Franklin County TDC

Sparkling Uncrowded Beaches
St. George Island with its award-winning beaches and historic lighthouse is Franklin County's premier beach destination for those seeking natural beauty without the big crowds. St. George Island's State Park beaches are ranked among the Top 10 in the country! Visit the historic St. George Island Lighthouse and Museum, rent a kayak and paddle the quiet bay inlets, pitch a tent at the St. George Island State Park campground, grab a fishing pole and try your luck from the shore, pier or boat or take a hike along coastal wooded trails. You could also just do nothing and relax in the surf and soak up the salt.

St. George Island is just one of the area's premier beaches. A series of four barrier islands - Dog Island, St. George Island, Cape St. George and St. Vincent Island - hug the Franklin County coast and offer spectacular coastal vistas. Of the four islands, only St. George Island is accessible by bridge. Dog Island, located offshore of Carrabelle at the County's east end, is sparsely developed and accessible only by boat. Cape St. George and St. Vincent Island --at the west end of the county - are State and Federally-owned wildlife refuges. Area charter captains offer trips to these remote coastal islands upon request.

Franklin County's delicate chain of barrier islands are more than pretty beaches -- linked loosely together like a necklace along the coast, they form a sheltered aquatic nursery habitat for the region's famous Apalachicola Bay oyster and seafood industry.

History and Maritime Culture
Apalachicola and neighboring Eastpoint offer maritime history and a working waterfront where you can watch the local fleet unload a bounty of shrimp, fish and bulging bags of briny oysters fresh from Apalachicola Bay and surrounding waters. Tour the City's award-winning historic district, shop in one-of-a-kind boutiques and savor local cuisine in one of the town's multitude of restaurants serving the freshest seafood on the coast.

Fishing and Outdoor Recreation
Carrabelle is considered a fisherman's paradise and Gateway to the Gulf with its natural deep-water harbor. With access to three rivers, it is a salty attraction to sailors, kayakers and boaters of all ages. It's the start of many eco-adventures as well as dining and entertainment discoveries. Nearby Alligator Point offers an even more relaxed and low-to-no traffic approach to enjoying great beaches, fresh seafood, birding, fishing, kayaking and biking and hiking. Alligator Point's Bald Point State Park features an observation boardwalk that overlooks prime areas for viewing Florida black bears.

Places to Stay
Franklin County offers a variety of lodging options set amidst an authentic, Old Florida landscape. From a quaint beach cottage to a luxurious beachfront villa, accommodations providers on St. George Island and Alligator Point offer a full selection in a wide range of prices. In Apalachicola, accommodations include historic bed and breakfasts and hotel accommodations ranging from economy to luxurious waterfront suites. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Carrabelle area's newest golfing community that features luxury accommodations and amenities. Sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts have many options that range from waterfront condos, rustic fishing lodges or several public camping opportunities.

Calendar of Events & Festivals in Franklin County.
No matter when you arrive, there's bound to be something happening in Franklin County. The Countywide Calendar of Events is filled with festivals and events, historic and cultural happenings, and even fishing tournaments.

Places to Eat and Drink
You'll find a vast array of eating and drinking establishments throughout the county. And whether you dine in Apalachicola, on St. George Island, Eastpoint, Carrabelle or Alligator Point, everybody serves fresh seafood!

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