How to Have a Family-Friendly Spring Break on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Everyone is back into the routine after the holidays. You’ve made it through January, and, by now, you are thinking of Spring Break! Who can blame you? It’s been a busy and chilly month. If sun-soaked beaches and island life are calling your family’s name, make the Forgotten Coast your family’s upcoming spring break destination!

Where to Stay

The Forgotten Coast has a wide range of vacation rental options on St. George Island, Alligator Point, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, and Eastpoint that fit every budget and taste. We have several scenic campgrounds for families who love camping, from resort camping to primitive camping, and the Forgotten Coast hotels range from luxury to extended-stay suites.  

What to eat

You simply can’t visit the Forgotten Coast without sampling our fresh seafood, southern favorites, or barbecue. You could sample your way through our many family-friendly restaurants or stop by one of our local outdoor markets, seafood markets, or grocery stores to prepare your meals at your rental!

What to do

Now it’s time to plan how you’ll keep the kiddos busy! Spring is a beautiful time to explore the great outdoors on the Forgotten Coast!

The Forgotten Coast makes renting bicycles or golf carts as easy as a phone call! You can cruise on our wide paved trails or go off-road and cruise through neighborhoods to see what coastal life is like.

Step back in time as you explore the Forgotten Coast with our self-guided tours. Follow any of our tours at your own pace, and experience the history and beauty of the Forgotten Coast. If you’re planning to visit any of the state parks, be sure to try “Geocaching” with your smartphone. It is a high-tech treasure hunt that requires players to use a smartphone or GPS device to find hidden treasures. It is fun for all ages and levels of adventure.

Franklin County boasts two beautifully restored lighthouses. The first is located on St. George Island. The second is located at Carrabelle Beach. Each tells a tale of coastal living in Franklin County more than 100 years ago, and each is worth visiting. The Cape St. George Lighthouse and the Crooked River Lighthouse reflect the area’s maritime history and commitment to preserving a unique coastal heritage. Click here to download our lighthouse brochure.

In case of dreary weather, we have several indoor places to check out on Florida’s Forgotten Coast! Want to learn a little about the coastal ecology of the Forgotten Coast? Take a trip to the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. ANERR offers hiking trails and boardwalks, indoor exhibits, and aquaria—the best thing is it’s all free to enjoy. Check out the rich local culture in our museums throughout the county.

The small coastal towns of Apalachicola and Carrabelle also boast some unique art galleries, eclectic boutiques, and charming shops brimming with handmade, upscale, vintage treasures and unusual gifts not found anywhere else.

Franklin County, Florida features a world-class golf course at St. James Bay Golf Resort, located six miles east of Carrabelle!

Who doesn’t like sitting on a boat, pier, jetty, or beach with a rod & reel in hand? The Forgotten Coast is one of Florida’s best places to fish, and the angling possibilities are endless. Charter a fishing boat for an inshore or offshore trip or stop by one of our many bait and tackle shops to pick up what you need to fish from the shore or one of our fishing piers.

If you want to get out into the deep water but fishing isn’t your thing, we’ve got the perfect solution. Charter one of our local captains for a dolphin cruise, a sunset cruise, or an airboat ride up the Apalachicola River.  

Spring Break is a fantastic time on the Forgotten Coast. That first feel of the sun on your wintered skin and the thrill of knowing the school year is on the way out adds to the exciting vibe! Use our events calendar to find festivals and events taking place during your stay.  

Photo Credit: IG @sweet_deee_