Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a nature lover’s dream, home to the last remaining stretch of unspoiled Gulf Coast beaches that haven't been overrun by high rises and strip malls. Book your trip with Cape & Coast Premier Properties and explore the natural beauty of St. George Island, Apalachicola, and Cape San Blas. Whether you are interested in exploring undeveloped beaches, paddling scenic waterways, watching native Florida wildlife, or hiking through varied habitats, there is something for every type of nature lover!
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Start your journey at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 5,4000-square-foot center where you can learn about the Apalachicola River and Bay. Stroll through the exhibits, which include historic artifacts, aquariums with local wildlife, and information about the watershed.
Then, head outside and walk along the elevated boardwalk to explore the natural environments you learned about inside. In addition to the nature center, you can find additional recreational opportunities within the reserve:
Unit 4, St. George Island: This location provides access to St. George Sound, a popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It is also located along the Great Florida Birding Trail and is a prime spot for birdwatching!
Nick’s Hole, St. George Island: Nick’s Hole is a natural bayside inlet on Apalachicola Bay, ideal for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Little St. George Island: Explore the undeveloped Little St. George Island and immerse yourself in nine miles of undeveloped beaches, 2,300 acres of pine flatwoods, rosemary oak scrub, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Popular activities include boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge
Only accessible by boat, the St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge is a 12,000-acre undeveloped barrier island ideal for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, and nature photography. The refuge is an important stop-over point for neotropical migratory birds, providing fantastic birdwatching conditions.
St. George Island State Park
Head to St. George Island State Park and immerse yourself in miles of undeveloped beaches, marshes, vast scrubs, and pine forests. Explore the Gulf Side of the island and play along nine miles of pristine beaches, fish from the shoreline, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphin pods and birds. Then, head to the Bay Side of the park for even more wildlife-watching opportunities, fishing, and hiking adventures.
St. Joseph State Park
St. Joseph State Park provides a vitally important habitat for beach-nesting birds, sea turtles, and the endangered beach mouse. Spend a day at the park and see numerous species of wading birds, shorebirds, and migratory birds from the beach. Reserve a Wilderness Permit from the ranger station and explore the 1,700-acre Wilderness Preserve on the northernmost part of the peninsula.
Want to see native wildlife up close? Consider signing up for one of the scenic tours on the Forgotten Coast and let a local guide take you to the best wildlife viewing spots. Book your getaway with Cape & Coast Premier Properties and experience the unspoiled nature of Florida’s Forgotten Coast!
