Florida’s Forgotten Coast: Exploring Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, and St. George Island
Introduction: Florida’s Last True Coastal Escape
In a state famous for its bustling theme parks, crowded beaches, and towering condos, there exists a stretch of shoreline that remains untouched by mass tourism and overdevelopment. Florida’s Forgotten Coast, spanning from Mexico Beach to St. Marks, is a place where white-sand beaches stretch for miles with barely a soul in sight, where dolphins and sea turtles outnumber jet skis, and where small fishing villages still live by the rhythm of the tides. This region is home to some of the most beautiful, wild, and authentic coastal destinations in the state, including Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, and St. George Island. While much of Florida’s coastline has been transformed by high-rises and amusement parks, the Forgotten Coast remains a sanctuary for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a slower, quieter side of Florida. Whether you’re walking the empty dunes of Cape San Blas, savoring fresh oysters in Apalachicola, or kayaking through the estuaries of St. George Island, this is a place where you can truly disconnect from the modern world and experience Florida as it was meant to be. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path getaway with stunning beaches, rich history, and a deep connection to nature, then it’s time to explore Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Learn More: Visit Florida’s Forgotten Coast | Florida State Parks
Stay: Gibson Inn – Apalachicola | St. George Inn | Cape San Blas Inn
Eat: Up The Creek Raw Bar | Indian Pass Raw Bar | The Owl Café
Cape San Blas: Florida’s Hidden Beach Paradise
Cape San Blas is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, a 17-mile-long peninsula that offers some of the most secluded and pristine beaches in the state. Unlike the crowded shores of Destin or Clearwater, this area remains unspoiled, quiet, and deeply connected to nature, with soft white sand, rolling dunes, and some of the clearest water in the Gulf. The cape is part of T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, a 2,716-acre coastal preserve that offers miles of untouched shoreline, scenic hiking trails, and excellent fishing spots. One of the most unique experiences here is horseback riding on the beach, a rare activity that allows visitors to take in the beauty of the Gulf from a truly special perspective. The bay side of the peninsula is known for its calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal place for kayaking, paddleboarding, and scalloping in the summer months. Wildlife is abundant, with regular sightings of dolphins, ospreys, and nesting sea turtles, especially in the protected areas of the park. Because there are no big resorts on Cape San Blas, visitors stay in beach cottages and vacation rentals, ensuring a peaceful and private retreat. Dining is casual and local, with seafood shacks and small family-owned restaurants serving fresh fish, shrimp, and oysters straight from the Gulf. Sunsets here are breathtaking, with the sky turning shades of gold, pink, and violet over the water every evening. If you’re looking for a hidden gem where nature, solitude, and stunning scenery come together, Cape San Blas is the perfect escape.
Visit: Cape San Blas Tourism | St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Apalachicola: Florida’s Oyster Capital and Historic Gem
Apalachicola is a historic fishing town that has retained its Old Florida charm, offering a mix of maritime heritage, Southern hospitality, and world-class seafood. Once the oyster capital of Florida, Apalachicola Bay remains one of the most important estuaries and marine ecosystems in the state, supporting a variety of wildlife and seafood industries. The town’s downtown district is filled with Victorian-era buildings, art galleries, and family-owned seafood restaurants, giving it a character unlike anywhere else in Florida. Food lovers will be in heaven here, with iconic spots like Boss Oyster, Up The Creek Raw Bar, and The Owl Café serving fresh oysters, shrimp, and locally caught fish. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is a must-visit for nature lovers, offering guided tours, wildlife exhibits, and a look at conservation efforts in the region. Visitors can stroll the working waterfront, watching shrimp boats unload their catch, or take a scenic river cruise along the Apalachicola River. The town also hosts a number of festivals and events, including the famous Florida Seafood Festival, the state’s oldest maritime celebration. Those interested in history can visit the John Gorrie Museum, which tells the story of the local doctor who invented mechanical refrigeration, revolutionizing the ice industry. Whether you’re looking for history, great food, or a laid-back coastal vibe, Apalachicola is a destination that truly embodies the spirit of the Forgotten Coast.
Conclusion: Why the Forgotten Coast Matters
Florida’s Forgotten Coast is one of the last true remnants of Old Florida, a place where nature, history, and community still thrive despite the pressures of modern development. Unlike Florida’s overcrowded beaches and resort towns, this region offers wide-open spaces, untouched landscapes, and a deep connection to the land and sea. Here, you can walk for miles along empty beaches, kayak through quiet estuaries, and eat seafood that was caught just hours before it reaches your plate. The people of the Forgotten Coast take immense pride in their towns, their heritage, and their natural surroundings, and they welcome visitors who want to experience a Florida that has remained unchanged for generations. But with rising tourism and environmental challenges, it’s more important than ever to travel responsibly and support local businesses that keep this region alive. By choosing to visit Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, and St. George Island, you are helping preserve a piece of Florida’s past and ensuring its future remains bright. If you’re looking for a destination that offers peace, beauty, and a true escape from the modern world, then Florida’s Forgotten Coast is waiting for you.
