Grayton Beach: A Paradise in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

 Grayton Beach State Park is one of Florida's most beautiful and pristine parks, located in the northwest region of the state, near the charming town of Santa Rosa Beach. It's a favorite destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike, and for good reason. With its stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear emerald waters, and untouched wilderness, Grayton Beach State Park is a true gem of the Sunshine State.

 

Beach lovers will find themselves in paradise at Grayton Beach State Park. The park boasts over 2 miles of unspoiled beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The sand is soft and powdery, and the water is warm and inviting. It's an ideal spot for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Beyond the beach, Grayton Beach State Park is also home to a diverse array of natural habitats, including coastal dune lakes, pine forests, and salt marshes. These habitats are teeming with wildlife, such as migratory birds, sea turtles, and other marine life. Visitors can explore these ecosystems on one of the park's many hiking and biking trails, or by canoe or kayak on one of the coastal dune lakes.

 

For those who love to fish, Grayton Beach State Park is a prime destination. The park offers excellent opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, with species such as bass, trout, redfish, and flounder abundant in the area. Visitors can fish from the shore or launch a boat from the park's boat ramp.

Camping is another popular activity at Grayton Beach State Park, with over 50 campsites available for tents or RVs. The campsites are nestled among the pine trees and offer easy access to the beach and other park amenities. There are also cabins available for rent for those who prefer a more luxurious camping experience.

Camping is another popular activity at Grayton Beach State Park, with over 50 campsites available for tents or RVs. The campsites are nestled among the pine trees and offer easy access to the beach and other park amenities. There are also cabins available for rent for those who prefer a more luxurious camping experience.

 

One of the most unique features of Grayton Beach State Park is its connection to the neighboring community of Grayton Beach. The town is a charming and eclectic mix of artists, musicians, and beach bums, and visitors to the park can easily walk or bike into town to explore its shops, restaurants, and galleries.

 

Overall, Grayton Beach State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Florida. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and abundance of activities make it the perfect place to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Entry Fees

$5 per vehicle

Location

357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Discover the Ethereal Beauty of Monahans Sandhills State Park

We were headed home from Carlsbad caverns and passed this park, so of course, we had to check it out. We had visited White Sands National Monument two days earlier and I was curious how Monahans Sandhills State Park would compare.

The sand dunes in this park are much smaller than White Sands, but I kinda liked that. The sand is also darker in color.

Monahans Sandhills State Park is located in located in Western Texas near Odessa. It consists of 3,840 acres of sand dunes, some reaching heights of 70 feet.

The park encompasses only a small portion of a dune field that is about 200 miles wide. Most of the dunes within the 200-mile area are stabilized by vegetation. The dunes located in park are still active, changing shape and size constantly from the wind.

It is best to go early in the morning during the summer. The disk and sleds do not slide easily when the sand is hot. Sleds and disk can be rented from the park visitor center.

Monahans Sandhills State Park:

•  is around 6 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area
• 6 hours from Austin, Texas
• 4 hours from El Paso, Texas
• less than an hour from the New Mexico border and around 3 hours from the border of Mexico.

Address:

 2500 E Interstate 20 Exit 86
 Monahans, TX 79756

Hours:

8am - 10pm daily

Happy Travels! 

Ship Island, Mississippi: Discovering a Hidden Gem on the Gulf Coast

A small piece of paradise lies in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 11 miles off the coast of Mississippi. West Ship Island is an undeveloped barrier island featuring white sandy beaches and stunning blue-green waters. The island can only be accessed via ferry or private boat.

The ferry service to the island is operated by Ship Island Excursions from Gulfport, and the 50-minute ride is enjoyable, often including dolphin sightings and seagull feeding

Fort Massachusetts, constructed after the War of 1812, is situated on the island and was operational until 1903. Visitors can opt for guided tours or explore the fort independently.

Personally, I adore this island because it provides a sense of isolation. The ferry service has limited passenger capacity, and most people tend to stay near the main beach area, leaving the rest of the island relatively empty. A brief stroll away from the main area will give you the sensation of being alone on an island.

Tips on what to bring and wear

Ship Island Ferry

Address:

1040 23rd Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501

Cost:

Adult Round Trip              $29.00

Children (Age 3 -10)        $19.00

Senior (Age 62+)              $27.00

Military (Active I.D.)        $27.00

Schedule varies according to the season. Check here.

Enjoy you visit!