What to Do in Dixie County, Florida: Outdoor Adventures on the Nature Coast

Along Florida’s Nature Coast, Dixie County is the kind of place where the outdoors are the main attraction. If you love fishing, paddling, wildlife watching, or quiet stretches of Old Florida, this is the right place for you.



Person fishing from a small boat on a calm blue lake with a distant shoreline.

Go Fishing on the Suwannee River or the Gulf

Located at the confluence of the Suwannee River and the Gulf of Mexico, Dixie County gives anglers access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing in the same trip. From Old Town to Suwannee, you can cast for redfish, trout, bass, and flounder, with plenty of shoreline access, boat launches, and waterways to explore. If you’d rather head out with a guide, charter trips operate out of Horseshoe Beach and Suwannee, making it easy to get on the water whether you have your own boat or not.


A snorkeler smiles while holding up a bag of scallops in calm open water

Go Scalloping Off Horseshoe Beach

Every summer, Dixie County becomes one of the best scalloping destinations in Florida. The Gulf waters off Horseshoe Beach and nearby Steinhatchee are teeming with bay scallops from July through September. All you need is a snorkel, a mesh bag, and a Florida saltwater fishing license. It’s a family-friendly way to spend the day on the water, with just enough of a treasure-hunt feel to make it fun for all ages.



Kayaker in a yellow kayak on calm water, seen from a blue kayak near a tropical shoreline under cloudy sky

Kayak or Paddle the Suwannee River

If you're looking for a more adventurous way to explore Dixie County, the Suwannee River and its winding tributaries are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Launch near Old Town and paddle through cypress-lined banks, past wildlife, and under canopies of Spanish moss. The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge also offers paddling trails through tidal marshes where you might spot manatees, dolphins, and hundreds of bird species. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to experience the beauty of Dixie County.


Calm dark river flowing through dense green forest under bright daylight

Explore the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

For wildlife lovers, the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is well worth the stop. Covering more than 53,000 acres, it is one of the largest undeveloped river delta-estuarine systems in the United States. You can explore it by boat, kayak, or along the scenic Nature Drive. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer. It’s an incredible place to spend a quiet morning taking in the natural beauty of Dixie County.


Steak dinner with shrimp and sides on a white plate, garnished with parsley and a purple orchid.

Where to Stay and Eat in Dixie County

After a full day of exploring, you'll probably be ready for a good meal and a place to rest and recharge. For lodging, the historic Putnam Lodge in Cross City, FL offers a unique stay with its 1920s architecture and cozy rooms. If you'd prefer to be closer to the water, there are plenty of vacation rentals and RV parks in Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach.


Whether you're in the mood for a nice steak dinner or something a little more casual, Dixie County has options. The 1927 Steak House at Putnam Lodge offers a more elevated dining experience, while Cypress Inn Restaurant in Cross City is known for their home-style meals. If seafood is on your list, you’ll of course find plenty of fresh local options throughout the county.


From paddling the Suwannee to scalloping off Horseshoe Beach, Dixie County offers plenty of ways to experience Florida’s Nature Coast. So pack your bags, grab your fishing rod, and come see what the Nature Coast is all about!