Walton County Expands Beach Tram Service Just in Time for Free State Park Entry Season
Free beach trams now run straight to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve, with complimentary park entry through Labor Day.
Walton County has expanded its free Beach Tram service with new routes connecting directly to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park — and the timing couldn’t be better.
The expanded routes were launched May 22 with an inaugural ride from the Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility, joined by Walton County commissioners, State Representative Shane Abbott, and Beach Operations Director Josh Ervin. Two new express routes now serve the state parks directly: a Grayton Beach State Park Express departing every 30 minutes from the Grayton lot at 1505 County Hwy 283 S, and a Dune Allen Local that stops at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, departing every 30 minutes from the 393 Municipal Parking Facility at 1668 S County Hwy 393.
The tram system operates from two hubs along western 30A. The Grayton Beach Park and Ride offers the Grayton Express to Bets “Beachmama” Haynes Regional Beach Access every 10 minutes (6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. daily), the Blue Mountain Local with stops at Blue Mountain RBA and Gulfview Heights RBA every 30 minutes (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and the new State Park Express. The 393 Beach Park and Ride runs the Ed Walline Express every 10 minutes and the Dune Allen Local every 30 minutes, both from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. All rides are completely free, trams are air-conditioned and ADA-accessible, and the system coordinates with state park capacity limits so riders know before they board whether the park has availability.
“This service aligns with the visions and goals outlined in the parks’ unit management plans by improving public access in a way that supports conservation, reduces vehicle impacts and helps protect the natural character and long-term sustainability of these treasured parks,” said Beach Operations Director Josh Ervin. Rep. Abbott noted that Walton County had 4.7 miles of beach across the two state parks that were “grossly underutilizing” — and that the expanded tram access, combined with free admission, finally lets the community enjoy them to their full capacity. For schedules and real-time info, visit WaltonTransportation.com or call Beach Operations at (850) 267-4578.
Originally reported by WMBB News 13 / MyPanhandle. Additional sources: Walton County Tourism, SoWal.com, WJHG
Photo: Walton County Tourism / waltoncountyfltourism.com
