Florida?s Forgotten Coast
Highly valued for our well-preserved, unspoiled natural environment, Franklin County boasts some of the State’s most beautiful natural and cultural resources. Visitors to our area regularly tell us, “This is what Florida used to be like.” The County’s vast expanse of National and State forests, accompanied by a seemingly endless supply of protected shallow bays, pristine beaches and miles of peaceful river make it a wonderful retreat for those who want to get away from it all. Combine all of this with some of the best seafood in the country, a touch of historic nostalgia and some of the friendliest residents you’ll ever run into and your stay with us is sure to be pleasurable.
Activities here revolve around the natural environment. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, and biking are all very popular activities. Visitors can take a leisurely sail on Apalachicola Bay or a trip across the Bay to one of the barrier islands - St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge, Cape St. George State Preserve, and Dog Island. Daily trips up the Apalachicola River let visitors see the historic Apalachicola waterfront and learn about the role the river has played in the area’s history and economy. Then head up river to view the many wild and isolated marshes and swamps. If you should chose to forgo a guided trip, you can always rent a kayak, canoe or boat and forge ahead on your own.
Wildlife enthusiast enjoys the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for endangered wildlife. Accessible only by boat, visitors can take a tour of the island where they’ll likely encounter young ospreys in the nest, evidence of sea turtles laying eggs, or young bald eagles beginning to test their wings. To learn more about migratory birds, sea turtles and estuarine productivity, visitors can stop at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Apalachicola. The reserve coversover 246,000 acres and is the second largest estuarine reserve in the nation. The Bay and its many islands provide an important stopover for both migrating birds and butterflies.
Cape St. George State Reserve is a 22-mile long barrier island separating Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. The Reserve’s remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida’s original natural landscape.
Land based adventures include trips into the expansive Apalachicola National Forest or Tate’s Hell State Forest. Here visitors can enjoy hiking, hunting and fishing in thousands of acres of primitive forests. Whether your staying on the beach or touring the historic district, peddling about is always great fun. Bike rentals are available both on the beach and in the historic district. If all this sounds just a bit too active, how about a relaxed stroll down a deserted beach or along the tree-lined streets of historic Apalachicola?
Apalachicola
Retaining much of its original flavor, Apalachicola is a rare find in the Florida Panhandle. Remnants of its colorful and diverse past remain very visible today through its historic structures. Visitors are invited to stroll along the wide tree lined streets where picturesque Victorian homes which display the charm of years gone by.
Apalachicola’s rich history and a maritime culture compliment the area’s bountiful natural resources. The unique nature of the Apalachicola Bay’s estuary accommodates both fresh and salt water fishing buffs. Area restaurants prepare the daily catch for your dining pleasure right off the local docks. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the endless bays and waterways by kayak, canoe, riverboat or sailboat. Land lovers can spend time browsing through the City’s unique galleries, stores and antique shops, or touring the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Center, St. Vincent’s Island Visitor’s Center, and the John Gorrie State Museum. Don’t miss the 200 historically significant homes and commercial structures around town or our newly renovated performance theatre, the Dixie Theatre.
St. George Island
If you are a beach lover who doesn’t care for the crowds but love beautiful shorelines, St. George Island provides the perfect utopia. This 28-mile barrier island has some of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Florida. The east end of the island is Julian C. Bruce State Park. With over nine miles of beach front, the park boasts the longest front beach front of any state park in Florida.
Rent your own private beach home on our unspoiled pristine shoreline through one of our local realty companies. A variety of beach homes are available for rent in all price ranges. Lodging is also available at two Island hotels. The Island is also very pet-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beaches, and cats and dogs are allowed in many of the rental homes.
If it’s fish or crabs you want to catch, come to St. George where even the novice fisherman can bring home a fanciful treat for the evening meal. If you’ve made up your mind that you are truly on vacation and cooking is not on the agenda, St. George has a wide variety of eateries that serve only the freshest local seafood. Enjoy oysters surfside or a formal dinner in luxurious surroundings.
