Best Beaches Near Tallahassee, Florida
Searching for the best beaches near Tallahassee, Florida to visit on your next day trip or vacation? Well, you are in the right place! First things first, when most people think of Tallahassee, they picture antebellum mansions and high rises. But just near by there are so many underrated beaches that are like stepping into a different world.
Though if I’m honest, I think the best part is the variety. I always use this as an excuse to return! Now, first things first, there are heaps of choices. This is exactly why I decided to share my favorite coastal stops near Tallahassee. You can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own vacation. This guide has my personally vetted favorites we visited on our recent four week Florida road trip that I think you’ll enjoy them too.
I ranked the best beaches near Tallahassee based on my subjective preference. I tend to seek out more natural spots but sometimes busy beaches can be fun to visit too. Honestly, all of these beaches deserve the #1 spot! But if you want only the closest beaches to Tallahassee, you can easily see the driving times in my convenient drop down menu just below.
- Cape San Blas - 2 hours 10 minutes from Tallahassee
- Carrabelle Beach - 1 hour 15 minutes from Tallahassee
- Dog Island - 2.5 hours from Tallahassee (with boat)
- Panama City Beach - 2 hours 10 minutes from Tallahassee
- Bald Point State Park - 50 min from Tallahassee
- Grayton Beach State Park - 2 hours 20 minutes from Tallahassee
- Keaton Beach - 1 hour 20 minutes from Tallahassee
- St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - 30 minutes from Tallahassee
- St. George Island - 1 hour 40 minutes from Tallahassee
- Wakulla Beach - 40 minutes from Tallahassee
Cape San Blas - 2 hours 10 minutes from Tallahassee
I loved that this area has avoided development. You won’t find high-rise resorts or even boardwalks here. The first time we visited Cape San Blas, I was completely struck by how untouched it felt compared to other Florida beaches. Snorkeling here was my favorite highlight (see my photo!)
We drove on the Forgotten Coast two hours southeast of Tallahassee to Cape San Blas (Google Maps pin).
Now, first things first, I learned that "Cape San Blas" means "Cape Saint Blaise," named after Saint Blaise. He was a physician and Catholic saint. This area was named for him because it was believed Cape San Blas had healing properties. Personally, I think that perhaps the peaceful beaches here are healing indeed!
What you need to know is that Cape San Blas offers several beach access points. Beaches here are incredibly beautiful so where you head first comes down to personal preference. But definitely plan to relax on the beach first. That's what you are here for! Key access points include Stump Hole, Cape Palms Park, and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park .
If this is your first time and you have kids, I recommend Salinas Park as your first stop. Salinas Park offers beach and bay access, playgrounds, pickleball, and picnic areas.
On the other hand, if you crave solitude, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is be best for you! It actually stretched 20 miles into the blue waters of the Gulf. There are habitats for beach nesting birds and sea turtles. Walk carefully not to disturb them.
If you are feeling active and want to explore beyond the beach, there are heaps of unique tours with a local guide on offer. They are highly focused on nature. We've found that kayaking tours through the bay are a fantastic way to spot wildlife like manatees and shorebirds. Fishing charters are popular for both beginners and experienced anglers. During scallop season, guided scalloping trips are a very local experience.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was exploring T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park at the cape’s tip. Seeing heaps of towering dunes was incredible. You follow the hiking trails through coastal scrub!
I like that there are places to stay nearby. 3-star Cape San Blas Inn (from $334/night) is a solid choice.
Carrabelle Beach - 1 hour 15 minutes from Tallahassee
Chris and I both absolutely love Carrabelle Beach, and have been many times. It's just east of Apalachicola along the Forgotten Coast. We drove one hour by car from our last road trip stop in Cape San Blas (Google Maps pin).
I absolutely adored Carrabelle Beach. It's broad and flat. The sand is incredibly soft and white sand. Shallow waters that make it one of the best beaches near Tallahassee for families.
History buffs will be interested in learning that Carrabelle Beach was once used as a training ground for soldiers heading to Normandy during World War II.
What I loved best:
A short drive away, visiting the town of Carrabelle was my personal highlight. There is a small marina, fishing charters, and seafood shacks serving freshly caught Gulf shrimp.
My personal highlight was an amazing Fried Pork Chop at The Fisherman’s Wife Seafood Restaurant where are refueled for lunch.
Vacation Tip:
Right across the road from Carrabelle Beach is the family-friendly Carrabelle Beach RV Resort if you want to stay overnight just steps from the sand.
Dog Island - 2.5 hours from Tallahassee (with boat)
Looking for a beach experience that feels totally disconnected from the usual tourist stop? Read on! On our road trip near Tallahassee, we discovered one of the most untouched barrier islands on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Take a look at Dog Island Google Maps pin, a super unique side trip off the coast of Carrabelle.
You can access it only by boat or small plane. We found a 4-hour boat tour that takes you to the island for $600. To me it was worth it, but it does add extra cost to the trip if you decide to go for it. We were struck by the solitude there and I instantly thought our journey was worth it! We found shells, driftwood, and heaps of dunes. It was so cool to see no high-rises or shops. Raw nature on Dog Island completely won me over. The island is a super vital stop for migratory birds.
Since there are no hotels, you need to return to Carrabelle at the end of the day.
Panama City Beach - 2 hours 10 minutes from Tallahassee
This is one of my favorite spots on the Florida Gulf Coast. It has super soft sand and heaps of things to do near the beach. It's a famous beach on the Gulf Coast. The drive from Tallahassee is 2.5 hours. The 27 miles of sugar-white sand are truly impressive.
