53 miles of mainland coastline and expansive parkland characterize Franklin County. Four barrier islands—St. Vincent, Cape St. George, St. George and Dog Island—shelter the coast. There are many ways to experience nature here: on undeveloped beaches, in marshes and pine forests, or along rivers and waterways.
Island Beaches and Coastal Landscapes
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park features miles of undeveloped beaches on a barrier island along historic Apalachicola Bay. Activities available here include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping and wildlife watching. Nature trails wind through scrub and pine forests, home to red-cockaded woodpeckers and bald eagles. Beach, forest and wildlife are all part of this parkland.
Bald Point State Park on Alligator Point offers a different coastal landscape, where Ochlockonee Bay and Apalachee Bay meet. The park includes coastal marshes, pine flatwoods and oak hammocks. Two beaches on Apalachee Bay offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing. Comparing the parks can help you decide which landscape interests you most: undeveloped beaches on a barrier island, or beaches surrounded by marshes, pines and oaks.
Waterways, Forests and Wildlife
Tate's Hell State Forest is located in Franklin County between the Apalachicola River and the Ochlockonee River. It is accessible via U.S. Highway 98, County Road 67, and State Highways 65 and 319. A distinctive natural feature is its pond cypress trees: some are more than 300 years old and no more than about 15 feet tall. The Ralph G. Kendrick Boardwalk and its observation tower offer a view of a particularly dense stand. The forest has 35 miles of rivers, creeks and waterways for canoeing, boating and fishing.
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1968 to protect and conserve migratory birds. It covers a total of about 12,492 acres across two islands and two mainland areas. Activities include fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, hiking, biking, kayaking and nature photography. For those interested in research and learning, the Nature Center at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve offers 18,000 square feet of learning space and two research laboratories; admission is free. Check current information about admission and hours before visiting.
Access to the water is also part of getting around the county: there are more than 40 boat ramps and launch sites for paddlers. Since individual facilities may change, it’s worth checking information about your specific launch site before setting out.
Maritime History and Cultural Discoveries
Orman House Historic State Park preserves an antebellum house built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, overlooking the Apalachicola River. It was used for business and social gatherings. The details show influences of the Federal style and Greek Revival, including wooden mantelpieces, molded plaster cornices and wide heart pine floorboards.
The history of refrigeration also has a place in Franklin County. Dr. John Gorrie received the first U.S. patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851; the John Gorrie Museum State Park displays a replica of his ice machine and other artifacts. The story of Cape St. George Light is one of loss and rebuilding: the original lighthouse collapsed into the Gulf on October 21, 2005, and the reconstructed lighthouse opened to the public on December 1, 2008. Visitors can climb the 92 steps to the top. A two-story brick building, opened in 2011, also houses a museum about the lighthouse and its keepers.
The Franklin County Maritime Heritage Museum is located in the former Lombardi Oyster Plant, a facility dating from the 1940s. The site includes a restored oyster processing plant, boat-launching facilities and a waterfront promenade. The museum promotes awareness of the importance of Florida’s maritime history and aims to inspire future generations to preserve it. The Apalachicola Historic District offers another way to explore the past: a walking tour takes in more than 900 historic homes and buildings dating from the 1830s.
In Carrabelle, the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum preserves the legacy of the men and women who trained at Camp Gordon Johnston during World War II. Held each spring, the three-day Camp Gordon Johnston Days event now honors military veterans as a whole. Event dates and programs may change; check current information before your visit.
Oysters and Local Seafood
Food culture also connects Franklin County to its coast: oysters have been sold locally here since 1836. Visitors can sample fresh local seafood, including Apalachicola oysters, clams, shrimp, blue crabs and the catch of the day straight from the Gulf of Mexico. Along with the waterways, beaches and historic sites, this culinary history offers another perspective on the county.
Discover more destinations: Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Collier, Indian River, Glades County, Palm Beach, Wakulla County, Martin.
For the broader travel overview: Florida.
