Living in Grayton Beach
Army Major Charles T. Gray built a homestead here around 1885, and in 1890 Army General William Miller and William Wilson moved their families in and mapped the village's streets and blocks. The village was named for Gray, and it celebrated its 130th anniversary on July 4, 2020.
W. H. Butler later bought most of the village, and his son, Van R. Butler, became its leading promoter. The Red Bar now stands where the Butlers held their Saturday night dances.
The state park and Western Lake
Grayton Beach State Park surrounds the village, and most of the land north of 30A in Grayton is state park. Western Lake, a coastal dune lake, lies between Grayton and WaterColor and opens to the Gulf of America through an outfall in the park.
Homes in Grayton Beach
Grayton's homes are a mix of beach cottages, bungalows, Florida cracker-style homes and Queen Anne-style villas. Some of the small workers' cottages from Point Washington's lumber days were moved to Grayton, and several still stand as summer homes.
Market snapshot
Source: Homes.com neighborhood data, as of October 18, 2026. Homes.com sets its own neighborhood boundaries. Ask Shannon for a current market report from the MLS.
Eat, shop and gather
The Red Bar, Chiringo, Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill, AJ's Grayton Beach and Black Bear Bread Co. are all in or next to the village, and Seaside and WaterColor are a short bike ride east.
For every restaurant and shop from Destin to Inlet Beach, plus the area's events, see Shannon's Coastal Living guide.
Grayton Beach from above
Aerial video of Grayton BeachSchools and health care
Public schools serving South Walton include Dune Lakes Elementary, Van R. Butler Elementary, Emerald Coast Middle and South Walton High, and all four earned an A from the Florida Department of Education in 2026. Walton County was graded A for the ninth year in a row, tied for second among Florida's 67 school districts. Seaside School, the public charter made up of Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School, serves grades 5 through 12 and also earned an A. School assignments depend on the address. Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, on U.S. 98 in Miramar Beach, is the area's hospital, with a 24-hour emergency room that includes pediatric emergency care.
Questions about Grayton Beach
How old is Grayton Beach?
Charles T. Gray built a homestead there around 1885, and the village's streets and blocks were mapped in 1890. Grayton celebrated its 130th anniversary on July 4, 2020.
Who was Grayton Beach named after?
Army Major Charles T. Gray, who built a homestead there around 1885.
Is Grayton Beach next to a state park?
Yes. Grayton Beach State Park surrounds the village, and most of the land north of 30A in Grayton is state park. Western Lake opens to the Gulf through the park.
What is the median home sale price in Grayton Beach?
The median sale price was $2,260,000, up 39% from a year earlier, according to Homes.com on October 18, 2026. The average price per square foot was $1,257, and 26 homes were for sale.
Who can help me buy or sell a home in Grayton Beach?
Shannon Baker, Broker Associate with The Agency | NW Florida Beaches, works with buyers and sellers in Grayton Beach. She is licensed in Florida and Alabama and has more than $100 million in sales volume over the past five years. Call or text her at (850) 420-8678 or email shannon.baker@theagencyre.com.
