Welcome to Steinhatchee—that’s STEEN-hatchee to you
You’ve never experienced small-town life like this. Steinhatchee (pronounced steen-hatchee) is a hidden gem along the Gulf Coast of Taylor County. The quaint fishing village overlooks the waters of Deadman Bay. With approximately 1,200 residents at any given time, life here is serene—reason enough alone to book a Steinhatchee vacation rental. The town offers the basic luxuries of modern life in an old-world setting that locals value for its idyllic scenery and friendly community. Here, everyone really does know you by name.
Little house on the Steinhatchee
If you want to delve into Steinhatchee’s fascinating past, you won’t have to look far. The Steinhatchie “Little House” is quite literally a little library, packed with interesting reads about the village history. If you love old-world architecture, you’ll appreciate the impressively maintained Victorian homes that line the waterfront. The full-service Sea Hag Marina, located on the Steinhatchee River, is worth a look for the gorgeous boats floating alongside the dock.
In Steinhatchee, it’s merry maritime all the time
When in Steinhatchee, do as the locals do: grab your fishing pole and head straight for the water. Maritime living is huge here. Be prepared to snorkel, dive, and dig for bay scallops. Make like a real local and head to the back roads, where horseback riding is a common activity. If you’re more of a landlubber, look up—bird watching is also a big deal here, and you’ll spot everything from blue herons to swallow-tailed kites. Enjoy a self-guided bike tour along the Steinhatchee River, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins near the mouth of the river. There are events galore in Steinhatchee, too: celebrate Independence Day, join the Fiddler Crab Festival, and enjoy holiday boat parades.
The wondrous waters of Steinhatchee
The real star of the show in Steinhatchee is the marvelous environment. The shimmering waters of the Steinhatchee River offer countless selfie opportunities. If you’re sticking to the land, you’ll encounter some of the most impressive trails in the entire region. The forests are dense in pine, magnolia, and oak trees. As you head south along the river, expect an increase in marine life—and even some wildlife along the moss-covered trees at the marshy shoreline. Situated between Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach lies Big Grass Island, whose shallow waters provide easy access to picnic-friendly land. Hagen's Cove is a hidden treasure where locals go to bird watch, check out the sunset, and sit in complete solitude.