Florida Beach Destinations: Grayton Beach State Park and Panama City Beach
Yin and yang beach destinations are beaches that are close to each other geographically, but worlds apart in character and mood. These destinations provide simple, inexpensive options for groups traveling together who may have different interests as well as people who like variety when they travel.
Florida Beach Destinations
Panama City Beach and Grayton Beach State Park are only a 45-minute drive from each other, but they are very different in spirit. Panama City Beach is a “never a dull moment” beach destination that attracts millions of vacationers a year. Grayton Beach State Park is a haven for nature lovers with no lodging, dining, or entertainment available outside of camping, vending machines, and interpretive programs. Both destinations offer gorgeous white sand beaches and clear emerald green water, but if you want lots of people watching and non-stop action, Panama City Beach is your choice. If you want a quieter, more nature oriented experience, Grayton Beach State Park is the destination for you. Even better, if you want both adventure and solitude, they are easily accessible to each other.
Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park is nearly 2,000 acres of state park land encompassing a white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the beach, Grayton Beach State Park has natural dunes, unique coastal dune lakes, and a coastal forest. All this can be enjoyed within the park by hikers, fishermen, bikers, kayakers, canoers, beachgoers, and nature lovers in general.
Comprehensive review of Grayton Beach State Park.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is primarily known as a hard partying spring break destination for the college crowd. It’s actually much more than that. Panama City Beach is a three season (spring, summer, and fall) beach town filled with things to do on the beach or off. All of which makes it a good vacation choice for active vacationers and groups of people with varied interests.
Comprehensive review of Panama City Beach.
To many joyful beach experiences!
— Lisa Dworkin
Photos courtesy of Lisa Dworkin. More photos available on Flickr.
Browse Reviews
