Grayton Beach State Park named number one beach in the country

There's hundreds of coastal towns in America, but it's this small beach community in the Florida panhandle that takes first prize.

Grayton Beach is Dr. Beaches top beach of 2020 here in the United States. It's an award that goes back 30 years.

Visit South Walton’s David Demarest said there is a lot to enjoy at Grayton Beach, which is why it's among the best of the best.

"What people love about Grayton Beach is just the natural beauty; it's got these great rolling white sand dunes and this beautiful water; we've also added these snorkeling reefs nearby, which help with the ecology," said Demarest.

The Walton County Tourist Development Council is helping more people see the natural beauty of Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill State Park by paying admission fees between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Grayton Beer Brew Pub Bartender Kyle Walter said Grayton Beach is just as fun of a place to visit, as it is to live and work.

"(It’s) Kind of that age old thing of nice dog, strange people, but everybody is really nice, and whether you're local, seasonal, tourist, there's no shortages of fun activities to do, and everybody's just super nice," said Walter.

In addition to the beach, the trails and canoe and kayak launch are open. Everything else is closed for the time due to the coronavirus.

This is the second time Grayton Beach has been named the top beach in America.

The last time was in 1994.