St. George Island also has a number of great shops that include beach supplies, clothing, gifts, books bike rentals and more.
Eastpoint
If you enjoy watching commercial fishermen bring in their catch and want to experience a truly unique, authentic fishing town, check out Eastpoint just across the Bay from either Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint is the central point of the Forgotten Coast where one can truly feel untouched by today’s world. A place where seafood docks stretch almost the entire length of the community and visitors can dine on the bay while watching the shrimp and oyster boats bring in the day’s catch.
Fishing
If you like to fish, you have found the right spot. Whether you hire a charter boat or fish right off the bridge, St. George Island and Apalachicola Bay offer some of the best fishing in Florida. Common species caught include:
Redfish, cobia, pompano, sheepshead, flounder, speckled Trout, whiting, Spanish mackerel, black drum, striped bass, large mouth bass, jack crevalle, tarpon, grouper, snapper, king mackerel, triple tail, amber jack.
Apalachicola Historic District
Many fine old homes and buildings dating back to the 1830s. A scenic walking tour of the town acquaints visitors to sites such as cotton warehouses, which housed the City’s once prosperous cotton export during the 1800s and Victorian houses nestled amid magnolias. Available at the Chamber office.
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Encompassing over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, it is the largest Estuarine Research Reserve system in the nation. Educational center located at the north end of Market Street. Exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area, an aviary and live fish tanks. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (850) 653-8063.
Cape St. George State Reserve
28-mile long barrier island separates Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. The Reserve’s remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida’s original natural landscape. Shell collecting is renowned on this island, which is accessible by boat only.
Chestnut Street Cemetery
One of the more significant cemeteries on the Gulf Coast. Established in 1831, the stones tell the history of Apalachicola. Funerary art reflects the ethnic diversity of the community. Located on Highway 98 between 6th and 8th Streets.
Dixie Theatre
Originally built in 1912, the Dixie Theatre became the entertainment center of the County. Recently renovated, the Dixie is again hosting live professional theatre. 2000 Summer Repertory runs from June-September 17th. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 2:30 p.m. (850) 653-3200.
John Gorrie State Museum
Contains a replica of the ice machine created by Dr John Gorrie in an attempt to cool his yellow fever patients. His invention later became the basis for the ice industry and air conditioning. 6th Street and Avenue D. Open Thursday-Monday 9:00-5:00, (850) 653-9347.
St. George Island State Park
Nine miles of undeveloped beach, pristine shoreline, majestic dunes and bay forest, sandy coves and salt marshes. A series of hiking trails, boardwalks and observation platforms. Swimming, hiking and camping (850) 927-2111.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Miles of white sand beaches, striking dunes2,516 acre park. Excellent snorkeling, swimming, birding, camping. Voted #2 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach. (850) 227-1327.
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center
Visitor’s Center is located on the north end of Market Street. Open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. St. Vincent Island is an unspoiled barrier island in the Bay. The refuge is open during daylight hours. It is only accessible by boat. There are no facilities available on the Island. (850) 653-8808.
Getting Here
Franklin County is located along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s northwestern panhandle; 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Florida’s state capital. The county features more than 200 miles of relatively undeveloped coastal shoreline including the four barrier islands of St. George, Dog Island, Cape St. George and St. Vincent Island. The coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island and Eastpoint are easily accessible via US Highway 98 from Interstate 10 and Interstate 75. By air, Franklin County can be reached through commercial airports in Tallahassee and Panama City (60 miles west) and by private airports in Apalachicola (850) 653-2222 and on St. George Island (850) 927-2312. By boat, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from Florida’s West Coast enter at St. George Sound through East Pass, between Dog Island and St. George Island, or through Bob Sikes Cut. From the west, take the ICW through East Bay from Panama City on past White City. Continue east through Lake Wimico to the Jackson River, which will lead to the Apalachicola River. Follow the markers past the Railroad Bridge to Apalachicola.
