Beat the Heat: 4 Fun Cool-Down Activities on the Forgotten Coast!

It’s officially summertime, and the heat is on here in Franklin County. While our breathtaking beaches are absolutely awesome this time of year, you may want a break for some air conditioning during the heat of the day. Fortunately, there are countless exciting indoor activities for visitors to enjoy on the Forgotten Coast.

When you’ve had your daily allotment of fun in the sun, check out these four family-friendly activities:

#1. Enjoy a “cool” history lesson.

Ready to enjoy some education with a side of A/C? Swing by one of our area’s eye-opening museums. These interesting sites are chock-full of interesting artifacts and relics just waiting to be explored.

Be sure to stop by John Gorrie Museum State Park in Apalachicola. Speaking of cooling off, this unique museum contains a replica of the ice machine created and patented in 1851 by Dr. John Gorrie. His brilliant invention ultimately became the basis for the ice industry and—you guessed it—air conditioning!

For a glimpse into Apalachicola’s deep-rooted nautical history, pop into the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, which offers a hands-on learning experience with sailing, boat-building, boat restoration and other educational displays.

For military history buffs, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum in Carrabelle is a must-see. This facility was established in 1942 to train amphibious soldiers and their support groups. There’s also the colorful Carrabelle History Museum, showcasing personal memorabilia and local artifacts from the town’s long-term residents.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. For a full list of historical wonders in Franklin County, visit our museums page.

#2. Chill out with some retail therapy.

If you’re feeling overheated on the beach, you may be in the mood for an indoor shopping spree. You’re in luck because the Forgotten Coast is every shopaholic’s paradise.

From Apalachicola to St. George Island to Carrabelle, Franklin County is home to tons of unique boutiques, art galleries and antique stores. These charming shops are brimming with beach apparel, handmade treasures, upscale gifts and rare finds. Even better? The A/C is on the house.

#3. Explore nature—indoors!

Imagine if you could learn about Forgotten Coast’s regional nature, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned facility. It’s possible at the Nature Center at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (The Reserve).

Often referred to as nature’s classroom, this one-of-a-kind center in Eastpoint offers tons of educational exhibits, recreational activities and more. The Nature Center features aquariums filled with fish, turtles and other marine life, a hands-on Discovery Room, an award-winning film about the Apalachicola River and Bay system and a large wall mural showcasing the Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay system and local Gulf habitats. Once you’re ready to venture back outside, the center also includes a half mile of elevated boardwalk trails.

#4. Cool off with a refreshing treat.

One of the quickest ways to cool down on the Forgotten Coast is with a chilled snack. Whether you prefer hand-dipped ice cream, snow cones, milkshakes or sundaes, there are plenty of sweet treats to choose from across Franklin County.

If you’re in Carrabelle, take pit stop at Carrabelle Junction for delicious favorites served up in an old-school ice cream parlor. In Apalachicola, swing by Olde Time Soda Fountain for a huge selection of hand-dipped ice cream, frozen yogurt, malts, milkshakes and floats. Vacationing in St. George Island? Grab an ice cream cone at Aunt Ebby’s or catch a wave to Sweet Surf, which offers more than 39 flavors of snow cones.

The temps may be rising, but there are plenty of ways to keep your cool on the Forgotten Coast. Looking for more fun activities to enjoy during your visit? Check out all the things to see & do on the Forgotten Coast!