If Seaside is the heart of Scenic Highway 30A, then Grayton Beach is her soul.

“Nice Dogs, Strange People” is the unofficial motto of the funky and colorful Grayton Beach. Grayton Beach, one of South Walton’s original beach communities, is renowned as a creative refuge for creative types like musicians, cooks, and painters who desire to live a more laid-back beach lifestyle.

Grayton Beach, which is teeming with activity, is home to art galleries, a renowned quirky dive bar called The Red Bar, and unending natural beauty at Grayton Beach State Park, which encircles the neighborhood on three sides. Breakfast at Crackings or Black Bear Bread Company is a fantastic way to start the day. Don’t forget to try the house-made pastries! Visit Chiringo for Gulf views and delectable fare. The open-air design captures the Gulf breeze, and chilled drinks keep patrons cool and go well with the casual fare.

While visiting Grayton, you should also eat at the Grayton Seafood Company, Grayton Beer Brew Pub, Nanbu Noodle Bar, and Hurricane Oyster Bar. Each of them provides a unique special with a Grayton touch or a variety of regional craft beers.

Visit the galleries of former South Walton Artists of the Year Mary Hong and Andy Saczynski while strolling around The Shops at Grayton, which serves as a showcase for the region’s artistic talent. Hong’s Shard Shop offers hands-on workshops where experts assist you in creating a unique piece of art to take home.

You can board a fishing charter boat that has been launched right from the beach thanks to a local fishing guide’s practice known as beach-launching, which contributes to Grayton Beach’s uniqueness.