Beaches Near Tallahassee, Florida
Just a short drive from the capital city, you’ll discover sandy shores, calm waters, and a perfect blend of relaxation and natural beauty, often in unique, underrated spots that feel wonderfully peaceful.
The best part is the variety: family-friendly beaches, quiet hidden coves, and scenic state parks. Picture lazy afternoons with sweeping Gulf views, opportunities for fishing and kayaking, and sunsets that set the water aglow. These are the details that make the beaches near Tallahassee truly special, and some of the best in Florida. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Cape San Blas - 2 hours southeast of Tallahassee
I drove just an hour from Port St. Joe to reach Cape San Blas, a thin peninsula stretching into the Gulf of Mexico.
Cape San Blas, Florida, felt like one of those rare coastal escapes that still holds onto its natural, untouched beauty. Tucked along the Gulf Coast in the Panhandle, it gave me the sense of finding a hidden slice of paradise where life moves slower and the beach feels like it belongs just to you.
The beaches were absolutely spectacular—wide stretches of soft white sand and calm, emerald-green water that seemed to go on forever. I loved walking barefoot along the shoreline, collecting seashells, and watching dolphins playing just offshore. Sunsets here were pure magic, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold that lingered long after the sun dipped below the horizon.
What stood out most was how peaceful it was. Unlike busier Florida destinations, Cape San Blas had a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that made it easy to truly relax. I found joy in simple moments—kayaking in the bay, biking along the scenic Cape San Blas Road, or just reading on the porch with the sound of waves in the background.
Exploring St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was another highlight. The dunes, trails, and wildlife made me feel connected to nature in a way that was both grounding and refreshing. It’s one of those unusual places where adventure and serenity go hand in hand.
For me, Cape San Blas is a gem on the Gulf Coast—an underrated getaway that combines natural beauty, tranquility, and that unmistakable coastal magic you carry with you long after you leave.
Cape San Blas At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~2.5 hours
- Food Nearby: Pack ahead or stop in Port St. Joe
2. Carrabelle Beach - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tallahassee
We drove 25 miles east from Apalachicola to Carrabelle Beach (about 35 minutes along Highway 98).
Carrabelle Beach in Florida is one of my favorite small-town coastal escapes, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems for a laid-back day on the Gulf.
I love that it’s wide, clean, and quiet, making it an underrated alternative to Florida’s busier stretches of sand.
My favorite part was how family-friendly it felt, with calm waters, picnic areas, and a relaxed atmosphere that made it perfect for kids and couples alike.
I found the whole area charming, with nearby Carrabelle offering local seafood spots and a small-town vibe that added to the experience.
For me, Carrabelle Beach is my favorite kind of coastal getaway—simple, peaceful, and filled with classic Florida charm.
The sand was soft and darker than the panhandle’s white stretches. The water moved slow, pushing seaweed and foam across the shallows. I saw a family with folding chairs, a man reading under a hat, and a dog asleep in the shade of a truck bed.
I brought a sandwich, hummus, arugula, and roasted zucchini on ciabatta. The bread had held up, the zucchini smoky and just cool enough. I ate on a picnic table by the dunes, the breeze warm and steady, gulls watching with detached interest.
Carrabelle Beach At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~1.75 hours
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
3. Grayton Beach State Park - 2.5 hours from Tallahassee
We drove 40 minutes east along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A from Destin to Grayton Beach State Park.
Grayton Beach State Park on Florida’s Emerald Coast is one of my favorite natural escapes, and it’s easily one of the best beaches in the state for outdoor lovers.
I love that it’s part of a protected state park, with powdery white sand, emerald waters, and rare coastal dune lakes that make it feel truly unique.
My favorite part was hiking the scenic trails through pine forests and then ending the day with a swim in the crystal-clear Gulf waters.
I found the park perfect for both camping and day trips, with opportunities for kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing that make it more than just a beach visit.
For me, Grayton Beach State Park is my favorite kind of Florida getaway—where natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation all come together in one unforgettable experience.
The beach was wide and alive, nothing manicured, just sand and space and sea oats bowing in the breeze. I passed hikers rinsing their feet off near the trailhead, a family setting up a canvas tent, and a heron standing sentinel at the edge of the surf.
