Discover Nature on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is surrounded by beautiful scenery, wildlife and waterways. Many of which have been wonderfully captured and preserved. If you’ve made a spring break trip to Apalachicola, St. George Island, Eastpoint, Carrabelle or the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center is a great place to kick off your spring adventure.

Part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, the 28 acres of observable area features exhibits, displays, classrooms, research facilities and boardwalks to beautiful panoramic views of freshwater marshes, pine flat woods and oak hammocks. Educational signs are featured along the handicapped accessible crushed gravel pathway making the Nature Center a terrific place for everyone of all ages to explore and learn. To the east of the building is Millender Park, a perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch while viewing the beautiful Apalachicola Bay and breakwater area. Take a short walk to the shoreline to enjoy even more beauty of the Apalachicola Bay and the nature that surrounds it.

Inside, the Nature Center features a 5,400 square foot wall length mural depicting the broad ecosystem of Florida’s Forgotten Coast and featuring the river and coastal habitats. Enjoy the view of the Apalachicola Bay and Cat Point oyster bar from the ceiling high picture window. Three large aquariums are in the center of the exhibit representing the three water systems, the Apalachicola River, Apalachicola Bay and Gulf of Mexico, all meeting to make the perfect growing conditions for our famous Apalachicola Oysters!

If you’ve come with a large group, the Bay Discovery Center is a great place to explore, as it seats up to 100 people. The Amphitheatre is ideal for even larger groups with exhibits demonstrating River, Bay, and Gulf habitats. You’ll gain knowledge of our seafood industry from the firsthand accounts of the fisherman describing their profession. You’ll also learn the unique history of the Apalachicola Area and the importance of the working waterfront.

The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center is located on 108 Island Drive in Eastpoint and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor, visitors reviewed the Nature Center as “A Must See!” and “Exceeded Expectations”. One visitor reviewed it as “Spring Break Fun” and another, “Great visit on a rainy (or any) day”. Make a spring break trip to Florida’s Forgotten Coast, visit our Nature Center and make some memories with your family that will last a lifetime! Click here to learn more.