Bets “Beachmama” Haynes RBA
Grayton Beach’s newest public access — free, brand-new, and named for a local legend. It’s also one of the only stretches of 30A where you might see a permitted vehicle out on the sand. Here’s how it actually works.
Grayton’s Newest Public Access — and a Local-Only Twist
Opened June 15, 2026, this Regional Beach Access replaced the old Grayton Beach East public access and honors Betty “Beachmama” Haynes, a longtime Grayton Beach community activist. It’s free and open to everyone — no gate, no entry fee, unlike Grayton Beach State Park next door.
You’ll still see the county’s own paperwork call this spot “#33C East Drive On” — a nod to something worth knowing before you go: Walton County allows a small number of local residents to drive vehicles onto this stretch of sand under a permit program. More on that below.
44 Hotz Ave, Grayton Beach — Get Directions
No Parking at the Access — the Free Tram Is Your Friend
This is a walk-up access — there’s no parking right at 44 Hotz Ave, and street parking in the village is very limited. The smart move is the free Grayton Express beach tram, which departs every 10 minutes, daily 6 a.m.–9:45 p.m., from the Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility (1505 Co Hwy 283 S) straight to this access.
- The tram itself is free — but as of 2026, parking at that Municipal lot costs non-residents about $15/day in peak season (Walton County residents: $5/year permit)
- A boardwalk connects this access to the Garfield St / Grayton Dunes boardwalk if you’re coming from that direction on foot
- Restrooms and rinse showers on-site
A Real Facility, Named for a Grayton Legend
This is a proper built-out access, not just a boardwalk over the dunes — a 1,600 sq ft beachfront building with:
- An info station with Grayton Beach history
- Restrooms and outdoor rinse showers
- A 360-degree observation deck
- A boardwalk connecting to the Garfield St/Grayton Dunes boardwalk
The access — and the RBA — is named for Betty “Beachmama” Haynes, a longtime Grayton Beach community activist. Verify: ADA accessibility — aerial imagery shows switchback ramps but it hasn’t been confirmed on the ground.
“Named for a community activist, opened in 2026, and already one of the most talked-about new spots on this stretch of 30A.”
Why You Might See a Vehicle on This Beach
This is one of the few access points on all of 30A where a vehicle on the sand is actually legal — but it’s not something visitors can do. Walton County issues a limited number of beach-driving permits to local residents only, awarded through an annual lottery. If you spot a permitted vehicle out here, that’s why.
- Bonfires: allowed with a South Walton Fire District permit — required, apply before your visit, same as every Walton County beach
- Dogs: require an annual Walton County permit, issued only to property owners and full-time residents — leashed, 3:30 p.m.–8:30 a.m.
- Vehicle beach driving: local-resident permit only, awarded by annual lottery — visitors can’t apply
The State Park Is Right Next Door
Grayton Beach State Park is a short distance away if you want the coastal dune lake and don’t mind the entry fee. Further west along 30A, Blue Mountain RBA and Ed Walline RBA are two more free county accesses worth knowing about.
Know Before You Go
- There’s no parking at the access. Take the free Grayton Express tram from the Municipal Parking Facility instead — it runs every 10 minutes (that lot itself charges non-residents ~$15/day peak season).
- You’ll see vehicles on this beach. That’s a locals-only permit program (annual lottery) — visitors can’t apply, so don’t plan on driving onto the sand yourself.
- Bonfires need a permit from South Walton Fire District — apply before your visit.
- Dogs need a Walton County permit — issued only to property owners and full-time residents.
- ADA accessibility isn’t confirmed yet — check current conditions before you go if that matters for your visit.
Not Sure Which Access Is Closest to You?
That’s exactly what Beach Buddy is for. Tell us where you’re staying and we’ll point you to the nearest access — parking, restrooms, room to sit, and all.
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