Move Over Destin! Nearby Beach Town Has Caribbean Blue Waters & No Crowds!

Lengthy completed are the times Destin lies as a tight-lipped secret within the shadows of Gulf Shores.

Nope — Destin has soared in recognition through the years as one of many Gulf’s most prized locations.

Irrespective of if it is Spring Break shenanigans, a well-deserved summer time vacay, or a sunny winter escape, Destin undoubtedly checks off all of the bins as a picture-perfect paradise.

As such, the one downfall is crowds. Whereas Destin is probably not fairly as standard as aforementioned Gulf Shores and even close by Panama Metropolis, there’s sufficient hype to make discovering the right spot alongside the pristine shoreline a tall activity come summer time.

However…that is not the case for a blip on the map shut by.

Southern Living simply revealed their favourite Florida seashores oozing Caribbean vibes.

We at Journey Off Path scoured by all 19 of them and concluded your finest wager for a soothing seashore trip on Florida’s panhandle is none aside from little-known Grayton Seashore, the place you may go for both thrilling lake excursions or crowd-free white sand.

Grayton Seashore: The Panhandle’s Hush-Hush-Hideaway

As Destin will certainly seem like a coastal ant farm from area, Grayton Seashore boasts gleaming white-sand seashores with far fewer crowds.

Not even near being a family identify, this hush-hush hideaway has lengthy been a locals’ favourite escape for serenity away from hordes of vacationers flocking to fellow Panhandle paradises.

Grayton Seashore is in regards to the center mark between Destin and Panama Metropolis, so you may see why locals come right here as an alternative.

It is not that this tiny city is unwelcoming by any means; it simply hasn’t been publicized sufficient for the lots to comprehend it exists.

You can stroll the entire city of this tight-knit neighborhood with ease when you actually wished to, and you will find some cozy lodging in comparison with Destin’s high-rises, in addition to extra open barstools on the handful of down-home bars and eateries, similar to Chiringo.

Nature Awaits: Get pleasure from Scenic Hikes & Lake Excursions

As I discussed, Grayton Seashore does have one flex over the others — 3 State Park-run coastal dune lakes to get pleasure from or you may park your butt beachside.

Regardless of its diminutive dimension, there are ample climbing and biking trails to soak up surprisingly lovely surroundings.

I say “surprisingly” as a result of lots of Florida’s hidden gems are small hideaways with nothing to do however park your butt on the seashore — that is not the case for Grayton.

You may benefit from the open air on the highly-rated Grayton Seashore Hike & Bike Path by dense woods and vibrant fauna, however make certain to observe your step for our scaly pals (there are rattlesnake warning indicators posted).

As for the dune lakes I teased you about, this trio of uncommon pure phenomena is situated proper behind the city’s foremost seashore’s sightly sand dunes, the place you may rents kayaks from the ranger station and paddleboards from Friends of Grayton Beach to discover the next 3 lakes:

• Alligator Lake
• Little Redfish Lake
• Western Lake

Grayton’s White Sand Shores (Plus, A Secret Seashore!)

It is not onerous in any respect to search out Grayton’s sugary white shores. Since they hook up with the lakes and are simply past the townscape, simply comply with the few footprints and you will find your self in one among Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques.

Probably the most neglected points of interest are beachside bonfires that you may ebook by 30A Blaze Beach Bonfires, who maintain a powerful good Google ranking with practically 1,000 critiques.

Although Grayton’s lesser-visited ‘West Facet’ is a hidden gem inside a hidden gem. Receiving few critiques thus far, one summer time beachgoer final yr claimed you may anticipate ‘clear water, wonderful waves, white sand, nice breeze, trendy individuals’ and a free parking zone shuttle.

The draw back is there isn’t any restroom out there (womp, womp). Do because the fishies do…

For what it is price, Southern Residing really highlights the neighboring seashore city, Santa Rosa Seashore, as properly.

The world is so small, you will not know the distinction between the 2 apart from the truth that Grayton boasts lakes to discover too.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.