Discover Franklin County
Things to do along Florida's Forgotten Coast
Take a Step Back in Time to the Raney House Museum
Located in downtown Apalachicola, the Raney House Museum is an example of architecture and the interpretation of life in Pre-Civil War Florida. Apalachicola was one of the ports along the Gulf which shipped cotton, grown upriver, along with Mobile and New Orleans when “Cotton was King.” The Raney House Museum is operated by the Apalachicola Area Historical Society, and admission is free, but door donations are accepted.
Let’s Camp at the Beach!
Many visitors think of the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park as just a secluded beach perfect for a quiet weekend stroll. However, this 1,962-acre park offers a full facility family campground featuring 60 campsites, a playground, electricity, water hookups, and dump station nearby. Two buildings provide hot showers and restrooms. Two primitive campsites can be accessed by a 2.5-mile trail or by canoe or kayak. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
Visit the local breweries for locally inspired brews
Enjoy excellent craft beers brewed on-site from two local breweries, Apalachicola’s Watercraft Brewing Company and the Eastpoint Brewery. Watercraft Brewing is located in the heart of Apalachicola’s historic downtown district. And in Eastpoint, the Eastpoint Brewery sits perched overlooking St. George Sound where you can watch the commercial fishing boats slide by on their way to the dock.
Ralph G. Kendrick Dwarf Cypress Boardwalk
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor adventure, the Ralph G. Kendrick Dwarf Cypress Boardwalk in the Tate’s Hell State Forest is worth the trouble to find to experience one of Florida’s most unusual natural wonders: a dwarf cypress swamp featuring 150-year-old ancient cypress trees no taller than 15 feet. The boardwalk to the cypress swamp is located less than 10 miles from several of Franklin County’s commercial RV and campgrounds as well as close to state and federal camping areas within the state and nearby federal forest lands.
Tate’s Hell is Heaven
Tate’s Hell State Forest offers a variety of recreation activities for the outdoor enthusiast. There are 35 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks available for canoeing, boating, and fishing. A concrete boat launch is located at Cash Creek, with additional launch sites available at locations throughout the forest. Fishing requires a valid license and is regulated under the direction of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Picnicking at one of the many day-use areas is a popular activity on the forest.
Visit floridasforgottencoast.com/fc for more outdoor spring adventures.
