A seagull sits by the Apalachicola riverfront.

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Explore the Coastal Communities of Franklin County & Florida’s Forgotten Coast

By: TLP's Partners

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Delicious oyters from the Franklin at the Gibson in Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

You can still find the Florida you remember in the quiet coastal communities of Apalachicola, St. George Island, Carrabelle, and Eastpoint. Tucked like pearls strung along the northern gulf coast, Franklin County is known as Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Located about an hour south of Tallahassee, the area is a protected oasis with quiet beaches, vast wooded trails and scenic paddling sloughs and flowing rivers. This is where you come to slow down and embrace the pace of a simpler time and place.

Adventure seekers can enjoy kayaking, swimming, hiking, camping and exploring unique maritime heritage sites like the two historic lighthouses on St. George Island and Carrabelle Beach. Foodies will love the fresh local-caught seafood in quaint open-air cafes, an array of breweries, and the areas upscale restaurants.

Pick your Pace

Get in the water: You can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the many river sloughs, sandy coves and salt marshes and bay shallows of the area. The fishing is great here – book a charter or bring your own boat.

Wildlife abounds: The area is part of a seasonal fly-over for several migrating birds and butterflies. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve and Visitor Center in Eastpoint features a wooded boardwalk trail and touch tanks and displays for children to get up close and personal to marine life.

A gorgeous view of the coast at St. George Island State park Beach in Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Hit the beach: Beach lovers will appreciate that the St. George Island State Park Beach is ranked among the top in the country featuring nine miles of undeveloped shoreline with some of the region’s finest fall birdwatching opportunities and camping facilities.

Shopping spree: Art galleries and boutiques can be found in Apalachicola, Carrabelle and on St. George Island. The area’s beauty has inspired a thriving artist community and a blossoming of art galleries.

Event-worthy food: The Forgotten Coast hosts several annual culinary events. Beginning in January, Apalachicola hosts an annual Oyster Cook-off and a nationally renowned BBQ Rib Cookoff. Visit St. George Island in February and March and enjoy a Shrimpfest and the region’s largest Chili cookoff. Later in the year, enjoy Brewfest and of course, the State’s oldest maritime event, the Florida Seafood Festival in November.

There are accommodations throughout the county and Florida’s Forgotten Coast to suite every taste, including beachfront homes to quaint B&Bs in a historic setting.

To learn more visit FloridasForgottenCoast.com.