HORSESHOE BEACH, FLORIDA

Horseshoe Beach, Florida is a small quiet village at the end of Dixie County Highway 351. It is located near the center of the Big Bend Coast.

It is 19 miles southwest of the almost as quiet town of Cross City located on US-98.

Aerial Photo Horseshoe Beach

The population of Horseshoe Beach is about 169, more or less. The name seems to be derived from the plentiful horseshoe crabs in the shallow waters around the area. 

Horseshoe Crab

These crabs are edible, usually baked or grilled, and people eat the orange-colored eggs inside.  I have never seen them on a Florida restaurant menu, however.

The crab's biggest value to humans seems to be in medical research and drug safety.  Its blood has a rare protein used by drug manufacturers to test their products.

The area around Horseshoe Beach was settled in the early 1800s by a lumbering company.  When the company ran out of timber to cut and mill they began to urge their employees to move out.

In 1935 the lumber interests sold their land to C.C. Douglas and Burton Butler for $324.  A good deal even back then.

Horseshoe Beach Buildings in 1987
Florida Memory, State Archives by David Nelson

These men offered the people who were then living there an even better deal:  for $10 they could buy the lot they were currently living on.

Many settlers stayed on and worked as fishermen.

The residents of the town got together in 1963 and went through the process of incorporating Horseshoe Beach.

Fishing Boats in Horseshoe Beach 1982
Florida Memory, State Archives by Mary Lou Norwood

Horseshoe Beach is an interesting mix of private residences, a few vacation condominiums, and other small businesses that serve the fishing, boating, and shrimping industries.

Cottage In Horseshoe Beach, Fl 2021

Many of the permanent residents are retired or engaged in the commercial fishing business.

Horsehoe Beach Marina

One of the largest and most essential businesses in this tiny village is the Horseshoe Beach Marina.  It is a full service operation with a boat lift and storage for boats and trailers.

The marina also has vacation rentals and RV sites.

Horseshoe Beach Condo
Tammy Bryan with Compass Realty

The village has at least one restaurant, two churches, a park on the waterfront, and a public library. 

It also boasts a small athletic field with areas for both basketball and baseball.

Docks at Horseshoe Beach

Horseshoe Beach is a great kick off place for kayaking, sport fishing, air boating, and just having a good time on the water.

HORSESHOE BEACH RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT

You might not expect to find a real good restaurant in a small place like Horseshoe Beach, so you will be surprised when you discover the Shrimp Boat. 

Dinner at the Shrimp Boat in Horseshoe Beach

The restaurant is owned and operated by Jill and Tyler Futch.  It serves locally caught seafood using delicious southern style recipes passed down from their family for generations.

THINGS TO DO IN HORSESHOE BEACH, FLORIDA

Horseshoe Beach Marina 
262 3rd Ave West, Horseshoe Beach, FL 32648 | (352) 498-5405 
 
I described the Marina as the heart of the town. Start your adventure at Horseshoe Beach Marina, where you can rent a boat or launch your own and set out for a day of fishing or exploring the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The marina is well-equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water, including bait, tackle, and expert advice on the best fishing spots. There’s a hardware store and gift shop, too.

It’s our favorite launching point for those looking to experience the joy of boating and fishing in one of Florida’s most beautiful coastal areas. Horseshoe Beach is known for its unparalleled scalloping (Mid-June to Labor Day).  

Shired Island Beach and Park Campground 
11072 SE Hwy 357, Old Town, FL 32680 | (352) 498-0009 
 
For a taste of unspoiled Florida beaches, head to Shired Island, located about 6 miles from Horseshoe Beach. This remote beach offers stunning views of the Gulf and excellent fishing opportunities. 

It has a peaceful county-owned campground if you wish to stay overnight. It’s a perfect spot for visitors seeking solitude and a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. 

Horseshoe Beach Library Park 
126 Main St, Horseshoe Beach, FL 32648 | (352) 498-0180 
 
Take a leisurely stroll through the Horseshoe Beach Library Park, a charming green space located in the heart of the community. The park features picturesque views of the surrounding area.

It makes it an ideal spot for picnicking, reading, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere. The library itself hosts the town’s history museum.   
 
Florida Cracker Shrimp & Bait Co. 
366 Main St, Horseshoe Beach, FL 32648 | (352) 210-2544. 
 
Florida Cracker Bait & Shrimp Co. offers a variety of live and frozen fishing bait as well as eating shrimp, along with a 24/7 self-serve ice machine. If they don't offer your bait needs now, just ask, and they'll do their best to get it in for you. 
 
The Shrimp Boat 
110 Co Rd 351 (Main St), Horseshoe Beach, FL 32648 | (352) 646-5794 
 
As discussed earlier on this page, The Shrimp Boat is a great place to eat. 
 
El Seas Fish Camp 
260 3rd Ave E, Horseshoe Beach, FL 32648 | (352) 440-2601 
 
El Sea's offers rustic accommodations, taking you back in time with traditional fish camp cabins with kitchenettes. It’s an affordable escape reminiscent of family summer trips in decades past. Dock space available. RV spots may also be available. 

Map of Horseshoe Beach

Take a look at the Google map above to get a feel for where things are in this unique little place.

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Most hotels that serve Horseshoe Beach are many miles away.  Take a look at private homes for rent at Vacation Rentals by Owner.