Florida’s Forgotten Coast

There are many fun things to do in Apalachicola which has a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and evidence of its history can be seen in the buildings around town, which date back to the 1830s. On a scenic walk through the Apalachicola Historic District, visitors can spot a number of historic homes and structures, including cotton warehouses which were used to export the masses of cotton that came in and out of the ports, and many old houses which date back to the Antebellum period. There are 652 historic buildings in Apalachicola, and every year in May, the Trinity Episcopal Church hosts walking tours which point out many of the most notable ones.

86 Water St, Apalachicola, FL 32320, Phone: 855-272-5224

There are nearly one hundred miles of paddling trails on the Apalachicola River, with trip options for paddlers and kayakers of all ability levels. A laid-back trip down the Apalachicola River is a great way to explore the area and see some beautiful nature; often it is common to spot wildlife in the water and at the river’s edges, as well as anglers fishing in the river and hunters on the shores. Some suggested trail options Graham Creek and East River, where kayakers will find groves of cypress trees that turn a brilliant gold in autumn, or Cash Creek, where birdwatchers often enjoy a paddle to spot birds fishing and nesting, and dolphins often play in the waters.

29°51'13. 84°58'23., 8 US-1 BUS, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Bald Point State Park, located on Alligator Point along the northern Gulf Coast of Florida, is one of the most scenic parks in the state. With over four thousand acres of land including coastal marshes, and forests filled with pine trees and thickets of oaks, Bald Point State Park is a natural haven, particularly for bird watchers, who love the place for the wide biodiversity it offers and the huge variety of bird species which can be spotted there. Perhaps most notable are the migrating raptors, including bald eagles, which head south for the winter and call Bald Point home during the colder months. It is also a spot on the migratory path of Monarch butterflies, which flock to the area by the thousands in the right season.

146 Box Cut Rd, Alligator Point, FL 32346, Phone: 850-349-9146

The 220 miles that make up Big Bend Scenic Byway are more than just a road, they are some of the most scenic and beautiful parts of the state. In the areas on either side of the highway, there are over 2500 species of plants and 300 species of birds that have been spotted and call the area home. The Scenic Byway is also bounded by many parks and wildlife areas, which also offer their own host of natural beauty. A drive along the Big Bend Scenic Byway will show drivers the coast as well, and along the way it’s easy to stop in some of the many towns near the highway.

Ice cream and the beach are one of those classic combinations that can’t be beat, and at Aunt Ebby's Ice Cream, customers can revel in what the company calls the ‘biggest scoops on the beach’. Guests at Aunt Ebby’s can choose from a wide variety of flavors, cones, and toppings, and enjoy their tasty cold treat at one of the indoor tables with the AC on high, or out on the deck at a picnic table, with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.

147 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328

In 1942, Camp Gordon Johnston opened as a place to train “amphibious” soldiers under the US Army Engineer Special Brigades. More than a quarter of a million men trained at Camp Gordon Johnston, and these soldiers went on to fight in World War II, where they staged amphibious invasions including D-Day at the beaches of Normandy. Their training and achievements are memorialized at Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, where visitors can see photographs and documents pertaining to the camp, as well as uniforms, equipment, and other artifacts brought back by veterans after the war ended.

1873 Highway 98 West, Carrabelle, FL 32322

First built in 1833, Cape St. George Light on Little St. George Island stood for centuries as a literal beacon of light to ships at sea. But in 2005, the original Cape St. George Light collapsed and fell into the Gulf of Mexico. Beach erosion and relentless waves of the sea were the culprits, and after the lighthouse fell, the St George Lighthouse Association worked tirelessly to gain funding to rebuild. Using as many of the original materials as possible, they finally reconstructed the lighthouse using the original plans from the National Archives. Inside the lightkeeper’s house, which was also reconstructed according to the original plans, there is a small museum that tells the history of the place. Visitors can explore the museum, walk the grounds, and even climb to the top of the lighthouse for a great view.

2B, E Gulf Beach Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328, Phone: 850-927-7745, Facebookt