Explore Eastpoint: 4 Awesome Activities in This Unique Fishing Village

Take a step back in time to Eastpoint, one of the few remaining working waterfronts in North Florida. Located just across the bay from Apalachicola and St. George Island, Eastpoint is the heart of Franklin County’s commercial oyster industry. If you’re looking for a truly unique getaway, this an authentic fishing village is the perfect destination.

Complete with rustic seafood houses and weather-worn docks, Eastpoint is where local oystermen haul their heavy burlap bags of freshly harvested Apalachicola Bay oysters to be washed, shucked, packed and transported across the country. It’s an incredible sight to see.

However, there’s much more to this vintage coastal community than meets the eye. In addition to the fascinating local seafood culture, there are countless things to see and do across Eastpoint. Here are four awesome adventures you don’t want to miss during your visit to this picturesque town:

#1: Go Fish

Whether you’re a rookie angler or a seasoned pro, Eastpoint is fishing paradise. Because the area’s nutrient-rich shallow bay system is a thriving marine-life habitat, game fish are plentiful throughout the area.

Whether you fish from shore, a pier, a boat or kayak, you’re certain to hook into something in Eastpoint’s fertile waters. The town has two boat ramps and a handful of bait and tackle shops with everything you need for your angling adventures.

If you’re looking to fish from shore, swing by Eastpoint’s popular fishing pier that parallels the bridge to St. George Island. Cast your bait along the pilings, and you may land a tasty sheepshead or flounder. Want to land a monster or a boatload of fish? Book an inshore or offshore fishing charter with one of our local guides. When you head out with one of these experienced captains, gear up for an unforgettable experience.

#2: Take a Hike

Lace up your boots and grab your binoculars—because there are plenty of exciting hiking and wildlife watching opportunities here in Eastpoint. The community serves as a gateway to Tate’s Hell State Forest and Apalachicola National Forest, located just to the north via scenic Highway 65. These lush Florida forests are jam-packed with wildlife and fun activities, from swimming and kayaking to hiking and camping.

Eastpoint is also home to the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) and Visitor Center, one of the state’s premier research and education facilities. This pristine reserve encompasses 246,766 acres of public lands and waters in the Florida panhandle. Although the ANERR Nature Center and boardwalk are temporarily closed, some of reserve’s remote access trails and beaches remain open. This includes Millender Park, Scipio Creek Boardwalk, Rodrigue Tract, Nick’s Hole, Unit 4 and Cape St. George Island.

#3: Grab Your Paddles & Go!

Paddling adventures abound in Eastpoint! Across Franklin County, there are hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and coastal shallows just waiting to be explored by curious paddlers. Whether you prefer kayak, canoe or SUP, there’s something for every paddler here. Take a peaceful float down the river by canoe, hit the bay on your SUP or head out on a long-distance sea kayak adventure along a remote coastline. No matter what your skill level, Franklin County is paddling paradise.

 In nearby Apalachicola National Forest, there are nine unique wilderness areas that include more than 20 camping and non-motorized boat access launches to rivers, lakes and streams. Experienced paddlers can take a multi-day journey on these remote waterways through the forest, following the winding Sopchoppy River or the isolated New River. You can also explore the banks of the Apalachicola River or paddle across Wright Lake, Silver Lake and Camel Pond.

Tate’s Hell Forest is bordered on the west by the Apalachicola River and on the east by the Ochlockonee River. In this state forest, there are 35 miles of rivers, streams and creeks available for paddling. A concrete boat launch site is located at Cash Creek with additional launch sites at throughout the forest.

#4: Savor Fresh Local Seafood

Craving some fresh Florida seafood? You’re in luck. In Eastpoint, you’ll find a variety of long-standing, family-owned seafood markets, where you can purchase the freshest seafood in the panhandle—including fish, oysters, clams and crabs freshly pulled from the Apalachicola Bay. If you’d rather dine out, stop by one of Eastpoint’s local seafood restaurants owned and operated by families four generations deep.

Looking for a unique coastal destination with tons of fun adventures? Visit exciting Eastpoint! We’re open for business and ready for visitors. Plan your vacation today!