Keaton Beach takes its name from brothers Abb and Sam Keaton, who first settled in the area and are believed to be its original owners. According to local historians, the Keaton family originally owned cotton farms in Taylor County, but their primary income gradually shifted as mullet fishing became one of the region's thriving industries in the early 1900s. Mullet caught off this Gulf Coast location were salted down and sold to residents from south Georgia and north Florida for use during winter months. The Stephens family purchased the Keaton Beach property from Clarence Kelley of Madison County in 1946, and the Keaton Beach, Inc. company later acquired 337 acres including the beach restaurant, pavilion, eight cottages, Gulf frontage, and Blue Creek. Located 22.5 miles south of the Taylor County seat of Perry, this unincorporated community has evolved into the county's primary public beach destination.
Keaton Beach offers premier recreational opportunities focused on scalloping and fishing, with the area widely regarded as one of the nation's best scalloping locations. Bay scallop season runs from June 16 through September 10, with daily limits of 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of meat per person from July 1 through Labor Day. The dense populations of bay scallops on the grass flats off Keaton Beach attract snorkelers needing only masks, fins, and mesh bags to harvest their catch. Fishing charters provide easy access to shallow flats packed with trout, redfish, ladyfish, catfish, and jacks near the channel. The beach area includes Hodges Park with sandy beaches, a local pier, and a children's play area, while the county-maintained public boat ramp serves as the region's primary launch facility. The less crowded conditions and excellent grass flats make Keaton Beach an ideal destination for both novice and experienced scallop hunters and anglers.
Dining at Keaton Beach includes Keaton Beach Gas & Grill, a local establishment serving fresh seafood with massive oysters cooked to perfection, along with bait and groceries for visitors. In nearby Perry, Deal's Famous Oyster House is renowned for its seafood served in a cozy, historic atmosphere. Roy's Restaurant offers a mix of seafood and steakhouse options with fast service and an extensive menu. Goodman's Real Pit BBQ provides authentic smoked meats and Southern sides. McDavid's Cafe, Pepper Heads, Taste of Dixie Diner, and Flatwoods Cafe round out Perry's dining scene. In nearby Steinhatchee, Kathi's Krab Shack serves diverse seafood favorites sourced fresh from the Gulf.
