View of St. George Island. Photograph courtesy of www.resortvacationproperties.com
When in the presence of the brilliant blue-green waters and sparkling white sand shores found all along Florida’s Northwest coast, it is tempting to do nothing more than sit back and soak up the sun while watching gentle waves roll in. The unmatched beauty and tranquility of this scene entrances almost all who are lucky enough to see it. But with the other offerings for fun so abundant in the area, Gulfscapes invites you to get your bottom out of your beach chair and discover the more active, more adventurous side of the Panhandle. We’ve assembled a sampling, highlighting a few of the myriad activities available, stretching all the way from Apalachicola to Pensacola.
St. George Island/Apalachicola
At the far eastern end of Florida’s panhandle, the city of Apalachicola and surrounding areas resting on the banks of the Apalachicola River where it meets Apalachicola Bay are often dubbed the state’s “forgotten coast” — and for good reason. The quiet hamlet only 50 miles east of Panama City seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of other coastal destinations.
In the minds of many, the name Apalachicola is most often paired with the word “oysters,” as those that come from Apalachicola Bay are highly sought after and savored all over the country. (In fact, the bay annually produces 90 percent of Florida’s oysters.) Yet both the river and bay are teeming with much more than oysters. Life in and around the waterways is abundant and just waiting to be explored.
Get an up-close-and-personal experience with the water via a kayak or canoe trip on part of The Apalachicola Paddling Trail System in the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area. The system of various trails is a designated National Recreation Trail, and its 100 miles of scenic waterways were ranked one of the nation’s top 12 paddling destinations by Paddler magazine and the American Canoe Association. You can opt for an outing as short as two miles or embark on a full-day or even multi-day excursion. Primitive camping is allowed with no permits required. The slow-flowing current is liquid bliss, moving you through marshes and cypress-tupelo swamps and allowing you ample opportunities to fish, view all kinds of wildlife including multiple bird species (the Trail is part of the Great Florida Birdwatch Trail) or simply relax. A free, waterproof trail map is available from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
If you prefer to keep your feet (mostly) on dry land, try for some wildlife sightings on a trek through the St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge. This unspoiled barrier island in the Gulf right off Apalachicola proves that amazing things can come in small packages. As National Wildlife Refuges go, St. Vincent is tiny, yet its 12,500 acres are home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including some exotic species. Before it was a wildlife refuge, it was actually a private hunting preserve, and its owners brought several animals from far away lands to the island. Most died out, but today, a thriving population of sambar deer from Southeast Asia is still there. Adult sambar can reach up to 600 pounds. In addition to supporting snakes, birds (including bald eagles), alligators, foxes and native white-tailed deer, St. Vincent is also used as a breeding ground for endangered red wolves. St. Vincent is only accessible by boat, but the main office and visitor center is located in downtown Apalachicola. Here you’ll find maps and guides describing the various kinds of wildlife you might encounter and information on local boat captains who can ferry you to the refuge.
One of the most popular active attractions in the Apalachicola area is fishing. It may be here that the phrase “There are plenty of fish in the sea” first originated since it is almost impossible to cast a line into these rich-with-life waters and not at least get a bite. Redfish and speckled trout are the two fish most anglers are after. Several local guides will take you out for a half or full day of fishing. Both friendly and knowledgeable, Captain Brownie Parkman is a great choice for experts and novices alike.
Panama City Beach, Florida Adventure Travel, Part 2
Beaches of South Walton, Florida Adventure Travel, Part 3
Navarre Beach/Milton, Florida Adventure Travel, Part 4
Pensacola & Pensacola Beach, Florida Adventure Travel, Part 5
St. George Island/Apalachicola, Florida Adventure Travel, Part 1
Gulfscapes Magazine
