Apalachicola FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Apalachicola, Florida.
1. St. George Island Public Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF SHORES
St. George Island Public Beach welcomes visitors with soft white sands, gentle surf, and clear Gulf waters, providing an ideal seaside atmosphere for families and beachgoers. The beach features convenient amenities including bathhouses, covered picnic pavilions, a playground, and a ball court, making it suitable for a wide range of recreation. Its laid-back vibe and proximity to the Cape St. George Lighthouse add to its enduring appeal as a quintessential Old Florida beach escape.
2. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
SECLUDED NATURAL BEAUTY
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is celebrated for unspoiled shorelines, stretching nine miles with some of the most pristine beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast. With ample parking, picnic facilities, and access to both beach and bay, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, shelling, hiking, and birdwatching in a tranquil setting. This state park is renowned for its serenity, natural dunes, and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking quiet beach days.
3. Bald Point State Park Beach
WILD COASTAL RETREAT
Bald Point State Park Beach offers access to two beaches on Apalachee Bay, surrounded by unspoiled coastal landscapes and wetlands. The park is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing, with amenities such as a fishing dock and picnic pavilions. Its quiet, natural setting and opportunities to spot wildlife draw both adventure-seekers and those looking for peaceful, scenic escapes.
4. Eastpoint Public Beach
BAYFRONT PICNIC SPOT
Eastpoint Public Beach sits along the shores of Apalachicola Bay and offers visitors a less-crowded waterfront with stunning westward sunset views. It features picnic tables, a fishing pier, and shallow waters for wading, which cater to families and casual beachgoers. The peaceful setting and panoramic bay vistas make it a perfect place for a relaxed day by the water.
5. Carrabelle Beach
SPACIOUS FAMILY SANDS
Carrabelle Beach is a wide, open stretch of Gulf shoreline with calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming, wading, and beachcombing. The beach provides picnic areas, restrooms, and ample parking, making it a favorite for families and road travelers. Its gentle surf and pet-friendly atmosphere create a laid-back environment perfect for a day by the sea.
6. Alligator Point Beach
SECLUDED BARRIER ISLAND
Alligator Point Beach is known for its natural, low-key charm and miles of undisturbed shoreline along a semi-remote barrier peninsula. Popular with shell collectors, anglers, and wildlife watchers, the beach offers tranquil waters and few crowds. Its boat ramps and public access points also make it great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the surrounding bays and estuaries.
7. Cape St. George Lighthouse Park Beach
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE VIEWS
Cape St. George Lighthouse Park Beach combines scenic Gulf-front relaxation with the landmark experience of visiting the historic lighthouse and Keeper's House. The beach area is easily accessible and offers public parking, restrooms, and shaded picnic spots, all within footsteps of the iconic lighthouse. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views, gentle surf, and the educational charm of learning about local maritime history.
8. St. George Island Bayside Park
CALM BAY WATERS
St. George Island Bayside Park offers access to the calm waters of Apalachicola Bay, perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The park features picnic tables and grassy areas with panoramic bay views, catering to those who prefer tranquil waters over Gulf surf. Its location makes it ideal for sunset watching and wildlife observation, providing a different coastal experience from the oceanfront beaches.
9. Ochlockonee River State Park Swimming Area
FRESHWATER RIVER OASIS
Ochlockonee River State Park's designated swimming area lets visitors cool off in refreshing freshwater along quiet riverbanks fringed with forest. The park is popular for swimming, canoeing, and wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see manatees, turtles, and unique birdlife. Its clean, tree-shaded setting and clear river waters provide a serene escape from the coastal saltwater beaches nearby.
10. Mashes Sands Beach
REMOTE COASTAL SANDS
Mashes Sands Beach is a quiet, undeveloped shoreline with broad sandy stretches, tidal flats, and salt marsh views along Ochlockonee Bay. Swimmers, anglers, and kayakers appreciate its easy access, boat launch, and the abundant marine life found just offshore. The peaceful setting and scenic vistas make it a favorite escape for locals seeking natural beauty without crowds.