We Love Our National Parks, but This Florida Park Is Just as Magnificent

We love Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park—we really do! But there’s something magical about Florida’s state parks. Not only will you find fewer crowds, but you might just find a state park in Florida that becomes your go-to destination year-round, like I did with Grayton Beach State Park. Let's take a closer look:

Now that the weather is heating up and winter is officially behind us, what better Florida park to explore than one with a beach? Grayton Beach State Park is the perfect destination for warm-weather adventures. 

Of course, beaches in Florida are very popular in the summer, and Grayton Beach is no exception. This state park reaches capacity frequently during the summer months, so be sure to arrive early to ensure access. Admission to Grayton Beach State Park is $5 per vehicle, and you can find it at 357 Main Park Road in Santa Rosa Beach.

Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Grayton Beach is often ranked as one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States. Visitors can enjoy fishing, paddling, swimming, and of course, pulling up a patch of sand and catching rays. 

While the beach is the main attraction, it’s far from the only one. Grayton Beach State Park is home to three coastal dune lakes. This natural phenomenon is only found in four countries around the world, and only two states in the U.S. (Oregon has the other). Alligator Lake, Little Redfish Lake, and Western Lake are fed from several freshwater sources (think rainfall, groundwater, and streams) and flow to the Gulf. Sometimes, saltwater from the Gulf will travel up to the lake, making a brackish lake. Each lake has its own salt/freshwater mix, and it’s constantly changing. 

The Florida state park offers four miles of hiking trails to explore. That might pale in comparison to some of the other state parks in Florida, but I promise you, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular scenery every step of the way. Hikers can traverse through a coastal forest and enjoy a plethora of beautiful flowers and excellent birdwatching opportunities. 

This might be one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise and/or sunset. I think we all know that watching a sunrise/sunset from the beach just hits differently. Take a spot in the sand and watch Mother Nature put on a show—she never disappoints!

If you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure, there are plenty of ways to stay at this Florida State Park. There are cabins, RV sites, and primitive campgrounds available year-round. Visit the official website for Grayton State Park to learn more. 

Share this article with someone you want to visit this Florida park with this summer. Read on to discover some of our favorite things to do in the spring in Florida.