Grayton Beach State Park At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~2.5 hours
- Cost: $5 per vehicle
- Food Nearby: Pack in, or head to Grayton Beach town cafés
4. Panama City Beach - 2.5 hours from Tallahassee
We drove 25 miles east from Grayton Beach to Panama City Beach (about 40 minutes along Scenic 30A and Highway 98).
Panama City Beach in Florida is one of my favorite classic Gulf Coast destinations, and it’s easily one of the best spots for a fun-filled weekend getaway by the water.
I love that it offers 27 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters, making it both a family-friendly favorite and a romantic escape for couples.
My favorite part was the lively atmosphere—between beach bars, fresh seafood restaurants, and endless water activities, there’s always something to do.
I found it especially fun to take a dolphin cruise at sunset, which was one of the most unforgettable highlights of my trip.
For me, Panama City Beach is more than just a beach—it’s my favorite kind of Gulf Coast getaway, where fun, relaxation, and stunning scenery all come together.
I knew before I parked that this beach would be louder. Panama City Beach comes with big energy, sky-high condos, boardwalk buzz, and sand so bright it could light a room. And yet, the Gulf was still the Gulf, calm, warm, and unbothered.
The beach was busy. Volleyball games, Bluetooth speakers, sunscreen in the air. But it also had its quiet corners, toward the jetties, or at the edges of the pier. I found a spot just far enough away and let the sound of the surf reclaim some space.
I grabbed a grilled mahi sandwich from a beachfront shack. It came hot, flaking apart under lemon, with slaw tucked under the bun and a side of sweet potato fries. I ate it barefoot on the edge of the boardwalk, watching parasails drift like lazy punctuation marks.
Panama City Beach At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~2.5 hours
- Cost: Free access, paid parking lots
- Food Nearby: Dozens of beachfront spots, try Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill
5. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - 45 minutes from Tallahassee
I drove 25 miles south from Tallahassee to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (about 40 minutes on Highway 363).
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida is one of my favorite hidden gems, and it’s easily one of the best places for a nature-filled escape along the Gulf.
I love that it protects over 80,000 acres of coastal marshes, islands, and forests, making it an underrated paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
My favorite part was visiting the historic St. Marks Lighthouse, which gave me both beautiful views and a sense of history in the middle of nature.
I found the trails and observation areas perfect for spotting migratory birds, alligators, and other wildlife—it felt peaceful and wild at the same time.
For me, St. Marks is my favorite type of Gulf Coast adventure, where untouched nature and history blend into one unforgettable experience.
This wasn’t a beach in the classic sense. It was older than that, quiet trails, tidal flats, birds on the wing. The water here didn’t roll in with urgency. It pooled. It shimmered. It lingered.
I followed the trail to the lighthouse first, the salt marsh on both sides catching the sun like a mirror. At the end, I stood near the water’s edge. Not much sand. But space. So much space. A heron lifted off from a pool like it had waited for an audience.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~45 minutes
- Hours: 6am–9pm
- Food Nearby: Pack your own, no food on site
6. Dog Island - 2.5 hours from Tallahassee
I drove 5 miles south from Carrabelle to the marina, then caught the ferry across Apalachicola Bay to Dog Island (about a 20-minute ride).
You can’t drive to Dog Island. That’s the point. You take a boat or a small plane, or you wait for someone to offer you a ride. When I got there, it felt like I’d stepped out of time. No cars. No crowds. Just dunes, sea oats, and water that didn’t care who I was.
I walked along the beach for nearly an hour and saw no one. The sand was soft and untouched. Every wave left a print. Birds hunted in silence, and a breeze carried salt through the pines behind me. It was wild in the way Florida used to be.
Dog Island in Florida is one of my favorite secret escapes, and it’s easily one of the best hidden gems along the Forgotten Coast.
I love that it’s only accessible by boat or plane, which keeps it wonderfully quiet and unspoiled—an underrated paradise for anyone who loves solitude and raw beauty.
My favorite part was walking along the pristine shoreline with barely another soul in sight—it felt like having my own private island.
