Active Pursuits in Apalachicola

Beaches, Parks & Wildlife Refuges in and Around Apalachicola

Some experts consider the 9 miles of beaches in the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park (tel. 850/927-2111) among America’s best. This pristine nature preserve occupies the eastern end of St. George Island, about 15 miles east of Apalachicola. A 4-mile-long paved road leads through the dunes to picnic areas, restrooms, showers, and a boat launch. An unpaved trail leads another 5 miles to the island’s eastern end, but be careful: It’s easy to get stuck in the soft sand, even in a four-wheel-drive SUV. From a hiking trail leading from the campground out to a narrow peninsula on the bay side, you can see countless terns, snowy plovers, black skimmers, and other birds. Entry costs $6 per vehicle with up to eight occupants, $4 single-occupant vehicle, and $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist. East End access costs $6 per person. Campsites go for $24 plus tax, plus a $6.70 reservation fee and $7 nightly utility fee for RVs, cabins, and bungalows. The park is open daily from 8am to sunset. Pets are allowed only on campgrounds.

In addition to the state park, the island offers restaurants, bars, and some of the best fishing in the state.

There are no facilities whatsoever at the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, southwest of Apalachicola and accessible only by boat. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has left this 12,492-acre barrier island in its natural state, but visitors are welcome to walk through its pine forests, marshlands, ponds, dunes, and beaches. In addition to native species, such as bald eagles and alligators, the island is home to a small herd of sambar deer from Southeast Asia. Red wolves are bred here for relocation in other wildlife areas. St. Vincents Island Shuttle Service (stvincentisland.com; 📞 850/229-1065), at Indian Pass, 21 miles west of Apalachicola via U.S. 98 and C.R. 30A and 30B, will take you to the island in a pontoon boat. If you bring your bike, the boat will drop you at one end of the island and pick you up at the other. Advance reservations are required. The refuge headquarters, at the north end of Market Street in town, has exhibits of wetland flora and fauna; it’s open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. Admission is free.

The Apalachicola National Forest begins a few miles northeast of town. It has a host of facilities, including canoeing and mountain bike trails.

Cruises in and Around Apalachicola

Journeys of St. George Island (tel. 850/927-3259) takes guests on narrated nature cruises to the barrier islands, and on canoe, paddleboard, and kayak trips in the creeks and streams of the Apalachicola River basin. They also lead night hikes with blue crab netting, shelling excursions, and fishing and scalloping trips, plus excursions tailored exclusively for children. Prices range from $300 to $600 per person. Reservations are required, so call to find out what she’s offering when you’ll be in town. They also rent canoes, standup paddleboards, golf carts, kayaks, sailboats, and sailboards.

The captains at Apalach Anglers, 1 Bay Ave., (tel. 850/405-6912), will take you out on two-hour sunset cruises off the coast of St. George Island or, if you prefer to get your hands in the water, scalloping to catch your dinner. They offer a slew of eco-tours as well. Prices range from $225 to $700.

Fishing Around Apalachicola

You can’t go oystering, but fishing is excellent in these waters, where trout, redfish, flounder, tarpon, shark, and drum abound. For guides, contact Robinson Brothers Guide Service (tel. 850/653-8896). Rates run about $500 for a half-day and $700 for a full day for up to four anglers. Apalach Anglers, see above, is another good option.