Things to See & Do on Florida's Forgotten Coast

We offer some of the most remarkable things to see in Florida, from our pristine beaches and plentiful wildlife to lighthouses, museums and historical sites. If you want to plan a truly unforgettable adventure, Franklin County is where you’ll find the most thrilling things to do in Florida, including fishing, boating, kayaking, birding, paddling, golfing and shopping.

Art & Theatre

The Forgotten Coast is home to a flourishing art and theatre scene. Discover an array of art galleries, tucked away in the nooks and crannies of Apalachicola’s historic downtown district and scattered throughout Carrabelle and St. George Island. Community theatre also thrives here in Franklin County. The Panhandle Players, our local theatre group, hosts a variety of entertaining productions at the Chapman Auditorium in Apalachicola. If you’re a fan of live performances, you’ll fall in love Dixie Theatre, a restored historic theatre in Apalachicola’s downtown district that features professional seasonal offerings.

Beaches

Of course, one of the most popular things to do in Florida is hit the beach! The Forgotten Coast includes more than 250 miles of pristine, uncrowded, sugar sand beaches. From St. George Island to Carrabelle to Dog Island to Alligator Point, all of Franklin County’s beaches are breathtakingly beautiful but each one is unique.

Birding

If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, Franklin County is the perfect vacation destination! Throughout the year, birders can catch a glimpse of an array of beautiful birds and butterflies across our area. From ducks, loons and other striking water birds to more exotic feathered friends, you never know what you might spy from your spotting scope. Florida’s Forgotten Coast is truly birder’s paradise.

Boating

If you’re looking for more adventurous things to do in Florida, bring your boat down to the Forgotten Coast! Home to hundreds of miles of freshwater creeks, sloughs and rivers that empty into Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Franklin County is boater’s heaven. Even better, our area offers more than 40 boat ramps and paddling launches across the county. Don’t have your own boat? No worries! Choose from a range of boat rental companies and fishing charters across the Forgotten Coast.

Fishing

Land the big one on Florida’s Forgotten Coast! Whether you’re a fishing fanatic or a reel rookie, Franklin County is every angler’s paradise. The unique topography of the Apalachicola River and Bay systems, which empty into the prolific offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico, creates fabulous freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities.

Food & Drink

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is home to heaps of awesome restaurants, from casual beachfront cafes to riverside oyster dives to fine dining experiences. With more than 30 restaurants across Franklin County, you’re certain to find mouthwatering menus and delicious dishes to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. While you’re here, be sure to sample the fresh, local seafood, including our world-famous Apalachicola oysters, clams, shrimp, blue crabs and the catch of the day straight from the Gulf of Mexico.

Geocaching

On the hunt for unique things to do in Florida? Come down to the Forgotten Coast for a geocaching adventure! Geocaching sends seekers on a treasure hunt for a containers of trinkets and prizes. Participants use a smartphone, Global Positioning System receiver (GPSr) or other navigational techniques to locate containers called “geocaches” or “caches.” All told, there are more than 200+ geocache sites along the coast between Alligator Point and the western edge of Franklin County—including The Bald Point State Park on Alligator Point and St. George Island State Park, which are participants in Operation Recreation GeoTour.

Golfing

Golfers rejoice! Florida’s Forgotten Coast is the perfect place to sharpen your swing and improve your golf game. Just six miles east of Carrabelle, the St. James Bay Golf Resort features a world-class, 18-hole, par 72 championship course surrounded by 90 acres of pristine, natural beauty. So, grab your clubs and come on down!

Hiking

Take a hike on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Home to hundreds of thousands of beautiful, protected acres, Franklin County offers ample hiking opportunities. Come on down to explore Tate’s Hell State Forest, St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, St. George Island State Park or Bald Point State Park. Happy trails!

Lighthouses

Out of all the spectacular things to see in Florida, lighthouses are by far one of the most popular. Franklin County is home to two restored lighthouses: Cape St. George Light on the center of St. George Island and Crooked River Lighthouse at Carrabelle Beach. Each of these striking lighthouses reflect Franklin County’s long-standing coastal history, and both locations host special climbs on full moon evenings.

Museums

Home to a rich coastal past that stretches back more than 100 years, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is history buff heaven. Franklin County’s fascinating past is reflected in the area’s range of museums and historic sites. Whether you’re a history aficionado or just an inquisitive visitor, there are tons of interesting artifacts and relics for everyone to explore at our local museums.

Nightlife

Florida’s Forgotten Coast doesn’t shut down after sunset. In fact, our area is home to a dynamic nightlife scene for foodies, revelers and night owls. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, a romantic dinner date or just an evening on the town with friends and family, the Forgotten Coast serves up nighttime fun for everyone. From our energetic live music venues and waterfront bars to our breweries and pet-friendly pubs, Franklin County is the perfect place to eat, drink and be merry—well after dark!

Paddling

Calling all paddlers! Whether you prefer traveling by kayak, canoe or paddleboard, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is paddler’s paradise. Our area is home to hundreds of miles of unspoiled rivers, creeks and coastal shallows just waiting to be explored. So, grab your paddle and embark on an unforgettable adventure on the Forgotten Coast!

Parks & Sites

Whether you’re obsessed with learning about historical sites or simply love exploring nature, Florida’s Forgotten Coast offers a wide variety of parks and sites for everyone to enjoy. From Bald Point State Park in Alligator Point and St. George Island State Park to Chapman Botanical Gardens in Apalachicola to the World’s Smallest Police Station in Carrabelle, there are tons of sightseeing opportunities all across Franklin County.

Pet Friendly Activities

When you visit Florida’s Forgotten Coast, there’s no need to leave your four-legged pal at home. That’s because Franklin County is the most “pawesome” vacation destination in the Sunshine State! With tons of dog-friendly beaches, accommodations, restaurants and parks, our area is the perfect place to bring your favorite furry friend. So, don’t leave Fido behind for this trip. Plan a doggone great getaway on the Forgotten Coast.

Shopping

Attention shoppers: Did you know Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a shopaholic’s paradise? Franklin County is home to an array of unique art galleries, eclectic boutiques and charming shops brimming with handmade treasures, upscale gifts and rare finds. So, come on down and shop till you drop!

Webcam

Seeing is believing—which is exactly why we have a live streaming webcam in Franklin County! When we say the Forgotten Coast is breathtakingly beautiful and brimming with fun activities, you don’t have to take our word for it. Check it out with your very own eyes. Tune into a live stream from our webcam in downtown Carrabelle to see for yourself what makes the Forgotten Coast so special.