Need an unspoiled beach escape or quiet coastal retreat? Head to Florida’s Forgotten Coast! Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s Panhandle, this hidden gem offers pristine beaches, charming small towns, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re into fishing, beachcombing, or savoring fresh seafood, the Forgotten Coast promises old-Florida charm without the crowds.
Forgotten Coast Highlights:
- For Families: Relax on St. George Island – Enjoy wide sandy beaches, calm surf, and family-friendly rentals on this peaceful barrier island.
- For Outdoor Enthusiasts: Explore Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve – Hike nature trails, paddle through marshes, or spot diverse wildlife.
- For Kids: Visit the Apalachicola Maritime Museum – Learn about maritime history, boatbuilding, and local ecology through hands-on exhibits.
- For an Adventure: Go scalloping or fishing in St. Joseph Bay – Dive for bay scallops or reel in redfish, trout, and more in these rich waters.
- For Shoppers: Stroll through historic Apalachicola – Browse boutique shops, local galleries, and antique stores in this quaint coastal town.
Best Time to Visit Florida’s Forgotten Coast
The best time to visit is from spring to early fall (April to October), when warm weather and calm Gulf waters make it ideal for beach days, boating, and seafood festivals. Late fall and winter offer mild temps, fewer crowds, and excellent fishing.
How to Get to Florida’s Forgotten Coast
- If you are traveling by car: The Forgotten Coast runs along U.S. Highway 98, roughly 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee and about 60 miles southeast of Panama City.
- By Air: Fly into Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) or Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) and drive 1.5–2 hours to reach the coast.
Where to Stay on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
- Gibson Inn, Apalachicola – Historic boutique hotel with Southern charm in the heart of downtown Apalachicola.
- St. George Inn, St. George Island – Coastal-style lodging steps from the beach and island dining.
- Port Inn, Port St. Joe – Comfortable and stylish boutique hotel near the marina and local shops.
Best Things to Do on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
⮕ Stroll Through Southern Charm in the Apalachicola Historic District
© Apalachicola Historic District
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
⮕ Paddle Scenic Waters Along the Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System
© christy/stock.adobe.com
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
⮕ Explore Coastal Beauty at Bald Point State Park
© Courtesy of wildnerdpix - Fotolia.com
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
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Drive Through Natural Wonders on the Big Bend Scenic Byway
© Courtesy of zjk - Fotolia.com
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.
⮕ If You’re Craving a Sweet Treat, Stop by Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream
© Aunt Ebby's Ice Cream
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
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Step Into Wartime History at Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
© Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
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
⮕ Climb for Ocean Views at Cape St. George Light
© Courtesy of kichigin19 - Fotolia.com
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
Where to Eat on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
- Up the Creek Raw Bar, Apalachicola – Fresh oysters, seafood baskets, and laid-back waterfront dining.
- Provisions, Port St. Joe – Casual fine dining with creative Southern dishes and a cozy vibe.
- Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café, St. George Island – Beachfront seafood spot with great views, tropical drinks, and casual fare.
If you are interested in local events:
- Florida Seafood Festival (November, Apalachicola) – Florida’s oldest maritime festival featuring fresh seafood, music, and local crafts.
- Scallop and Music Festival (October, Port St. Joe) – Celebrate the scallop harvest with live music, arts, and seafood feasts.
- Forgotten Coast Plein Air (May) – Watch artists paint coastal scenes during this renowned outdoor painting event.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Florida’s Forgotten Coast:
- St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge (Boat access) – Take a ferry or kayak to this remote island for wildlife watching and nature trails.
- Eastpoint (10–15 min) – Visit working oyster houses, buy fresh seafood, or enjoy rustic waterfront views.
- Cape San Blas (30 min) – Explore secluded beaches, paddle in the bay, or hike at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
- Indian Pass (30 min) – Take the ferry to St. Vincent Island or fish the rich coastal waters.
- Mexico Beach (30 min) – Stroll along sandy shores, dine at beachside cafés, or enjoy a relaxed small-town beach vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is ‘Florida’s Forgotten Coast’?
- The term ‘Florida’s Forgotten Coast’ was first coined by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce in the early 90s.
- It refers to lesser-known areas of the Florida Panhandle that are often overlooked by tourists.
- Which areas are considered part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast?
- The Forgotten Coast includes several beautiful and less-commercialized destinations:
- St. George Island – A stunning barrier island known for its pristine beaches and outdoor recreation.
- Carrabelle – A small, picturesque fishing town with a laid-back atmosphere.
- Alligator Point – A quiet coastal area perfect for relaxation, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
- Eastpoint – Known for its oyster industry and stunning bay views.
- Apalachicola – A historic town famous for its charming downtown, seafood, and maritime heritage.
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