Walton County, Florida
30A & Grayton Beach
Sand Reef Cottage sits in Grayton Beach, the oldest and least polished corner of 30A — and the one we’d choose. Six bikes come with the house, a community pool is fifty feet from the door, and the free 30A tram stops a block away, which means you can leave the car parked from arrival to departure.
That’s the right way to do this coast. Bike to breakfast at Black Bear Bread Co., ride the paved trail east to Seaside or west to Blue Mountain Beach, and let the tram handle beach days when parking turns into a headache. Dinner is often a short walk — Chanticleer, Hurricane, and Black Bear are all close enough to leave the bikes behind.
Everything below is where we actually send guests. For a longer read on what makes Grayton different from the rest of the corridor, see our Journal guide to Grayton Beach.
The beach towns
Grayton is the base. These two are an easy bike ride away.
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Grayton Beach
Map ↗Where 30A vacationing began — historic cottages, twisting live oaks, galleries, and an unofficial village slogan of 'Nice Dogs, Strange People.' The one stretch where you can drive onto the sand, with a permit.
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Seaside
Map ↗The pastel, walkable town that launched the New Urbanism movement and stood in for the setting of The Truman Show. Come for Modica Market, Sundog Books, and the weekend farmers market. A mile or two from Sand Reef Cottage.
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Blue Mountain Beach
Map ↗A mile or two west — the highest point on the Gulf at a mighty 64 feet. Funky local shops, good restaurants across 30A, and Big Daddy's for bikes.
Where we eat & drink
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The Red Bar
Map ↗The most famous restaurant-bar on all of 30A, with live jazz and bluegrass most nights.
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Black Bear Bread Co.
Map ↗Walkable
Our personal favorite, and walkable — the best coffee and breakfast around, with spirits and live music some evenings.
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Chanticleer Eatery
Map ↗Walkable
Excellent local kitchen, high quality, and walkable. Odd hours, so check before you go.
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Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill
Map ↗Walkable
We love this one, and it's a walk from the door. Not just oysters, either.
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Beach Camp Brewpub
Map ↗A classic Grayton Beach hang.
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For The Health Of It
Map ↗Where to go when you want healthy eats.
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Chiringo
Map ↗ -
Blue Mabel Restaurant & Bar
Map ↗ -
Stinky's Fish Camp
Map ↗
Parks, dune lakes & the market
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Grayton Beach State Park
Map ↗Regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the country. Beyond the sand there's Western Lake to paddle, four-plus miles of trails, and a boat ramp.
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Point Washington State Forest
Map ↗Miles of hiking and biking loops — 3.5, 5, and 10 miles — through pine flatwoods, off the Eastern Lake trailhead. Leashed dogs welcome.
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Seaside Farmers Market
Map ↗Saturdays and Sundays, 9 to 1, in the Seaside amphitheater.
Bikes, boards & the water
Shops & galleries
Stay here
