All dogs go to heaven, especially in Grayton Beach. “Nice dogs, strange people” is the town’s catchphrase, stamped across T-shirts and buildings.

The community is so committed to its canine-friendly rep, it has a sprawling mural dedicated to depictions of man’s best friend. If one of its sweet subjects has died, the dog’s head is enshrined by a halo. It captures Grayton’s eclectic energy, the kind of place where you’re likely to find pup treats on restaurant menus.

Grayton’s sparkling beaches and dune lakes, which are often shallow enough for wading and catching crabs with your hands, are bait for visitors. But its penchant for art gives Grayton personality.

The history of that mural is tied to two local institutions. It originally appeared in the ’90s near The Red Bar. Strung with Christmas lights and vintage posters, the boho venue is locals’ longtime go-to for live music.

A recreated version of the dog-centric painting now sits outside the Shops of Grayton, a collection of cottages housing retailers and galleries.

And 58 feet below the waters off Grayton Beach State Park, another gallery lures not just art enthusiasts and divers but scientists, too. The Underwater Museum of Art is the country’s first permanent undersea sculpture garden. Its annually rotating juried selection of works by global artists doubles as an artificial reef.

Schools of fish congregate around metal and concrete structures shaped like ocean creatures and shells. The dog snapper, named for its canine teeth, is among the species sighted there.

Guess it caught word about Grayton’s motto.

EAT

---

With a sunny yellow striped interior, Saladita Taqueria is a new arrival from 2025 James Beard Best Chef – South Semifinalist Nikhil Abuvala. Order the grouper tacos, with blackened local fish swaddled by house-made corn tortillas. At Abuvala’s fine dining establishment Roux 30A, watch for this summer’s Around the World dinner series, with themed menus inspired by Thailand, Greece and India. Starbucks is nowhere to be found in Grayton—a good excuse to sip on one of the seasonal flavors at the freshly renovated Hotz Coffee. On Thursdays, pick up fresh veggies, creamy dips, crusty bread and gooey cinnamon rolls at the Grayton Locals Market.

STAY

---

Glamping, anyone? Immerse yourself in nature by renting a Florida State Parks Cabin. Grayton Beach State Park offers 30 two-bedroom, modest-but-air-conditioned cottages a short walk from the shore, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park boasts stylishly furnished tents. For more amenities and curated interiors, head down the road to Seaside and check in to boutique property The Court or the 60-room WaterColor Inn.

DO

---

Bike, paddle, boat, hike, bird or fish your way through Grayton Beach State Park. Wheel around on an electric bike or beach cruiser rental from YOLO Board + Bike. At the Shops of Grayton, try on a ruffle-trimmed swimsuit at Summer of Spivey, paint a charcuterie board during an art sesh at The Shard Shop and sample a Hummingbird latte with lavender and sea salt at the popular Black Bear Bread Co. View dollhouse-sized paintings and ceramics inside the 30A Tiny Art Gallery, perched in front of the Lululemon off Highway 30A.

More to explore in Florida

---

Pensacola

Walk the historic downtown, examine 150 aircraft at the National Naval Aviation Museum and go for a night ride with Glow Paddle.

Destin + Fort Walton Beach

Snorkel Okaloosa County’s 500-plus reefs, mingle with crabs at Norriego Point Tide Pools, and unpack angler lore at The Destin History & Fishing Museum.

Rosemary Beach

Stroll cobblestone downtown streets oozing charm and character, swirl a glass of wine on the rooftop at Pescado, and check into the stylish Pearl Hotel.

Panama City Beach

Spot manatees and alligators inside St. Andrews State Park, and spend a sunny day exploring the waters around Shell Island via a pontoon boat rental.

---

This article was originally published in the June 2025 issue of 225 Magazine.