Where
Shell Point Beach is located at 117 Beaty Taff Drive, Crawfordville, FL 32327.
Vibe
Sleepy nugget of paradise for fishermen and families.
This welcoming, off-the-grid beach is an uncrowded place to enjoy nature and kick back, offering perks like free parking, restrooms and showers. Here, you’ll see toddlers wading or perched on floaties with mom or dad dutifully watching; fishermen casting from shore; and pelicans diving into the surf in search of a meal. The park is beloved by dolphins, who often make appearances just offshore.
See, feel
Shell Point Beach promises 785 of beach along Apalachee Bay, laden with white sand peppered with shells. The blue-green water is usually motionless, and it’s only knee-deep 100 feet out, making it inviting for the most-timid beach bunny. Consider beach shoes to protect your toes from the numerous broken shells. The beach is natural, so expect some potential seaweed.
While the water is usually calm, winds, tides and offshore systems can occasionally cause rough conditions.
On or near the beach
Wade in the surf or go for a swim; work on your tan; or search the sand for a seashell to bring home as a souvenir. Birders will be thrilled by the feathered friends cruising through on their way to St. Marks National Wildlife Reserve, like migrating Merlin and Peregrine Falcon. Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, the park is home to small flocks of Short-billed Dowitcher, Dunlin, Willet, Marbled Godwit, Black Skimmer and Sanderling and other species.
Savvy anglers know that trout, reds and sheepshead hang out around the bars and in the holes near the beach, but that kayaking will increase your odds of a catch.
Feel like moving? Up the adventure with a windsurfing expedition: Shell Point Sailboard Club offers free windsurfing lessons to the public at Shell Point Beach. Or grab your buddies for an impromptu volleyball match.
Refuel with a picnic under the shade of a pavilion.
Accessibility
There are no accessible amenities at Shell Point.
Facilities
Amenities at Shell Point include restrooms and showers; large and small pavilions (available to rent/reserve, otherwise first come); a playground; volleyball court; kayak launch; and mobile food concession space. The Shell Point boat ramp is nearby.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
Shell Point offers 82 free parking spaces, but no ADA parking.
