Where to stay in Carrabelle?
There are plenty of great places to stay in charming Carrabelle. Sandy Beach Properties offers more than 30 vacation rentals with something for everyone—ranging from one-bedroom riverfront condos to beachfront homes to adorable cottages. There’s also the St. James Bay Golf Club, which features a world-class, 18-hole, par 72 championship course and luxury accommodations.
Located in the heart of Carrabelle, Old Carrabelle Hotel is a circa-1900 pet-friendly hotel that features five themed rooms, each with a private bath. Also pet-friendly, The Moorings offers hotel rooms with beautiful views of the marina, condo units featuring full-size kitchens and a complimentary boat slip with each unit rental. The Franklin Inn is another pet-friendly property that offers 30 rooms with an option of a king or two queen size beds.
Carrabelle is also home to a handful of campgrounds, including the dog-friendly Ho-Hum RV Park and Carrabelle Beach RV Resort.
What is there to do on a rainy day in Carrabelle?
Although Carrabelle is known for its outdoor beauty and fresh-air adventures, the area offers so much to do on a rainy day! You could take the kids to the Crooked River Lighthouse and Museum and let them burn a little steam trudging up and down those steps, or head over the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII History Museum or the Carrabelle History Museum. Shop downtown or eat at one of the area's open-air restaurants. Want to explore more? Hop in the car and head to one of the close-by areas of the Forgotten Coast. In Eastpoint, you could visit the Eastpoint Beer Company or take the kids to the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR). On St. George Island, you could explore the shops and the Cape St. George Lighthouse and Museum. In Apalachicola, you could shop, visit Oyster City Brewing Company, cruise through the Apalachicola Historic District, or visit one of the Apalachicola museums. There is no need to be cramped in your hotel room or vacation rental on a rainy day in Carrabelle!
When was the military stationed in Carrabelle?
In 1942, Camp Gordon Johnston opened in Carrabelle for the sole purpose of training Infantry Divisions and their support units in amphibious operations by U. S. Army Engineer Special Brigades [ESB]. This camp trained a quarter of a million men before closing in June of 1946. Three infantry divisions and two special brigades left the camp after receiving amphibious training to confront tyranny both in Europe and the Pacific.
Located across the street from Carrabelle Beach, The Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum was established to honor and preserve the heritage of the men and women who trained at the camp during WWII. Visit the museum to learn about their dedication, fears and heroism. Admission is free, and all visitors are welcome.
What is the history of Carrabelle?
The town of Carrabelle was originally named Rio Carrabella, which means “beautiful river.” Early settlers, both Indians and early Europeans, hunted the area’s bountiful game for food and furs, which were then shipped out of St. Marks.
In 1875, Carrabelle’s first lumber mill was established, leading to major growth for the town. The mill cut pine and cypress from up river and in swamps and shipped it to the north. Ships, mainly schooners, would come through and pass and drop anchor behind Dog Island in Ballast Cove. The cove got its name because ships would drop their ballast before sailing into Carrabelle to pick up their cargo.
Carrabelle was incorporated in May 1893. By this time, the town was booming with many lumber and saw mills along the Carrabelle River. The downtown area was established around Coombs Mill, close to the mouth of the river. From the town’s railroad station, trains carried salted mullet and other goods to the north. The railroad also brought tourists from Tallahassee to stay at the Lanark Springs Hotel, a luxurious resort.
At the turn of the century, a disastrous hurricane hit Carrabelle, destroying much of the town. After the storm, Carrabelle’s downtown area was rebuilt in its present location. Many of today’s larger buildings were built in the early 1900’s.
Between World War I and World War II, Carrabelle fell into an economic slump. At this time, fishing became the principal industry for the town. Carrabelle fell into the Depression, along with the rest of the nation.
In 1942, with the entry of the United States into WW II, Camp Gordon Johnston opened in Carrabelle for the purpose of training Infantry Divisions and their support units in amphibious operations. The camp trained 250,000 troops before closing in June of 1946.
What does Carrabelle mean?
The town of Carrabelle was originally named Rio Carrabella, which is believed to mean “beautiful river.”