NOAA Charts No. 11401, Apalachicola Bay to Cape San Blas; 11402SC, ICW Apalachicola Bay to Lake Wimico; and 11404SC, ICW Carrabelle to Apalachicola Bay.
Activities here revolve around the natural environment. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, and biking are all very popular activities. Visitors can take a leisurely sail on Apalachicola Bay or a trip across the Bay to one of the barrier islands - St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge, Cape St. George State Preserve, and Dog Island. Daily trips up the Apalachicola River let visitors see the historic Apalachicola waterfront and learn about the role the river has played in the area’s history and economy. Then head up river to view the many wild and isolated marshes and swamps. If you should chose to forgo a guided trip, you can always rent a kayak, canoe or boat and forge ahead on your own.
Wildlife enthusiast enjoys the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for endangered wildlife. Accessible only by boat, visitors can take a tour of the island where they’ll likely encounter young ospreys in the nest, evidence of sea turtles laying eggs, or young bald eagles beginning to test their wings. To learn more about migratory birds, sea turtles and estuarine productivity, visitors can stop at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, located in Apalachicola. The reserve coversover 246,000 acres and is the second largest estuarine reserve in the nation. The Bay and its many islands provide an important stopover for both migrating birds and butterflies.
Cape St. George State Reserve is a 22-mile long barrier island separating Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. The Reserve’s remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida’s original natural landscape.
Land based adventures include trips into the expansive Apalachicola National Forest or Tate’s Hell State Forest. Here visitors can enjoy hiking, hunting and fishing in thousands of acres of primitive forests. Whether your staying on the beach or touring the historic district, peddling about is always great fun. Bike rentals are available both on the beach and in the historic district. If all this sounds just a bit too active, how about a relaxed stroll down a deserted beach or along the tree-lined streets of historic Apalachicola?
Apalachicola
Retaining much of its original flavor, Apalachicola is a rare find in the Florida Panhandle. Remnants of its colorful and diverse past remain very visible today through its historic structures. Visitors are invited to stroll along the wide tree lined streets where picturesque Victorian homes which display the charm of years gone by.
Apalachicola’s rich history and a maritime culture compliment the area’s bountiful natural resources. The unique nature of the Apalachicola Bay’s estuary accommodates both fresh and salt water fishing buffs. Area restaurants prepare the daily catch for your dining pleasure right off the local docks. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the endless bays and waterways by kayak, canoe, riverboat or sailboat. Land lovers can spend time browsing through the City’s unique galleries, stores and antique shops, or touring the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Center, St. Vincent’s Island Visitor’s Center, and the John Gorrie State Museum. Don’t miss the 200 historically significant homes and commercial structures around town or our newly renovated performance theatre, the Dixie Theatre.
St. George Island
If you are a beach lover who doesn’t care for the crowds but love beautiful shorelines, St. George Island provides the perfect utopia. This 28-mile barrier island has some of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Florida. The east end of the island is Julian C. Bruce State Park. With over nine miles of beach front, the park boasts the longest front beach front of any state park in Florida.
Rent your own private beach home on our unspoiled pristine shoreline through one of our local realty companies. A variety of beach homes are available for rent in all price ranges. Lodging is also available at two Island hotels. The Island is also very pet-friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beaches, and cats and dogs are allowed in many of the rental homes.
If it’s fish or crabs you want to catch, come to St. George where even the novice fisherman can bring home a fanciful treat for the evening meal. If you’ve made up your mind that you are truly on vacation and cooking is not on the agenda, St. George has a wide variety of eateries that serve only the freshest local seafood. Enjoy oysters surfside or a formal dinner in luxurious surroundings.
St. George Island also has a number of great shops that include beach supplies, clothing, gifts, books bike rentals and more.
