Perry · Florida · USA
Keaton Beach
You'll park beside pickup trucks still dripping with cooler melt, walk past bait shops advertising live shrimp, and step onto a beach where the Gulf shallows out so gently that children wade twenty yards before the water reaches their knees. Come summer, locals crowd the flats with snorkel gear, hunting bay scallops in water warm as bathwater.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Keaton Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
You'll park beside pickup trucks still dripping with cooler melt, walk past bait shops advertising live shrimp, and step onto a beach where the Gulf shallows out so gently that children wade twenty yards before the water reaches their knees. Come summer, locals crowd the flats with snorkel gear, hunting bay scallops in water warm as bathwater.
Photos
8 captures from Keaton Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Keaton Beach
Perry, Florida, USA
29.8175°, -83.5949°
Top things to do
At Keaton Beach
Scallop the Shallows
June–September, bring mesh bags
Paddle Econfina Creek
Spring-fed, cypress-lined tributary nearby
Sunset Dock Sits
Marina pilings frame burnt-orange skies
Fresh Gulf Seafood
Shrimp boats unload at dawn
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Keaton Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Keaton Beach.
Is Keaton Beach safe for swimming?
Keaton Beach has generally calm, shallow waters ideal for families with young children, though it's primarily known for wading and scalloping rather than traditional swimming. The Gulf bottom is muddy with seagrass beds, which is perfect for marine life but less appealing for swimmers. Always check local conditions before entering the water, watch for jellyfish during warmer months, and be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty. The gentle waters make it safer for kids, but supervision is essential.
When is the best time to visit Keaton Beach?
Keaton Beach is accessible year-round, but late June through September is peak season for scalloping when the bay scallop season opens. For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, visit during spring (March-May) or fall (October-November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Summer brings hot, humid conditions but offers the best scalloping opportunities. Winter months are quieter with cooler temperatures. Sunset viewing is spectacular throughout the year, making any season worthwhile for this renowned Big Bend attraction.