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Walton County Offers Free Admission to Grayton Beach & Topsail Hill
Explore state parks free all summer long!
Walton County is once again offering complimentary day-use entry to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, giving visitors and residents more opportunities to explore two of South Walton’s most scenic outdoor destinations
Free entry to the two parks is available during regular hours, typically 8 a.m. to sunset.
This year’s program starts on Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 22, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
Walton County Tourism is covering day-use fees to highlight the amenities and variety of eco-tourism experiences available in South Walton. This year marks the 12th year of admission coverage for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the 10th for Grayton Beach State Park.
“Walton County’s state parks offer a unique way to experience our destination, bringing together our beaches, trails, and coastal dune lakes in one place,” said Matt Algarin, tourism director for Walton County. “This program creates additional opportunity for visitors and residents to explore and enjoy everything these parks have to offer.”
For those planning a summer escape, Grayton Beach State Park also serves as the gateway to the Underwater Museum of Art, a one-of-a-kind underwater sculpture garden located just offshore from the park. Visitors can drive into the park and enjoy convenient access to parking, restrooms, showers, changing areas, and a beach walkover before setting off on their underwater adventure.
The UMA site is located in approximately 58 feet of water, less than a mile from shore, and can be reached by boat or kayak. Divers interested in exploring the sculptures up close should be certified and comfortable swimming in open water. Visitors who wish to experience the UMA site in-depth should be certified divers who are comfortable swimming in open water.
The coordinates for the Super Reef Anchor Point are N 30°18.754 / W 86°09.521. To help protect the artwork and marine habitat, boaters are encouraged to anchor on or near the Super Reef Anchor Point rather than near the sculptures themselves.
Dive30A in Grayton Beach offers direct shuttle service to the UMA site. Trips can also be booked through Emerald Coast Scuba in Destin or the Big Blue Dive Boat out of Panama City.
Enhanced access to the parks will also be available this year via Walton County Tourism’s Beach Tram. This service provides a convenient and eco-friendly way to enjoy the parks without worrying about parking, helps reduce traffic congestion, and protects the natural surroundings along the way. More information about tram routes and schedules will be posted on WaltonTransportation.com when available.
“We are incredibly thankful for our partnership with the state parks and to Rep. Shane Abbott, who worked diligently with us and at the state level to expand access,” Algarin said.
