A Simpler Way to Reach the Beach: South Walton’s Beach Park and Ride

A South Walton beach day should begin with sunscreen, a packed cooler and plans for the water, not several laps around a crowded parking lot.

Walton County’s Beach Park and Ride program offers a practical alternative. Beachgoers can park at one of two designated facilities and take a complimentary shuttle to several popular beach accesses, with seasonal service to nearby state parks. This is also a great way to experience local shops, dining, and more without the hassle.

Walton County Tourism expanded its Beach Tram service in March 2026, and in June 2026, rebranded the program as Beach Park and Ride, a name intended to make the service and its purpose clearer for riders.

“Walton County Beach Park and Ride provides riders with a clearer understanding of the service, simplifying the process of finding convenient parking and transportation to their desired beach access point,” said Josh Ervin, Director of Beach Operations.

The idea is simple: park once, gather your beach gear and let the tram handle the rest.

There’s no need to load everything back into the car and drive to another beach access or park, and the friendly tram staff can help load and unload your gear along the way. It’s an easier way to move between participating stops while spending more of the day enjoying South Walton and less of it searching for parking.

For beachgoers, that means less time circling for a space. On a larger scale, directing more vehicles to centralized parking facilities can also help reduce parking pressure and congestion around popular beach accesses.

Looking for additional places to leave the car? Explore our complete guide to parking on 30A for public lots, beach access parking and other helpful tips.

Grayton Beach Park and Ride

Located at 1505 County Highway 283 South in Santa Rosa Beach, the Grayton Beach Park and Ride has 204 standard parking spaces, including four RV spaces, seven LSV spaces, nine ADA-accessible spaces and four EV charging stations.

The facility also includes an air-conditioned lobby and restrooms, offering visitors a comfortable place to get organized before boarding.

Note: Routes, operating hours and departure times are subject to change. Check current schedules before you go.

The Grayton Express runs directly to the Bets “Beachmama” Haynes Regional Beach Access, departing every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. daily.

Located at 44 Hotz Avenue, the beach access opened in June 2026 with new restrooms and a completed boardwalk to the beach.

The Blue Mountain Local departs every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with stops at:

– Blue Mountain Regional Beach Access

– Gulfview Heights Regional Beach Access

– 393 Beach Park and Ride

Seasonal service to Grayton Beach State Park is also available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Grayton Beach State Park Express departs every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

393 Beach Park and Ride

The 393 Beach Park and Ride is located at 1668 South County Highway 393 in Santa Rosa Beach. It includes 74 parking spaces, four ADA-accessible spaces, restrooms and an indoor waiting area.

The facility operates daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Ed Walline Express travels directly to Ed Walline Regional Beach Access and departs every 10 minutes.

The Dune Allen Local departs every 30 minutes and serves:

– Dune Allen Regional Beach Access

– Fort Panic Regional Beach Access

– Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (during seasonal summer service)

Seasonal service to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Parking Fees and Permits

While Beach Park and Ride is complimentary for all passengers, parking fees may apply at the Grayton Beach and 393 facilities.

Non-Walton County residents may purchase a Non-Resident Annual Parking Permit for $205 or a Non-Resident Weekly Parking Permit for $90.

From November through February, daily non-resident parking without a permit is $5 per day.

During the March through October peak season, parking is $5 per hour or $15 for the full day.

Plan Before You Park

Before heading out, check the latest parking guidelines, route information and current beach conditions so you can plan the day accordingly.

Whether the plan is a morning at the beach, an afternoon exploring a state park or spending more time around one of South Walton’s beach communities, Beach Park and Ride offers an easier starting point. With less time spent searching for parking, visitors have more time to enjoy the beaches, local shops, restaurants and everything else along the way. Park once, ride where you need to go and spend less of the day worrying about the car.

Current schedules, route information, and an interactive tram map are available through the official website.