants right on the beach. While it’s worth visiting for the interiors (posters wallpaper the ceiling, and all the lighting is red) it’s the food that stands out. The Red Bar features a small menu of just 5-7 items; a few dishes change daily, so there’s always something fresh and new to try. Both locals and visitors rave about the crab cakes. They don’t take reservations, but it’s well worth the wait – and you can walk to the Red Bar from your vacation rental. This eatery is the place to hang out if you’re looking for live music too!
Close by, you will find beachfront Spanish-inspired fare at Chiringo. From 11am-11pm, this open-air restaurant offers fresh, local ingredients and views of the lake and Gulf.
If you’re looking for breakfast or brunch, head on over to Crackings for Crawfish Eggs-Toufee and other Panhandle-inspired fare. Locals love the Grayton Corner Cafe for lunch and a visit to its Wine Shop.
Grayton Beach may be a small village, but when it comes to restaurants, its size is part of its charm. All the restaurants here are locally owned, and an essential part of the Grayton Beach experience. Here you’ll find the freshest ingredients and locally-caught seafood. Just up the road along Highway 30A, there are plenty more places to eat – so you can add even more culinary adventures to your trip.
Grayton Beach Events
Grayton Beach sits in the middle of a coastal area that’s alive with culture. Each Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend the 30A Songwriters Festival fills bars and venues along Highway 30A with performances by over two hundred musicians and songwriters. Artsquest Arts & Music Festival in May began as a small art festival in Grayton Beach, and now includes Eden State Gardens, Sandestin, Seaside, WaterColor, and Grand Boulevard.
Take the kids fishing on Memorial Day weekend – the CCA South Walton Chapter sponsors the Grayton Beach Kids’ Fishing Tournament.
Check local venues for live music and weekly trivia nights too. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of cultural events at Seaside and Alys Beach, including a Wine Festival and a busy calendar of winter holiday activities. Scenic Highway 30A is alive with festivals, entertainment, and sporting events year-round.