Apalachicola is a historic riverside town with a wonderful selection of local seafood and area fishing that seems to run at a slower pace than the rest of the world. The days here just seem to ease by with out a worry in the world.
The name Apalachicola means "people on the other side" in the language of the native Indians.
Apalachicola was established in 1831. Shipping cotton was Apalachicola's big industry and it soon became the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico. By the 1850s, the waterfront was lined with brick warehouses and broad streets to handle the loading and unloading of cotton. Steamboats laden with cotton came down the River and were unloaded. Then small shallow draft schooners moved the cargo to larger ships offshore.
As the railroads expanded throughout the United States, a new industry took shape in the city. Since the area is home to large cypress forests, Franklin County developed several big lumber mills in the late 1800s. By the end of the 19th century, oysters and seafood became an important industry.
Cape San Blas is 20-mile peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico. The end of the peninsula is a Florida State Park. Cape San Blas has shimmering white sandy beaches, stunning sand dunes and is in a secluded location along the Gulf of Mexico. It is a great place to get away from it all and relax and enjoy the beach.
Carrabelle is unique for its freshwater and saltwater fishing (a well-kept treasure of this tiny coastal town) and is a boat lovers paradise. Carrabelle is home to the world's smallest police station, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum , The Big Bend Saltwater Classic (fishing tournament), Crooked River Lighthouse, and the St. James Bay golf course designed by Robert Walker. Most vacation properties in this area either offer white sandy beaches or direct deep water boat access - but they all offer a fantastic view.
Dog Island is small and remote, accessible only by boat, ferry or airplane. The Nature Conservancy owns most of the island, whilst some portions are also privately owned residential property. Dog Island has a rich maritime history and there is some evidence of a human presence on the island as early as 8,000 years ago.
Eastpoint is a small fishing and oyster community located on the Eastern Shore of the Apalachicola Bay, across the bay from Apalachicola. It is also the connection point to the mainland for St. George Island.
Mexico Beach lies at the western edge of our coast. Only twenty miles east of Panama City (P.C.), vacationers here have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches and the clear aqua waters in a family friendly environment by day, and still have time to take in the “P.C. Beach” scene after hours. Superb beaches, abundant fishing and boating make Mexico Beach a “complete package” unequaled anywhere else along the Gulf Coast. Whether you prefer bringing your own boat and staying on the canal, or staying right on the beach, Mexico Beach has something for everyone. Plenty of shopping and places to drive are also available.
St. Joe Beach, is one of the most unpopulated areas of the Gulf Coast . Situated between Historic Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach you have smooth crystal waters, views of the “Cape” across the bay and breathtaking sunsets. A short drive to Port St. Joe is great shopping and dining.
Measuring approximately 28 miles in length, St. George Island consistently rates as one of the top Beaches in the US. It is a Gulf Coast paradise offering miles of uninterrupted beautiful sand beaches St. George is one of the last inhabited, yet unspoiled, barrier islands of Florida. There are miles of uncrowded beaches for sunning and shelling, with clear Gulf waters for swimming, excellent fishing, and pristine marshes for wildlife viewing.