The 2,200 acres (9 km2) of land for the park was obtained from a lease from the Florida Board of Education in 1964 and opened in 1968.

Salt marshes, sea oat covered dunes, crystal-white sand, and blue-green waters make up this state park.

Included in this 2,200 acres is space for recreational vehicle and tent camping as well as 30 cabins accommodating up to six people.

The park has such amenities as beaches, bicycling, birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, picnicking areas, swimming, wildlife viewing, and full camping facilities.

According to the Coastal Heritage Preservation Foundation, in 1885, Army major Charles T. Gray was the first to settle the land now known as Grayton Beach.

Florida purchased the village’s beach front, dunes, and forest land to the west and north, after they lobbied with residents for years.