We recently just had such a luxury. A beachfront getaway to my favorite spot. I must digress that when I tell you why this is my favorite spot it may turn some off, I have sent friends here and they became "bored" because well...there is just a beach, an island if you will, a state park at one end and a bay to the opposite side of the Gulf, and tons of wildlife. There are a few hole in the wall places like my favorite Oyster Bar and Pizza dive. But, that is it. No boardwalk, no hubub, no crowds. For me that is the epitome of beach perfection.
The Gulf beaches are white sugar sand and not crowded. The bay side has an entirely different Ecosystem just 2 miles across the island from the Gulf side and makes for fabulous education for the kids. In past years we had the opportunity to go oystering, crabbing and fishing on the bay side, so much fun! The entire Island is approx 21 miles long and 2 miles wide. The north side of the island is 6 miles of uninhabited Florida State Park that you can get into for a mere $6 a carload and it has some AMAZING shelling and driftwood finding. This treasure is right off of the panhandle just a 10 minute drive from Appalachicola, Florida and about 1.5 hours from the overpopulated Panama City Beaches.
Then the town of Apalachicola is fun for doing a little bit of touristy shopping and oyster eating as well as visiting my favorite soap shop. It is a short 5 mile trek across the bridge that connects St. George Island to Eastpoint and then over another bridge to Apalachicola, 10 minutes in all.
-Pack your water, the entire area of Florida here has funky tasting water
-Stop at the Dollar General just before crossing the bridge to the island, cheap water toys and sunscreen
-I favor staying on the ocean side vs. the bay side due to mosquitos at night
-The Island Dog store rents bike boards for $10 a day, lots of fun!
-Eat at BJ's pizza on the island, its sooo good!
-For a large family, or just some good ol' southern cooking you can't beat the food or prices of Hog Wild BBQ in Carabelle
-Stop in to the Old Time Soda Shop in Apalachicola for some souvenires
-Be sure to get a Gelato at the Apalachicola Chocolate Company (Amaretto is divine!)
-Look up the legend of Tate's Hell State Park and go for a hike after...I dare ya!
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