Even though I’ve been going to Florida’s Gulf of Mexico at least once a year all of my life, there are still places I’m finding out about. My favorite sites to visit continues to grow…
As a child, we went to Grayton Beach several times each summer to stay in the family house full of cousins. Then I camped with my grandmother at the Grayton Beach State Park. My husband and I honeymooned at Seaside, FL in 1995, the year Hurricane Allison threatened. We arrived just after the threat passed and just about had the town to ourselves. It was perfect.
But for the past 17 years we’ve been going to St. George Island, Florida and visiting nearby Apalachicola. Now remember, this is our little secret. Because we love the fact that we can be on the beach and only see maybe one other family – or not even another soul – depending on the time of day and time of year. We love the slow pace and the beautiful stretch of beaches.
“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides, and follow the sun.” — Sandy Gingras, Writer
But, of course, being homeschoolers, we like to learn everywhere we go. So we are often seeking and searching for educational field trip type destinations. Have you noticed that about us? So, on our most recent family vacation to Florida, we found a few new spots and revisited some long-time favorites.
Lunch at The Seafood Grill in Apalachicola (the grouper is the best and we go here every year!) Apalachicola was the third largest southern port in Civil War times (big for cotton exports) and is the water shed for our Georgia streams and rivers. Wonderful history markers detailing the history on the bay side near the docks. More on the history of the area at the Apalachicola Estuary.
The Old Time Soda Fountain on Market Street – we’ve been here many a time for an ice cream treat.
And, inside, there really is still a soda fountain with stools and a counter!
John Gorrie Museum – Last year we visited the John Gorrie museum. Dr. Gorrie is inventor of the first ice-making and refrigeration machine. He found that cooling and refrigeration helped fight disease. So much rich history!
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab Aquarium – This spot in Panacea is a field trip and great find! Touch tanks and looking tanks (for those you shouldn’t touch) of all kinds: hermit crabs, starfish, horseshoe crabs, fiddler crabs, blue crabs, nurse sharks, seahorses, sea turtles, lobsters, triggerfish, Nemo fish (clown and blue tang) and much more! The cost is reasonable too – all of us, including Nana – were able to get in for a little over the cost of one ticket for the big aquariums. It was such a treat for the children to be able to touch and hold creatures and study them up close.
As we were walking to the car after spending time at this aquarium, my eldest son said, “remember that report I did on horseshoe crabs? I got to see the brain of the one I picked up.” And then he told me so much more about them. {insert happy homeschool mom sigh} Field trips solidify and confirm what we learn!
St. George Island Lighthouse – so much fantastic history to learn here. The Cape St. George lighthouse originally stood on Little St. George Island until it collapsed into the sea because of passing hurricanes and beach erosion. The St. George Lighthouse Association raised money to rebuild the lighthouse and build a museum on St. George Island. What fun it has been to watch the progress on this project over the years! (And, of course, when you climb the lighthouse, it is time for ice cream!)
You, too, can climb the lighthouse for a lovely view – and get a sticker too! This is the second lighthouse we’ve climbed this summer.
Apalachicola Estuary and Nature Reserve – our third time here because we love it. This spot is so very well done all around. And guess what – admission is FREE! That is so helpful for our largish family! (They do ask for donations.) Not only are there aquariums but there is:
- a short movie about the Apalachicola estuary
- a gigantic panoramic mural of the seaside habitats
- a science room filled with specimens
- a microscope for looking closer
- giant picture windows looking out onto the bay
- alligator model
- history timeline of Apalachicola, the changing trade, its part in the Civil War, artifacts
- explanation of the watershed
Outdoor trails, boardwalks and viewing points plus these wonderful rockers. Even more about this fantastic place – including more photos – in our post from last year’s visit: Homeschool Marine Biology for Multiple Ages. We had decided last year that we’d be back here every time we were close by.
All I need is vitamin SEA
More Florida Gulf Sites We Recommend
St. George Island State Park – campground and many pull off spots for beach access. You will often not even see another person on these long stretches of beach on the eastern end of the island.
The cut – in The Plantation community on the island. This is the very western end of the island where there is a special passage for boats. Wonderful panoramic views and wildlife. You can see Little St. George Island (where the St. George light originally stood) in the distance.
- The Seafood Grill in Apalachicola – for the best grouper sandwich
- Aunt Ebby’s ice cream shop on St. George Island
More Beach Love
- Florida Nature Studies
- St. Simons Island: A Golden Isle of Georgia in 48 hrs
- St. Simons Island: Historical Sites to Visit
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center and More About Jekyll Island, Georgia
Follow Tricia’s board At the Beach on Pinterest.
At the Beach Pinterest board includes our free video art tutorials – beach umbrellas and how to draw a beach plus our Chalk Patels: Art at the Beach book
- My Mama on Vacation Series with tips for the beach with children
- Blessed Beach – more images from another beach vacation with gratitude and beach quotes
- How to Build a Drip Sand Castle
- Edible Sand Dessert we made as a birthday cake on year
- 10 Creative Summer and Beach Art Projects
Where is YOUR favorite Florida spot?
My family loves St. Grorge Island! Thanks for the suggestions. Have you ever visited Wakulla Springs State Park? If you like nature, seeing alligators, and the feeling of being in “old Florida” – then your family will definitely enjoy Wakulla Springs. The boat ride is wonderful, the lodge is beautiful and interesting to walk through. And the food is delicious. Our family makes a trip to Wakulla Springs each year when we visit the Gulf Coast.
Alicia – I have heard of Wakulla Springs but we haven’t ever been there. Something new to explore next time – thanks!
What a great post! Thank you for the encouraging words and beautiful pictures!
What time of the year do your recommend to avoid the crowds? We are planning a trip this year (haven’t been to Florida is 12 years! Stayed in Pensacola Beach last time) and need to figure out a date. I was thinking September but I really wanted to leave yesterday, lol!
I sure hear you about wanting to leave yesterday! Oh September is perfect! In fact – anytime after most everyone else is back in school. Fall rates start mid August. Of course around Labor Day picks up a bit as far as crowds go. But it’s simply a glorious time of year to be there. Enjoy!