Here’s a custom travel itinerary for Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, and St. George Island?
Introduction: The Ultimate Escape to Florida’s Forgotten Coast
If you're looking for an off-the-grid coastal adventure with pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and historic charm, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is the perfect destination. This 5-day itinerary takes you through Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, and St. George Island, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and pure relaxation. Unlike Florida’s crowded resort towns, these destinations remain untouched and peaceful, where you can walk for miles on empty beaches, kayak through quiet estuaries, and dine on seafood straight from the Gulf. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply someone who wants to escape the noise of everyday life, this itinerary will guide you to the best spots along Florida’s last truly unspoiled coastline.
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Cape San Blas
Cape San Blas is known for its breathtaking beaches, peaceful atmosphere, and endless outdoor activities. Start your trip by settling into a beachfront vacation rental or a charming local inn.
Morning: Beach Walk and Sunrise Views
Start the day with a quiet morning walk along the beach, where you’ll likely have the shoreline all to yourself.
Look for dolphins playing offshore and collect unique seashells along the pristine white sand.
Grab breakfast at Skully’s Low Country Boil, a local favorite with fresh seafood and Southern flavors.
Afternoon: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park & Kayaking
Head to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park for an afternoon of exploration.
Hike the Scenic Bayview Trail, where you can spot shorebirds, deer, and maybe even a bald eagle.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore St. Joseph Bay, known for its crystal-clear water, stingrays, and shallow seagrass beds.
For lunch, enjoy a picnic on the dunes, or grab a meal at Peachy’s Beach Eats, known for their delicious tacos and cold drinks.
Evening: Sunset & Beach Bonfire
Ride horses along the beach with Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding, an unforgettable way to experience the Cape’s natural beauty.
Watch the sunset from the tip of the peninsula, where the Gulf meets the bay in a spectacular display of colors.
End the night with a bonfire on the beach (fire permits required), and enjoy the sounds of the waves under a star-filled sky.
Day 2: Fishing, Scalloping, and Exploring Apalachicola
Apalachicola is one of Florida’s most historic and charming fishing towns, offering a mix of seafood, shopping, and cultural experiences.
Morning: Fishing or Scalloping Adventure
Book a guided fishing charter with Apalachicola Charters and try your luck at catching redfish, trout, or tarpon.
If visiting in the summer, go scalloping in St. Joseph Bay, one of the best places in Florida to harvest fresh bay scallops.
Enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast at The Owl Café, famous for its shrimp and grits.
Afternoon: Historic Downtown & Waterfront Dining
Wander through downtown Apalachicola, where Victorian-era buildings, independent shops, and local art galleries line the streets.
Visit the Apalachicola Maritime Museum to learn about the town’s rich history.
Enjoy lunch at Up The Creek Raw Bar, a casual waterfront restaurant with fantastic seafood.
Evening: Sunset River Cruise & Seafood Dinner
Take a sunset boat cruise along the Apalachicola River, where you can see alligators, herons, and the untouched beauty of the estuary.
For dinner, head to Boss Oyster for some of the best oysters in Florida, served straight from the bay.
Eat: The Owl Café | Boss Oyster
Day 3: Relaxation and Adventure on St. George Island
St. George Island is one of Florida’s most stunning barrier islands, known for its quiet beaches, excellent fishing, and natural beauty.
Morning: Beach Day & Biking
Rent a bike from Jolly Rogers Beach Shop and explore the island’s scenic trails.
Spend the morning relaxing on St. George Island’s untouched beaches, perfect for sunbathing and beachcombing.
Grab a quick breakfast at Mango Mike’s before hitting the beach.
Afternoon: St. George Island State Park & Dolphin Watching
Explore St. George Island State Park, where you can kayak, hike, or go shell hunting.
Take a dolphin-watching boat tour to see these playful creatures up close.
Enjoy lunch at Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café, one of the best spots for seafood with a view.
Evening: Lighthouse & Stargazing
Climb to the top of the St. George Island Lighthouse for a stunning panoramic view of the island.
As night falls, enjoy a bonfire on the beach, one of the best ways to end your time on St. George Island.
Stay: The St. George Inn | Buccaneer Inn
Conclusion: A Journey Through Florida’s Forgotten Coast
This 5-day trip through Cape San Blas, Apalachicola, and St. George Island offers a rare chance to experience Florida the way it was meant to be—wild, beautiful, and untouched by mass tourism. Whether you’re kayaking in quiet estuaries, dining on fresh Gulf seafood, or watching the sun set over an empty stretch of beach, the Forgotten Coast is a place where time slows down and nature takes center stage. With its friendly locals, small-town charm, and breathtaking scenery, this region provides a true escape from the modern world. If you're looking for an unforgettable coastal getaway, there's no better place than Florida’s Forgotten Coast.