The seasonal winds that blow in from the Gulf, enhanced by the geography of the bay and coastline at Shell Point, provide ideal conditions for wind enthusiasts in this small coastal community located in southeastern Wakulla County. Sailors and windsurfers alike are drawn to these shores because of the perfect sea breezes. An entertaining wind ceremony is held early each spring by the local sailboard group to celebrate the natural cycle of wind, water and sun, and ensure fair weather and perfect winds for the coming year. The very active sailing community is supported by the Shell Point Yacht Club which hosts several races and regattas throughout the year and sponsors a local Sea Scout unit. The Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta, a total community effort, draws as many as 200 participants and hundreds of spectators from all over the southeast the last weekend in April.
Shell Point
Shell Point Beach was previously privately owned, but presently is maintained by the Wakulla County Department of Parks and Recreation. There is a pavilion and public restrooms. The historic marina, motel and restaurant that once graced the waterfront and drew large weekend crowds are now all gone. What does remain in the walking and golf cart community of Shell Point is a friendly group of families who love the sleepy beach for impromptu games of volleyball, pot luck dinners, art classes and events including the Memorial Day golf cart parade and 4th of July fireworks display – all always open to anyone. During the summer months, highly popular are both youth and adult sailing and windsurfing lessons.
The Shell Point area is a nature lover’s delight for dolphin watching and observation of other coastal wildlife. Birdwatching is especially remarkable and an active bald eagle nest is located nearby on Live Oak Island. Between Shell Point and the next door community of Spring Creek is an entry point to a section of the Florida Trail that traverses the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and leads to two hidden natural gems: the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Palms, one of only two remaining virgin palm hammocks in Florida and Shepherd Springs, an idyllic blue oasis tucked away in the woods.
Whether you enjoy windsurfing, sailing, boating, fishing, kayaking, beachcombing, nature watching, photography, bicycling, hiking, picnicking, or just kicking back to enjoy the views, the community at Shell Point welcomes you to come experience their little nugget of quiet paradise on the northern edge of Apalachee Bay.