Florida Travel Blog

Local Tips for Beaches, Keys, Orlando & the Everglades

Florida Travel Now: August 2026 updates →

Which Cities Are in Dixie County Florida Big Bend

Dixie County is a small, peaceful area on the Gulf Coast of Florida, located in a region called the Big Bend and part of what’s known as the Nature Coast

This area gets its name because it’s filled with untouched natural beauty — like forests, rivers, springs, and quiet beaches. Dixie County has lots of wildlife, and it’s a great place to go if you like fishing, boating, or just exploring the outdoors.

which cities are in Dixie County florida - Wildlife
Dixie County wildlife is abundant and apparent as you drive through the area.

The Suwannee River runs along its edge, and there are some cool spots nearby like Horseshoe Beach, where you can watch the sunset or launch a kayak.

Unlike busy cities or theme parks, Dixie County cities are quiet and slower-paced. It’s a place where you might spot deer, birds, or even dolphins near the shore. Many people visit to get away from crowds and enjoy nature. 

There aren’t big hotels or fancy restaurants — most people stay in small cottages or bring their RVs. It’s a perfect stop for a Florida road trip if you want to experience the state’s wild side and see what “Old Florida” really looks like.

Discover which cities are in Dixie County Florida and explore this stunning area of the Sunshine State.

Dixie County Cities

Incorporated Towns

  • Cross City – The county seat; a small town with historic charm, located near the Suwannee River.

  • Horseshoe Beach – A peaceful fishing village on the Gulf, known for boating, shelling, and gorgeous sunsets. 

Unincorporated Communities

  • Clara – A rural community that spans Dixie and Taylor counties, tucked into quiet forest and river lands. 

  • Eugene – A small crossroads town on U.S. 19/98, surrounded by pine forests and near the Nature Coast State Trail.

  • Hines – A seldom-seen rural settlement in northern Dixie County, marked by farmland and woods.

  • Jena – A riverfront community on the Steinhatchee River, with a small-town post office and fishing culture.

  • Jonesboro – A quiet rural area with scattered homes and farmland, located inland in Dixie County.

  • Old Town – Located near the Suwannee River, this historic community is known for springs, river adventures, and the local cultural center.

  • Dixie County Putnam Lumber
    Putnam Lumber started milling operations in 1919. Dixie County was the source of wood for Florida growth.

    Shamrock – A historic sawmill hamlet with ties to early lumbering and the old Putnam Lodge; sits at a rural crossroads.

  • Shired Island – A remote coastal community on Dixie’s Gulf side, known for fishing and wild shorelines.

  • Suwannee – A riverside village at the mouth of the Suwannee River, nestled among wildlife refuge marshes.

  • Yellow Jacket – A sparsely populated inland area surrounded by forests and wetlands in central Dixie County.

These 12 communities—2 incorporated and 10 unincorporated—make up the heart of Dixie County. They highlight the county’s rural, riverside, and coastal lifestyle, embodying that quiet, nature-rich flavor of Florida’s Nature Coast.

Hotels in Dixie County Florida

Putnam Lodge Cross City Florida
Putnam Lodge is almost 100 years old and still a stalwart of Cross City Florida.

The most notable Dixie County Hotels :

*Steinhatchee is a town that skirts Dixie County, while most of the town is in Levy County Florida.

Final Thoughts on Dixie County Cities

Dixie County population estimate is 18,000 people. The residents are mainly in the cities listed above with a few more scattered along the Gulf Coast.

As one of the smaller Florida counties, rural areas are a mixture of tree covered lands and coastal wetlands. Wildlife of all species can be found throughout the county.

Visit this area ripe for exploring soon.

Latest Posts

Best Florida Beaches for wildlife spotting

Florida Beaches for Wildlife Spotting

Florida dominates America’s top wildlife beaches — 10 of the
20 best are here. See which beaches have the most species and which is best for reptiles, birds
& marine life.

Florida Travel Guides

Florida Travel Blog

Join Our Mailing List

Get all our latest posts and our monthly Florida Travel Newsletter with the latest posts and Florida Travel News.