Eastpoint
If you enjoy watching commercial fishermen bring in their catch and want to experience a truly unique, authentic fishing town, check out Eastpoint just across the Bay from either Apalachicola or St. George Island. Eastpoint is the central point of the Forgotten Coast where one can truly feel untouched by today’s world. A place where seafood docks stretch almost the entire length of the community and visitors can dine on the bay while watching the shrimp and oyster boats bring in the day’s catch.
Fishing
If you like to fish, you have found the right spot. Whether you hire a charter boat or fish right off the bridge, St. George Island and Apalachicola Bay offer some of the best fishing in Florida. Common species caught include:
Redfish, cobia, pompano, sheepshead, flounder, speckled Trout, whiting, Spanish mackerel, black drum, striped bass, large mouth bass, jack crevalle, tarpon, grouper, snapper, king mackerel, triple tail, amber jack.
Apalachicola Historic District
Many fine old homes and buildings dating back to the 1830s. A scenic walking tour of the town acquaints visitors to sites such as cotton warehouses, which housed the City’s once prosperous cotton export during the 1800s and Victorian houses nestled amid magnolias. Available at the Chamber office.
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Encompassing over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, it is the largest Estuarine Research Reserve system in the nation. Educational center located at the north end of Market Street. Exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area, an aviary and live fish tanks. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (850) 653-8063.
Cape St. George State Reserve
28-mile long barrier island separates Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. The Reserve’s remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida’s original natural landscape. Shell collecting is renowned on this island, which is accessible by boat only.
Chestnut Street Cemetery
One of the more significant cemeteries on the Gulf Coast. Established in 1831, the stones tell the history of Apalachicola. Funerary art reflects the ethnic diversity of the community. Located on Highway 98 between 6th and 8th Streets.
Dixie Theatre
Originally built in 1912, the Dixie Theatre became the entertainment center of the County. Recently renovated, the Dixie is again hosting live professional theatre. 2000 Summer Repertory runs from June-September 17th. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 2:30 p.m. (850) 653-3200.
John Gorrie State Museum
Contains a replica of the ice machine created by Dr John Gorrie in an attempt to cool his yellow fever patients. His invention later became the basis for the ice industry and air conditioning. 6th Street and Avenue D. Open Thursday-Monday 9:00-5:00, (850) 653-9347.
St. George Island State Park
Nine miles of undeveloped beach, pristine shoreline, majestic dunes and bay forest, sandy coves and salt marshes. A series of hiking trails, boardwalks and observation platforms. Swimming, hiking and camping (850) 927-2111.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Miles of white sand beaches, striking dunes2,516 acre park. Excellent snorkeling, swimming, birding, camping. Voted #2 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach. (850) 227-1327.
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center
Visitor’s Center is located on the north end of Market Street. Open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. St. Vincent Island is an unspoiled barrier island in the Bay. The refuge is open during daylight hours. It is only accessible by boat. There are no facilities available on the Island. (850) 653-8808.
Getting Here
Franklin County is located along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s northwestern panhandle; 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Florida’s state capital. The county features more than 200 miles of relatively undeveloped coastal shoreline including the four barrier islands of St. George, Dog Island, Cape St. George and St. Vincent Island. The coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island and Eastpoint are easily accessible via US Highway 98 from Interstate 10 and Interstate 75. By air, Franklin County can be reached through commercial airports in Tallahassee and Panama City (60 miles west) and by private airports in Apalachicola (850) 653-2222 and on St. George Island (850) 927-2312. By boat, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from Florida’s West Coast enter at St. George Sound through East Pass, between Dog Island and St. George Island, or through Bob Sikes Cut. From the west, take the ICW through East Bay from Panama City on past White City. Continue east through Lake Wimico to the Jackson River, which will lead to the Apalachicola River. Follow the markers past the Railroad Bridge to Apalachicola.
NOAA Charts No. 11401, Apalachicola Bay to Cape San Blas; 11402SC, ICW Apalachicola Bay to Lake Wimico; and 11404SC, ICW Carrabelle to Apalachicola Bay.