Are dogs allowed on Carrabelle Beach?
Yes, Carrabelle Beach allows well-behaved, leashed dogs.
How many troops trained in Carrabelle?
Approximately 250,000 troops trained at Camp Gordon Johnston in Carrabelle between the years of 1942 and 1946. With the entry of the United States into WW II, the camp opened to train soldiers in amphibious operations in Europe and the Pacific.
What is there to do in Carrabelle?
Known as the Florida Panhandle’s Gateway to the Gulf, Carrabelle is nature lover’s paradise. Although the area is probably most famous for its beautiful beaches, there are countless other things to see and do here—from fishing, boating and paddling to hiking, shopping and dining on fresh, local seafood.
Carrabelle is well-known for its productive inshore and offshore fishing. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable angling adventure, book a charter with one of Carrabelle’s experienced fishing guides.
This coastal community is also home to some magnificent museums and other historical sites. Located across the street from Carrabelle Beach, the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum was established to honor and preserve the heritage of the quarter of a million men and women who trained at the camp during WWII.
There’s also the restored Crooked River Lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For nearly a century, the Crooked River Lighthouse stood as a guiding light for ships and fishermen navigating the treacherous pass between Dog and St. George Islands. Today, the 103-foot tall lighthouse stands on the mainland, where the light was originally built in 1895.
The World’s Smallest Police Station is another must-see in Carrabelle. In the early 1960s, Carrabelle’s police phone was located in a call box bolted to a building at the corner of Hwy. 98 and Tallahassee Street. Located at 105 St. James Avenue, this unique landmark has been featured on the television shows Real People, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the Today Show.
Where to fish at in Carrabelle?
Whether you prefer fishing from land or on the water, there’s something for every angler in Carrabelle. The area offers guided fishing, boat fishing, shore fishing, pier fishing, paddle fishing and wade fishing. There are also a number of marinas and boat launches across the town.
Off the coast of Carrabelle, St. George Sound is home to some of the most bountiful grass flats in all of Florida. These grass flats are loaded with a myriad of marine life, including shrimp, redfish, trout and grouper. It is estimated that 90 percent of the grouper in the region’s offshore waters grow out of these St. George Sound grass flats.
Carrabelle River is another fishing hotspot. The river flows into St. George Sound in Apalachicola Bay and ultimately empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Crossed by the Carrabelle River Bridge on U.S. Route 98, Carrabelle River has long been a base for commercial fishermen.
If you prefer offshore fishing, Carrabelle offers easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The Forgotten Coast is home to 50 artificial reefs, located offshore from the Franklin County coastline. These active reefs are fabulous fishing spots for offshore anglers.
Looking for a truly unforgettable fishing adventure? Carrabelle is home to an array of experienced captains who can take you out on a guided offshore fishing charter.
What is Carrabelle’s zip code?
The zip code for Carrabelle, Florida is 32322.
Where to eat at in Carrabelle?
There are lots of excellent places to eat in Carrabelle, from waterfront oyster dives to family-friendly diners. Check out Marine Street Grill or Fathoms Steam Room & Raw Bar for fresh, local seafood, burgers, sandwiches and more. The Fisherman’s Wife also specializes in local seafood dishes in addition to burger baskets, sandwiches, quesadillas, wraps and more. If you’re looking for a quick bite for breakfast or lunch, check out Hometown Deli.
For breakfast, lunch or a sweet treat, swing by Carrabelle Junction. This adorable 1950s-style diner serves up hand-dipped ice cream, coffee, espresso, cappuccino, loaded bagels and made to order salads, soups and sandwiches.
Where is the world’s smallest police station?
The World’s Smallest Police Station is located at 105 St. James Avenue in Carrabelle, Florida. It’s the size of a phone booth. This distinctive landmark has been featured on Ripley’s Believe It or Not and the Today Show.
What is the water clarity of Carrabelle beach?
The water clarity on Carrabelle Beach varies depending on the season, tides and weather conditions. In the drier months of the winter, the water is usually very clear. In the summer, it usually is greenish to brown in color. Because it is protected by Dog Island from heavy winds and seas, the water is usually calm on Carrabelle Beach.