You can swim in the warm Gulf waters, stroll in the Pier Park boardwalk, and pop over to the Russell-Fields Pier. The pier is Insta-worthy and extends 1,500 feet into the Gulf! All these diverse offerings are why I think Panama City Beach is one of the best beaches Near Tallahassee.
You can also take a short boat ride out to Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island with seashells scattered across miles of sand.
What I loved best:
My favorite highlight was our stop at St. Andrews State Park on the eastern edge of town. Heaps of protected dunes and the calm lagoon made it one of the quietest spots on our road trip.
3-star Hyatt Place Panama City Beach has comfortable rooms if you decide to spend the night.
Dinner at Captain Anderson’s Restaurant capped off the day, with Grouper Marsala ($28) served in a warm setting that made us feel right at home.
Heads up, though, Panama City Beach can get crowded on weekends. parking can be a challenge! So I recommend getting to the beach early!
Bald Point State Park - 50 min from Tallahassee
On a quiet peninsula where the Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay, I found one of the most peaceful corners of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
We arrived in the morning and started with a walk along the scenic boardwalks. The boardwalks wind through salt marshes where herons and egrets live. Once here, you can also see bald eagles and ospreys flying overhead.
After we walked, we relaxed on the long beach. It was sandy and secluded.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was seeing thousands of monarch butterflies in the fall. The butterflies stop here on their migration route.
The best place to stay nearby is 4.5-star St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort.
Grayton Beach State Park - 2 hours 20 minutes from Tallahassee
As we were driving on Florida’s famed Scenic Highway 30A, we stumbled on one of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast.
What I loved most about Grayton Beach was the unbelievably soft sand here. The beach is mile-long. Plus, the Gulf water was emerald-green. I was also impressed that the setting feels so pristine not far from South Walton.
We stayed in a rustic cabin in the park. You have to really book far in advance if you want one! The cabin was just a short walk from the beach.
My days started with a swim and ended with a sunset. I only wished we could have stayed longer!
While visiting Grayton Beach State Park, I learned that the rare coastal dune lakes at Grayton Beach are found in only a few places on Earth! I'm glad that the area is being so well cared for. There are four miles of nature trails you can walk on.
What I loved best:
Just outside the state park, the quirky Grayton Beach town added to the ambiance. We stopped to enjoy the artsy shops, live music, and cafés. You can also find a vacation rental here for a few days if the affordable park cabins are sold out.
Keaton Beach - 1 hour 20 minutes from Tallahassee
This quiet little community perfectly embodies the charm of the “Forgotten Coast”, a true standout! Keaton Beach is situated on Florida’s Big Bend coastline. It's a welcoming place with a small sandy beach.
We checked into Steinhatchee River Inn and Marina (from $139/night) over-night. We spend most of the time relaxing on the beach. However, if you fancy exerting yourself, you can explore marshes and tidal creeks in a kayak.
When I told my mom about our stop later, she said that Keaton is best known as a fishing (and scalloping) destination.
What I loved best:
At sunset, the pier was the perfect place for me. Locals gathered with fishing poles. We watched as the sky turned a spectacular blend of orange and violet over the Gulf. So simple and unforgettable.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge - 30 minutes from Tallahassee
This was hands down one of the wildest and most beautiful places I’ve visited along Florida’s Big Bend. That's why I think it's one of the best beaches near Tallahassee.
I learned that it was founded in 1931. So it's actually one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country.
We started our visit at the St. Marks Lighthouse. This historic structure is very old old. It was built in 1831 at the edge of Apalachee Bay.
The refuge is famous for birdwatching, especially during migrations. Apparently tens of thousands of ducks, geese, and raptors pass through in the fall and spring.
What I loved best:
The solitude was incredible. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge was Florida in its purest form.
St. George Island - 1 hour 40 minutes from Tallahassee
This is one of my favorite places to escape when I want laid-back beach time! Stretching for about 28 miles along Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” this island is a secret paradise.
That being said, to reach St. George Island, you can drive across the bridge from Eastpoint. I love that a bridge connects the island to the mainland so that you don't have to worry about a ferry.
We drove from our home base in Tallahassee and we stayed at St George Inn two nights.
But, first things first, the beaches in St. George Island are soft and white. Life gets simpler here if you let it. You can go on barefoot walks, look for shells, or simply lounge on the beach.
For me, one of the best experiences was exploring St. George Island State Park. You'll find it on the island’s eastern end. You can follow the trails that lead through heaps and heaps of dunes. The walk takes you past marshes, and pine forests. Spotting herons and osprey along the way is a must!
What I loved best:
Enjoying the islands secluded beaches was my favorite highlight.
Wakulla Beach - 40 minutes from Tallahassee
Ready for a beach experience that feels completely different from the usual? Located within the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Wakulla Beach felt like one of Florida’s last true secrets.
I think it's one of the best coastal stops near Tallahassee. It's also one of the closest, just 40 minutes by car from the city.
The reason it's my last pick is just because swimming isn't the best here. The water here is, suited for wading, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Wakulla Beach is an amazing place for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers.
There are no amenities, so you’ll want to pack a picnic lunch (or at least a good snack) and bring plenty of water. But that simplicity is exactly what makes Wakulla Beach so special. It’s Florida’s wild coast, untouched and serene.
What I loved best:
For me, Wakulla Beach is one of the best beaches near Tallahassee because it's so natural!
Unlike other bustling Gulf beaches, this little beach is quiet, a real standout!
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
