One Of Florida's Best-Kept Secrets Is A Gorgeous Riverside Village With Coastal Charm

Florida is often celebrated for its bustling coastal hubs, where visitors crowd the sandy shores. However, did you know that hidden away from the crowds are timeless villages with beautiful scenery and culture? Steinhatchee, tucked away on Florida's Big Bend coast, is one of the most overlooked Florida beach towns. With about 1,000 residents, this tiny riverside village thrives on its connection to the Gulf of Mexico and the Steinhatchee River.

Situated along the Gulf of Mexico in Taylor County, this coastal village sits along the banks of the Steinhatchee River, which flows directly into the Gulf. While it lacks the sprawling resorts found in some of the best Florida beaches or towns, you will get the authentic experience of Old Florida. Steinhatchee's history is rooted in both the river and the Gulf. The natives first lived along its banks, depending on the estuary's abundance of fish and shellfish. By the 1800s, the natives had started a thriving timber and fishing business, shipping cedar upriver and seafood to Gulf towns. While you won't find any cedar mills today, the seafood culture is still ingrained in the town with annual festivals like the Fiddler Crab Festival to keep it alive.

One of Steinhatchee's must-try experiences is scalloping. Each summer from late June to early September, families flock to shallow seagrass beds of the Gulf where bay scallops hide. Unlike traditional fishing, scalloping feels like an underwater treasure hunt. With just a mask, snorkel, and fins, you can float above the clear waters and spot bay scallops in the grass. You'll find local marinas and charter services that provide boats, gear, and guidance, making scalloping fun even for first-timers. Once you collect the scallops, restaurants in town such as Fiddler's Restaurant will cook your catch, turning your adventure into a fresh seafood feast.

If you prefer traditional fishing, the Steinhatchee River is one of Florida's top fishing destinations, where anglers come to fish. Whether casting from the docks, wading into the shallows, or heading out with a charter captain, there's something for every fishing enthusiast. The river and the Gulf waters are filled with Spanish mackerel, trout, redfish, and bluefish that'll be sure to wow any of your fishing buddies back home. For those who want a quieter way to explore, paddleboarding on the Steinhatchee River is its own adventure. The calm waters are great for beginners, and still exciting for seasoned paddlers who want to drift into hidden coves or venture out towards the Gulf. Along the way, you might spot dolphins and osprey soaring overhead. Unlike busier Florida waterways, you won't compete with boat traffic. For hikers, the area is also home to some of the best hikes in the world to put on your bucket list, such as the 155-mile Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail and the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Steinhatchee isn't your typical Florida beach town. This village has coastal charm with the Old Florida scenery of cottages, seafood shacks, and family-run marinas dotting the coast. You will find local shops with local art and handcrafted souvenirs. Dining in Steinhatchee is also exciting, with waterfront eateries offering delicious dishes from just-caught grouper sandwiches to hush puppies and Southern-style seafood. Many spots overlook the river, giving you front-row views of fishing boats coming in with their daily catch while the sun sets. You can enjoy a meal at Kathi's Krab Shack, popular for its fried seafood platters, including scallops served with hush puppies. Fiddler's Restaurant & Resort has a large riverfront deck where you can savour scallops, Gulf shrimp, and oysters while watching the sun set over the docks.

The accessibility to the river and the Gulf makes Steinhatchee enchanting. You can explore the river shaded by ancient oaks, then head to the Gulf. This ensures you enjoy the inland beauty blended with coastal vistas. As you explore the Gulf waters, avoid the world's busiest beaches by visiting this underrated one instead – Hagens Cove Beach. Its shallow and calm waters are great for swimming and wading for both kids and adults, while the pavilions are great for enjoying a delightful picnic by the shore.