STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA

Steinhatchee, Florida,  is an unincorporated community in Taylor County on the Gulf at the southern end of State Road 51. This coastal area is known as Florida's Big Bend coast.

The first syllable of this place rhymes with bean as in Mr. Bean. 

This small town is a fishing village of about 1,000 people on the north side of the Steinhatchee River and is about 70 miles west of Gainesville - 1.5 hours by car.

The even smaller village of Jena is across the river from Steinhatchee, and is usually included when folks talk about Steinhatchee.

These quiet towns have a combined post office and Jena is actually in Dixie County. 

The Steinhatchee River is one of Florida's most unspoiled waterways.

Fishing is the big industry in town.  Saltwater fishing is an important activity for both commercial and sport fishermen.

There is also good fishing in the fresh water of the river.

The town celebrates its seafood heritage each February with the Fiddler Crab Festival.

STEINHATCHEE IS A SCALLOPER'S HEAVEN

The Gulf shallows are abundant with bay scallops, stone crabs and blue crabs.  People come from all over to snorkel for scallops during the Florida scalloping season.    

The Steinhatchee River is famous for its large population of trout and redfish.

The surrounding area of wild land around Steinhatchee and Jena are teeming with alligators, panthers, hogs, turkeys and all kinds of shore birds.

Many artists spend time in Steinhatchee to capture images of the Old Florida town and the surrounding wildlife.

The nearby 20,909 acre Steinhatchee Springs Wildlife Management Area is a great place for wildlife viewing.

The town has many Victorian homes along the river, and it is a good walking and biking town.

Up the river from the village is Steinhatchee Falls. The falls can be visited by hiking on the 3.3 mile long Steinhatchee Trail. 

The falls are the spot where General Andrew Jackson supposedly crossed with his army in pursuit of the Native American Seminoles in the early history of Florida.  

There is a picnic area and it's a great location for picnics and swimming.

There are a lot of charming Old Florida style places to stay in Steinhatchee. 

It's a great place to spend a laid back weekend or longer.  You can fish, explore, cycle or just chill out.  It's a unique place.

This drone video will give you an idea of what the village looks like to a seagull flying above.

RECOMMENDED STEINHATCHEE LODGING

Steinhatchee River Inn, 1111 Riverside Dr, Steinhatchee, FL 32359. 352-498-4049.  17 suites, 6 of them with full kitchens.  Close to everything, across the street from the river.

Steinhatchee River Club, 5800 SW Highway 358, Steinhatchee, FL 32539. 352-498-3222.  Standard rooms and cabins along with RV parking and boat rentals.

Good Times Motel and Marina, 7022 Hwy 358, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 . 352-498-8088.  Standard rooms, kitchenette rooms, cabins and sometimes a boat slip comes with your room.  Right on the river.

Sea Hag Marina and Cottages, 322 Riverside Drive, Steinhatchee, FL 32359. 352-498-3008 .  Five rooms at the marina and a bunch of neat little cottages across the street, most of them named after local fish.

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RECOMMENDED STEINHATCHEE RESTAURANT

Kathi's Krab Shack
202 15th Street E
Steinhatchee, FL 32359
Tel: 352-498-0605

Kathi's Krab Shack is one of Steinhatchee's most popular places.  The clientele is a great mix of locals and tourists. The food is described as "farm to table", and the food is certainly fresh.

READ MORE ABOUT KATHI'S KRAB SHACK

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2 — Diners, Drive-ins & DeSantis

Stone Crabs and more at Kathi's Krab Shack

Steinhatchee, FL pic.twitter.com/OINKjJwKoa

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 27, 2026

THINGS TO DO IN STEINHATCHEE, FLORIDA

Steinhatchee Falls - 1000 Falls Dr, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 - A picturesque waterfall located in a serene natural setting. Visitors can hike, swim, and take in the stunning views of the falls.

Sea Hag Marina - 322 Riverside Dr, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 - A popular marina where visitors can rent boats, book fishing charters, or simply enjoy a meal at the waterfront restaurant. The marina also offers a variety of amenities and services for boaters.

Steinhatchee Landing Resort - 228 E Royal Oak Dr, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 - A family-friendly resort featuring rustic cabins and modern villas, a swimming pool, and a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and biking.

Good Times Motel and Marina - 7022 SW Riverside Dr, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 - A waterfront motel and marina offering comfortable accommodations and a range of water-based activities, such as fishing and boating.

Big Bend Wildlife Management Area - CR 361, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 - A vast wildlife preserve featuring hiking trails, hunting opportunities, and scenic views of the natural beauty of Florida's Big Bend region. Visitors can observe various species of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and alligators.

City of Hawkinsville is a submerged paddlewheel steamboat in the Suwannee River near Old Town, less than 30 miles away. It’s a Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve, the state’s third, and a Florida Heritage site.

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