4 Things to Know Before Visiting Steinhatchee

Planning a trip to explore beautiful Steinhatchee, FL? Come on over — we’re sure you’ll love it! With its incredible fishing and natural beauty, there’s plenty to do in Steinhatchee all year long. But, just in case you need some ideas, we put together a list of what you should know before visiting our favorite hidden gem!

Old Florida

Did you know Steinhatchee is considered an Old Florida town? Located in Florida’s Big Bend region, this gorgeous fishing village is often known as “The Best Kept Secret in Florida”. 

But, what is Old Florida exactly? Mostly found in the northern parts of the state, Old Florida typically consists of small, quiet towns that focus on enjoying the outdoors. Plus, it’s a perfect getaway for those who would rather take a few days to relax and recharge instead of going with the hustle-and-bustle that other vacations may bring. If this is what you’d like to experience, Steinhatchee could be the perfect match for you. Read more about why Steinhatchee is a Hidden Charm of Old Florida in our blog here.

Best Places to Visit

Steinhatchee is an outdoorsman’s dream. This means you won’t find a shortage of activities to enjoy and sights to see! One of our favorite spots in town is Steinhatchee Falls, a rare waterfall in Florida. This peaceful escape can be a great spot to enjoy a picnic as you watch how the river turns into a three-foot waterfall.

Another family-friendly location near town is Hagens Cove Park, “a recreation area that provides panoramic views of the pine islands, unique natural beaches, and shallow bays off the Gulf of Mexico,” according to Natural North Florida. Some of the sights this park offers are truly second-to-none and we’re sure you’ll enjoy them!

Looking for a place to enjoy more outdoor activities? Steinhatchee Springs Wildlife Management Area could be great for your family if you want a day to enjoy hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, hiking, and biking. There truly is plenty to do and see outdoors in Steinhatchee, Florida.

Where to Get a Florida Fishing License

Although Steinhatchee is home to many incredible outdoor activities, fishing is definitely the best one and also its main industry. Whether you plan on scalloping, freshwater or saltwater fishing, you’ll first need a license.

Licenses and permits are available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, in person at a license agent or tax collector’s office or by calling toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356).

Best Outdoor Activities for Each Season

Depending on when you plan to visit Steinhatchee, our small town has great activities the whole family can enjoy all year long. These are some of our personal favorites, but definitely don’t complete the list of all the fun there is to be had in and around Steinhatchee. 

Spring

During the spring, you can head upstream from the tiny fishing village. You’ll discover the Steinhatchee River provides great opportunities for the canoeist, kayaker and stand-up paddleboarder. Don’t own any one of these? No worries! There are plenty of places around town including Steinhatchee River Club that offer you a variety of options to rent. Personally we think our glass bottom kayaks offer some of the most unique underwater views.

Summer

Nothing beats the excitement that comes along with scalloping season during the summer in Steinhatchee! It’s actually the busiest time of year for the town since it’s a popular stop for fishermen from not only around the state, but the country. 

If scalloping is something you’ve always wanted to try or you just want to brush up on the basics, you’ve come to the right place. Known as one of the state’s best scallop grounds due to its location on the banks of freshwater rivers that flow into the ocean, it creates a perfect blend of salt and freshwater that help scallops thrive. 

Even though Florida’s scallop harvesting season is relatively short, it can last from June 15 through Labor Day in Steinhatchee. It’s a great family friendly activity we’re sure you’ll love. 

Fall

Since Florida is known for its warm weather, it’s consistently one of the most visited locations in the country. While most tourists take advantage of the summer to visit, fall is really the perfect time for fishermen to enjoy Steinhatchee. Why? “Perfect weather conditions mixed with an ideal fishing environment make for a tremendous opportunity to catch fish that any angler would love to bring home,” according to one of our most recent blogs. 

During the fall, the water cools down, which causes fish to head towards the shallow grass flats where temperatures tend to stay somewhere between the mid 70s to low 80s. This makes for a great opportunity for fishermen to reel in some impressive catches.

Winter

If we’re not out fishing, one of our favorite things to recommend to do during the cooler months is to “break out the hiking boots and explore one of the many trails that meander beneath the live oaks and Spanish moss,” according to Visit Florida. The cooler weather actually makes for one of the best times of the year to enjoy hiking.

Visit Steinhatchee River Club

Excited to enjoy the great outdoors in Steinhatchee, Florida? Take advantage of all that it has to offer when you stay with us. Not only can you enjoy our new cabins surrounded by natural scenery, but you can rent a boat or kayak for all your adventures out on the water. Plus, you could have the chance to bring in the best catch! Don’t miss out on the best kept secret in Florida and make a reservation with Steinhatchee River Club today. Click here to learn more.