Grayton Beach in Walton, Florida offers visitors a little sample of paradise along the Atlantic Ocean. White sandy shores, crystal blue waters, friendly residents, and delicious seafood are just a few things you’ll experience when you visit this Florida paradise and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re an adventurous family who plans on surfing and jetskiing your entire vacation, nature enthusiasts who love to hike, or you just simply want to relax, Grayton Beach has everything you could want and more. If you’re headed to Walton for your next getaway, check out this list of the top nine locations for finding a Grayton Beach vacation rental for the perfect beach getaway.

1. Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach is one of the most popular beaches among the beach communities of Walton. It offers gorgeous scenic views and unique channels that flow through the sand like rivers. Choosing a vacation rental in this area puts you just minutes away from the beach. You’ll find an abundance of walking trails, campgrounds as well as wildlife just hanging out and doing their thing. Keep your camera or phone handy, as you may spot a few snowy plover chicks and sea turtles.

2. Seascape

Escape to the Seascape community and enjoy over 2,000 feet of sandy beaches, a relaxed environment, and gorgeous sunsets. If all of the above sounds good, there’s much more to enjoy in this sleepy beach community. Splash in the water along the gulf shore, or play a round of golf at the Seascape Beach, Golf, and Tennis Resort. Seascape is also minutes from Stewart Lake if you feel like catching some fish or taking a canoe trip.

3. Santa Rosa Beach

While Walton is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, there are also quite a few lakes in this beach city. This includes the Draper Lake in Santa Rosa Beach. If you’re hoping to catch some bass or trout this holiday, choosing a vacation rental in Santa Rosa Beach puts you just minutes away from this popular fishing lake. Stand on the dock and do a little off-shore fishing, or rent a fishing boat for a family outing.

4. Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain Beach is a laid-back community with easy access to an abundance of quaint shops and restaurants. The beach itself is as beautiful as a painting, and the friendly locals and unique shops in the area only add to its charm. Enjoy your morning coffee gazing at the sunrise on the perfectly white sand, then head over to the boardwalk to peruse the shops and grab some ice cream at the Blue Mountain Beach Creamery.

5. Water Sound

The Water Sound community in South Walton puts you and your family in a semi-secluded oasis, where you can splash around in the water, enjoy sunset walks on the beach, and dine on delicious food without ever having to get in your car. Everything in this community is within walking distance, including three separate golf courses. One of the most unique aspects of this community is that the beach is connected to the neighborhood via a long wooden bridge, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery as they walk towards the sand.

6. Rosemary Beach

Named as one of America’s most romantic small towns, Rosemary Beach is simply lovely. This upscale community offers vacation rentals with breathtaking beach views, charming shops, and an abundance of delicious restaurants with chefs cooking up the latest and greatest foodie favorites. Lounge on the beach all day and take in the fresh air and saltwater breeze, then head into town for a bite to eat at the Summer Kitchen Cafe. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, stop by La Crema for some heaven in a glass, aka drinkable chocolate.

7. Gulf Place

Gulf Place is a great vacation destination for families, as it offers a variety of modern conveniences with the added benefit of sitting just minutes from the beach. Gulf Place Town Center has several shops and family-friendly restaurants, while the beach offers plenty of recreational activities. Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs at the Artists of Gulf Place community shop, then pop over to YOLO Board and Bike on the beach and rent some paddleboards for a fun day on the water.

8. Dune Allen

The Dune Allen community offers the best of both worlds, as it sits just steps from the ocean and is also home to three coastal dune lakes. Spend the morning jet-skiing on the gulf waters, then change things up with a relaxing kayak trip through the shallow dune waters. If you’re in the mood for a hike, take a trip over to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and walk the five miles of scenic trails.

9. Sandestin

Vacation rentals in the Sandestin community are in close proximity to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, a gorgeous nature area with beaches, walking trails, and campsites. Pack some camping supplies or rent an RV for the weekend and take advantage of the natural beauty of the park for a night or two, then wake up early and hop on the park tram for a ride down to the beachy shores.