Grayton Beach sits on the Gulf of Mexico. Our conditions page shows today's water temperature, surf height, wind, UV index, tide times from NOAA station 8729210, and rip current risk, plus red tide and sargassum seaweed status. Everything is pulled live from NOAA and Open-Meteo and refreshes through the day.
View Live ConditionsPark at Grayton Beach in lots like Grayton Beach State Park, Grayton Dunes Access, Van Buren Street Access. Our parking page maps every option with addresses, rates from $5/vehicle and a live crowd-based availability estimate so you can plan ahead and skip circling.
Find ParkingAt Grayton Beach, don't miss the Panko Grouper at The Red Bar. Our dining page pulls live ratings and hours from Google Places and highlights the local dishes worth ordering.
Explore DiningBoats leave Grayton Beach from Western Lake / Destin Harbor, including the Western Lake Paddle — dolphin watches, sunset sails, kayak tours and fishing charters. Our things to do page lists the operators, departure times and prices.
See Things to DoGrayton Beach hosts Red Bar Live Music and more. Our events page pulls the current week's lineup so nothing sneaks up on you.
Check EventsIt depends on the UV index and your skin. Our conditions page converts today's hourly UV forecast at Grayton Beach into minutes to burn using the standard erythemal dose model, so instead of "UV 9" you get "unprotected fair skin burns in about 18 minutes", along with the strongest stretch of the day and when to reapply. Open sand and water reflect UV back at you, so the estimate includes a beach uplift.
Check Today's Burn TimeOnly with a permit. Dogs are banned from the beach unless they belong to a Walton County real property owner or permanent resident who has obtained a county dog permit and keeps the dog leashed. Even with a permit, dogs are only allowed on the beach from 3:30pm to 8:30am the next day. A visitor who isn't a county resident or property owner generally cannot get this permit. Source: Walton County Ordinance 2025-22, amending Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Waterways and Beach Activities). The mapped point is the Grayton Beach community's public beach, not Grayton Beach State Park about 0.4 miles east, which is a separate Florida State Parks authority with its own stricter dog rule., checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesOnly with a permit. Bonfires or any open flame require a South Walton Fire District permit. Charcoal grills are always banned; only small propane grills are allowed. Source: Walton County Ordinance 2025-22, amending Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Waterways and Beach Activities). The mapped point is the Grayton Beach community's public beach, not Grayton Beach State Park about 0.4 miles east, which is a separate Florida State Parks authority with its own stricter dog rule., checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesIt depends where on the beach. Tents can be no larger than 10 by 10 feet. Countywide, tents must stay on the upland half of the beach, but Grayton Beach is specifically exempted from that placement restriction, so a compliant tent may go anywhere on the dry beach here. A 4 foot walkway between tents is still required. Source: Walton County Ordinance 2025-22, amending Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Waterways and Beach Activities). The mapped point is the Grayton Beach community's public beach, not Grayton Beach State Park about 0.4 miles east, which is a separate Florida State Parks authority with its own stricter dog rule., checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesOnly with a permit. Drones fall under the county's broad aircraft takeoff and landing rule, which requires authorization or a permit before launching or landing on the beach. Source: Walton County Ordinance 2025-22, amending Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Waterways and Beach Activities). The mapped point is the Grayton Beach community's public beach, not Grayton Beach State Park about 0.4 miles east, which is a separate Florida State Parks authority with its own stricter dog rule., checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesNo. Glass and ceramic bottles, containers or items of any kind are banned on the beach. Source: Walton County Ordinance 2025-22, amending Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Waterways and Beach Activities). The mapped point is the Grayton Beach community's public beach, not Grayton Beach State Park about 0.4 miles east, which is a separate Florida State Parks authority with its own stricter dog rule., checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesYes. Ordinary rod and reel fishing from the beach is allowed. It becomes unlawful if law enforcement warns that fishing is endangering swimmers, or for shark fishing, chumming or bloodbaiting within 2,500 feet of shore. Source: Walton County Ordinance 2025-22, amending Code of Ordinances Ch. 22 (Waterways and Beach Activities). The mapped point is the Grayton Beach community's public beach, not Grayton Beach State Park about 0.4 miles east, which is a separate Florida State Parks authority with its own stricter dog rule., checked 2026-09-10.
See All Beach RulesAt Grayton Beach, the sun sets at 6:33 PM today — about 11h 54m of daylight. Sunrise was 6:38 AM. Live water temperature, surf height, UV index, wind and tide for Grayton Beach update at the top of the conditions page.