Keaton Beach is a veritable metropolis. Just two miles south of Dekle, the village is roughly three blocks wide and five blocks long, but that’s enough room for a marina and store, and a boat launch,. At the end of the road leading into town, waterfront Hodges Park has a few retro cool picnic pavilions, a playground, and a small beach (all a little weather-beaten following Hurricane Hermine).
One of many fringe benefits of the lack of coastal development is the popularity of scalloping. Here, as in neighboring Dixie County, visitors can harvest scallops at Keaton Beach, Hagen’s Cove, and Steinhatchee between July 1 and Sept. 10. A saltwater fishing license, available at any marina store, is the first step to fresh seafood. After that, a snorkel, mask, water shoes, and a mesh bag (to hold your catch) is the gear you’ll need to search for scallops in the shallow waters.