Beaches Near Tallahassee, Florida

1. Cape San Blas

• Where is Cape San Blas located?
  • Cape San Blas is one of the best day-trip vacation spots near Tallahassee, located along the St. Joseph Peninsula, approximately 10 miles from the town of Port St. Joe.
• What historical significance does Cape San Blas have?
  • The cape was formerly used as a Confederate Saltworks facility during the American Civil War.
• What is special about the beach at Cape San Blas?
  • It is home to Dr. Beach's best beach of 2002, located within the beautiful T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
• What activities can visitors enjoy at Cape San Blas?
  • Miles of pristine white sands attract swimmers, snorkelers, and sunbathers throughout the year, with expansive stretches of high sand dunes and pine scrub for kayakers and canoers to observe from the water.
• What other outdoor activities are available?
  • Fishing, hiking, cycling, and birdwatching are also common activities at Cape San Blas, which is home to more than 240 native and migratory bird species.
• What historic attractions can be found at Cape San Blas?
  • One of the main historic attractions is the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, constructed in 1883.
• Are there accommodations and dining options?
  • Pet-friendly vacation rentals are available for overnight stays, and a number of family-operated restaurants serve up some of the area's best fresh seafood dishes.

8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, Phone: 850-227-1327, Map

2. Carrabelle Beach

• Where is Carrabelle Beach located?
  • Carrabelle Beach is a delightful white sand beach located directly west of the city of Carrabelle, which is easily accessible from Tallahassee via U.S. Highway 98.
• Why is Carrabelle Beach popular among families?
  • The beach is a popular family-friendly summer spot due to its shielding from strong gulf currents by the barrier island Dog Island, creating calm water conditions for young ones to wade and swim safely.
• Does Carrabelle Beach get crowded?
  • Though the beach's center portion can get quite crowded during the summer months, ample space is usually found along its outer portions even at peak times.
• What wildlife can be spotted at Carrabelle Beach?
  • Beachgoers can spot dolphins and shorebirds from the beach's shores throughout the year, with large populations of migratory birds frequenting the beach during the spring and autumn months.
• Are there amenities for visitors?
  • Picnic shelters with barbecue grills are available for visitor day use, along with restroom facilities and outdoor showers.
• What nearby attractions can visitors explore?
  • Nearby, the Crooked River Lighthouse and Museum preserves the area's maritime history, while Old Carrabelle Beach offers spectacular romantic sunrise and sunset views and prime fishing conditions.
• Where can I find a map of Carrabelle Beach?
  • Click here to view the map.

3. Grayton Beach State Park

• Where is Grayton Beach State Park located?
  • Grayton Beach State Park is a lovely Florida state park spanning 2,200 acres, located near the unincorporated community of Grayton Beach, approximately two and a half hours from Tallahassee's city center.
• When was Grayton Beach State Park opened to the public?
  • The park was opened to the public in 1968 and is one of the state's most popular park facilities.
• What natural features does the park preserve?
  • Grayton Beach State Park preserves the state's second-largest coastal dune lake, Western Lake.
• What recreational activities are available at Grayton Beach?
  • Some of the United States' most pristine beachfront areas offer crystal-white sands, clear turquoise waters, and excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
• What water activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Kayaking, canoeing, and boating are popular throughout the warmer months, offering unparalleled views of salt marsh and sea oat dune habitats on the shore.
• Are there hiking and wildlife watching opportunities?
  • Yes! Visitors can also enjoy hiking and wildlife watching opportunities in the park's interior.
• Are overnight accommodations available?
  • Overnight cabin rentals are available at the park's second unit, located one mile west of the main unit.

357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, Phone: 850-267-8300, Map

4. Panama City Beach

• Where is Panama City Beach located?
  • Panama City Beach is a charming beachfront town in Bay County, located approximately two and a half hours east of Tallahassee on the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico waterfront.
• What makes Panama City Beach special?
  • The popular resort area claims to be home to the "World's Most Beautiful Beaches," offering more than 27 miles of stunning white sand beaches throughout its greater urban area.
• What are the swimming conditions like?
  • Calm, clear waters make for excellent swimming conditions, with opportunities offered throughout the year for water sports such as parasailing, boating, and diving.
• What outdoor activities are available in nearby parks?
  • Canoeing, fishing, and biking are popular at the protected nature reserve St. Andrews State Park, while ecotourism opportunities abound at the 185-acre Camp Helen State Park.
• What dining and shopping options are available in Panama City Beach?
  • Within the town center, tourists can dine at nightlife institutions such as Schooner's Last Local Beach Club or shop at the eclectic Pier Park open-air retail complex.
• What attractions can be found at Pier Park?
  • Pier Park is home to attractions such as an IMAX theater and an XD Darkride Experience.
• Where can I find a map of Panama City Beach?
  • Click here to view the map.

5. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

• What is St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge?
  • St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is one of the United States' oldest wildlife refuges, originally established in 1931 as a protected wintering ground habitat for migratory bird species.
• How large is the refuge, and where is it located?
  • It spans more than 68,000 acres throughout Taylor, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties, featuring saltwater marsh, tidal creek, and estuary habitats along seven northern river systems in Florida.
• Does the refuge have access to the Gulf of Mexico?
  • Yes! Over 43 miles of beautiful Gulf of Mexico beachfront are offered throughout the refuge.
• What activities are available for visitors?
  • The refuge offers access ramps for kayakers and boaters and designated areas for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
• Are there hiking and biking trails in the refuge?
  • Yes! Miles of hiking and biking trails span the refuge, including a trail along a former railroad corridor that connects to the nearby town of St. Marks.
• What wildlife can visitors observe at the refuge?
  • Visitors can observe a wide range of native and migratory bird species throughout the refuge.
• What historic site can visitors explore?
  • The refuge is home to the St. Marks Lighthouse, Florida's second-oldest historic lighthouse.
• What facilities are available at the visitor center?
  • The park's visitor center houses a bookstore, an education building, and offers activities organized by the refuge's active photography club.

PO Box 368, St. Marks, FL 32355, Phone: 850-925-6121, Map

6. Dog Island

• What is Dog Island?
  • A jewel of Tallahassee, Dog Island is a beloved barrier island known for its beautifully kept white sand beaches.
• How big is Dog Island?
  • Dog Island spans 1,842 acres of beach, is roughly 6.5 miles long, and nearly a mile wide.
• What activities can visitors enjoy on Dog Island?
  • It is an ideal beach-picnic location, a fantastic recreational boating hub, and is great for shelling, crabbing, and even shore fishing.
• Is Dog Island a residential area?
  • Though the island is mostly composed of vacation homes and rentals, there is also a small community of full-time residents that make the community welcoming and vibrant.
• How do visitors get to Dog Island?
  • For first-time visitors, the best way to enjoy the island is by boat or airplane.
• Are there tourist amenities on Dog Island?
  • For a convenient stay, book a vacation rental if possible, as there are generally no tourist amenities on the island.

Franklin County, Tallahassee, Florida

7. Keaton Beach

• What is Keaton Beach?
  • One of the best ways to describe Keaton Beach is as “a diamond in the rough.” Situated on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico, Keaton Beach remains largely untouched by developments and private entities.
• What makes Keaton Beach unique?
  • Keaton Beach is dotted with natural beach flora and doesn’t have the typical look of a Florida beach, making it a fantastic place to visit for its stunning sunset, mild weather, and sandy beachfront.
• Where is Keaton Beach located?
  • Keaton Beach serves as the primary public beach of Taylor County, Florida.
• What amenities does Keaton Beach offer?
  • The beach is home to a local pier as well as Hodges Park, a local children’s play area.
• Where can I find a map of Keaton Beach?
  • Click here to view the map.

8. Bald Point State Park Near Tallahassee, FL

• Where is Bald Point State Park located?
  • Bald Point State Park is the closest beach to downtown Tallahassee, located at Alligator Point on the Ochlockonee River near U.S. Highway 98.
• What wildlife can be found at Bald Point State Park?
  • The state park is a popular wildlife watching area, home to a wide variety of wading and shorebird species, including bald eagles and other migrating raptor species.
• Are there swimming beaches at the park?
  • Yes! Two public-access swimming beaches are offered along Apalachee Bay, which are popular spots for kayaking, canoeing, and windsurfing throughout the summer months.
• Is Bald Point State Park a good fishing spot?
  • Yes! The park is a top spot for fishing in the Tallahassee area, offering a fishing dock and an area for shoreline fishing.
• Does the park have hiking trails?
  • Yes! Nature trails meander through the park's 4,065 picturesque acres of natural habitat.
• Are there picnic areas available?
  • Yes! The park has picnic areas available for relaxing and observing the scenery.

146 Box Cut Rd, Alligator Point, FL 32346, Phone: 850-349-9146, Map