Grayton Beach, Florida

Grayton Beach is the OG of 30A. Before Seaside, before Rosemary Beach, before any planned communities, there was Grayton — a fishing and timber town dating back to the 1890s. While the rest of 30A has been carefully designed and built, Grayton has retained its authentic, artsy, old-Florida character.

The town's unofficial motto — “Nice Dogs. Strange People.” — tells you everything you need to know. Historic beach bungalows, local artists, quirky shops, and locals who've been here for generations. It's the kind of place where you can grab a beer at The Red Bar, browse The Zoo Gallery, and spend the afternoon at one of the best beaches in the country.

Grayton Beach State Park is the star — 2,000 acres of pristine coastline consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States. The rare coastal dune lake, Western Lake, sits just behind the dunes. And a beach bonfire at Grayton Beach after dinner at The Red Bar is 30A at its best.