I found the lack of commercial development refreshing, making it a perfect spot for those who want to disconnect and reconnect with nature.
For me, Dog Island is more than just a beach—it’s my favorite kind of Gulf getaway, where seclusion, simplicity, and natural beauty create a truly unforgettable escape.
Dog Island At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~1.75 hours to Carrabelle + boat/ferry
- Access: Private boat, ferry (limited), or chartered plane
- Hours: Daylight only
- Food Nearby: Bring everything with you
7. Keaton Beach - 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tallahassee
We drove 30 miles south from Perry, Florida to Keaton Beach (about 40 minutes on Beach Road/County 361).
Keaton Beach in Florida is one of my favorite Old Florida treasures.
I love that it’s small, laid-back, and totally unspoiled, making it an underrated alternative to Florida’s busier beaches.
My favorite part was the relaxed atmosphere—locals fishing off the pier, kids splashing in the gentle waves, and the stunning sunsets that painted the sky every evening.
I found it perfect for scalloping in season, which is one of the most fun and unique activities this area is known for.
For me, Keaton Beach is more than just a beach—it’s my favorite kind of Gulf Coast getaway, where simplicity, charm, and natural beauty come together in one peaceful experience.
The beach itself was small, a narrow stretch beside a boat ramp and shaded pavilions. But no one seemed to mind. It wasn’t about the size. It was about being here. I sat under a palmetto and watched a girl reel in a fish with a smile wider than the water.
Keaton Beach At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 7am–sunset
8. Bald Point State Park - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tallahassee, FL
I drove 35 miles south from Tallahassee to Bald Point State Park (about 50 minutes on Highway 98).
Bald Point State Park in Florida is one of my favorite hidden gems for nature lovers, and it’s easily one of the best places for outdoor adventure on the Gulf Coast.
I love that it offers a mix of beaches, marshes, and pine flatwoods, making it an underrated spot for hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing.
My favorite part was walking the trails that led to quiet stretches of sand where I could watch shorebirds and dolphins in the distance—it felt wild and serene.
I found the park especially peaceful at sunrise, when the colors over Ochlockonee Bay created the most breathtaking views.
For me, Bald Point State Park is more than just a stop along the coast—it’s my favorite kind of Florida retreat, where nature, wildlife, and coastal beauty all come together in one unforgettable escape.
I arrived just as a storm passed. The sky was clearing, but the light still had that softened, filtered quality that makes everything look honest. Bald Point isn’t dramatic, it’s deliberate. Trails through pine flatwoods, a winding road past salt marshes, and then the beach: wide, quiet, and unassuming.
The sand was warm and damp, and the wind had settled into something steady. I saw deer on the trail in, and a crab skittered sideways across my path to the water. The Gulf looked brushed, like it had been combed smooth.
I had a sandwich, roasted red pepper, herbed goat cheese, arugula. A little messy, a little perfect. I ate it under a lone tree at the edge of the parking lot, listening to osprey calls echo from somewhere out of sight.
“This isn’t a beach to visit,” I thought, “it’s a beach to walk into and forget where the trail ends.”
Bald Point State Park At a Glance
- Drive time from Tallahassee: ~1.25 hours
- Cost: $4 per vehicle
- Hours: 8am–sunset
- Food Nearby: Pack in; no food on site
Conclusion: Tidal Quiet and Wild Space
I didn’t come looking for perfection. I came looking for space. And the beaches around Tallahassee gave me just that, not in size, always, but in feeling. In the way pine opens into sand, in the stillness of oyster flats, in how a quiet breeze off the Gulf can pull you back to yourself.
These weren’t beaches built for performance. They were beaches built for pause. For peeling an orange on a picnic bench. For watching shadows drift through water that doesn’t need to impress. For standing still and letting the land breathe around you.
“This stretch of Florida doesn’t shout,” I realized, “but if you listen close, it says exactly what you need to hear.”
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how these beaches offer the best mix of tranquility and beauty, St. George Island’s soft sand, the unique quiet of Alligator Point, and the underrated charm of Bald Point’s natural shoreline. Each feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite reasons to head toward the Gulf from Tallahassee.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
