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

Lengthy achieved 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 containers 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 process 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 Travel Off Path scoured by way of all 19 of them and concluded your finest guess for a calming 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 appear to be 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 isn’t that this tiny city is unwelcoming by any means; it simply hasn’t been publicized sufficient for the plenty to realize it exists.

You would 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, akin to Chiringo.

Nature Awaits: Take pleasure in Scenic Hikes & Lake Excursions

As I discussed, Grayton Seashore does have one flex over the others — 3 State Park-run coastal dune lakes to take pleasure in 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’ll be able to benefit from the outdoor on the highly-rated Grayton Seashore Hike & Bike Path by way of dense woods and vibrant fauna, however be sure that to observe your step for our scaly mates (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 isn’t laborious in any respect to seek out Grayton’s sugary white shores. Since they connect with the lakes and are simply past the townscape, simply observe the few footprints and you will find your self in one in all Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques.

One of the crucial neglected sights are beachside bonfires you can e book by way of 30A Blaze Beach Bonfires, who maintain a formidable good Google score with almost 1,000 opinions.

Although Grayton’s lesser-visited ‘West Aspect’ is a hidden gem inside a hidden gem. Receiving few opinions to this point, one summer time beachgoer final yr claimed you may anticipate ‘clear water, wonderful waves, white sand, nice breeze, fashionable folks’ and a free parking zone shuttle.

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

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

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