As the leaves begin to fall and the cool mornings become more and more common, the Forgotten Coast turns into the picturesque playground perfect for a winter break getaway. Tucked away roughly 100 miles from Tallahassee and 50 miles from Panama City Beach, this 68-mile stretch boasts amazing beaches, stunning coastal towns, and a plethora of activities that capture the essence of the season.
A wonderful way to enjoy the cooler evenings is by hosting a beach bonfire. Invite your friends or family, create a cozy spot on the sand, and spend the evening roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and listening to the gentle sound of the waves as the sun sets. Light It Up Beach Bonfires is a spectacular company that will do all of the leg work for your bonfire, including bringing a smores kit and plenty of chairs.
For nature lovers, the weather is perfect for the nature trails, such as Salinas Park, which features a newly built boardwalk overlooking The St Joe Bay, and Tate's Hell State Forest, which will reveal all sorts of wildlife. Another good option for the outdoorsmen would be taking the Ferry over to St. Vincent Island, a National Wildlife Refuge that houses many endangered species and is a stop-over point for migratory birds, and taking the tour of the island.
With a range of events and festivals throughout the fall, The Forgotten Coast also provides plenty of entertainment options. The Local Farmers markets will be going on every weekend, whether it be in Apalachicola, Mexico Beach, or Port St Joe. Port St Joe will be shooting fireworks over the Bay on New Year’s Eve at George Core Park. Carrabelle is organizing its annual Cookies & Cocoa Holiday Party on Thursday, December 19·4:30 – 4:30 pm. Just a couple of days after News Year’s Day, the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its first Reid Ave Sip and Shop of the year, which is a great event to attend if you love shopping!
Whether you're relaxing on the beach, discovering the beauty of nature, or attending local events, a winter getaway on The Forgotten Coast offers the ideal mix of relaxation and adventure.