Forum Discussion

rexlion's avatar
rexlion
Explorer
Dec 21, 2015

Mobile to Tallahassee, things to see and do?

My wife and I were thinking of spending 2 or 3 days along the Florida Panhandle's coastline. Amazingly, she has never yet seen the ocean, so we would like to change that. Coming from OK and planning to hit the coast at Mobile, then proceed eastward as far as Panacea (S. of Tallahassee). The 'forgotten coast' sounds like our type of area.

But there's more to a day than just walking/sitting on the beach. Those of you who've been to that area, what would you suggest? Other than the general coastline, state parks and Bellingrath Gardens, I don't know of much. Do you have any favorite spots? We don't like big crowds, but she's up for some short, easy walks. We like scenery, maybe a bit of wildlife, and maybe a bit of shopping.

Oh, one more thing, she really wants to try a Cuban sandwich. I'm sure there have to be a couple of Cuban restaurants in there somewhere.

19 Replies

Sort By
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2015
    Now my wife has decided she doesn't want to go. And I'm seeing days of clouds and/or rain for the time I could go; I prefer to see blue water when possible. So, looks like the trip is off for now. :(
  • johnhicks's avatar
    johnhicks
    Explorer
    Dec 24, 2015
    You can easily carry four foot draft safely along the marked "Intracoastal" around the Big Bend from Anclote to Carrabelle but that's the long way and can be mighty choppy to downright dangerous in a southwesterly gale. I prefer straight across too. It's been quite a while.

    Many years ago I once got "misplaced" and found myself among the old guano platforms in fading light; that was a bit unnerving. LOL

    But we digress...
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2015
    johnhicks wrote:

    This area of the Gulf from Bald Point eastward around to Clearwater Beach is a low-energy part of the Gulf because rather shallow water extends far offshore; that's why beaches are rare.


    Yup, too shallow to take a sailboat for sure.

    So we always cross from Aplach to Tarpon Springs,Clearwater Beach or right into St Pete. It is an overnight crossing.
  • johnhicks's avatar
    johnhicks
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2015
    What I'd do is stay at St. George Island. Note that you'll need to drive or long bike ride to the beach at St. George; the CG is on the bay side.

    There are many restaurants etc on St.George. http://seestgeorgeisland.com/

    Go across the bridge to Apalach for the day.

    St. Joe SP is by the beach but there's pretty much nothing else out there other than vacation homes; it's _way_ out.

    From Panacea take day trips to Wakulla Springs SP, the great restaurant at Spring Creek and down to the lighthouse (can't go inside) through the St. Marks NWR. You can get some more beach in down Mashes Sands road at the bridge on the north side of Ochlockonee Bay at the quick-rip store.

    This area of the Gulf from Bald Point eastward around to Clearwater Beach is a low-energy part of the Gulf because rather shallow water extends far offshore; that's why beaches are rare.
  • magnusfide's avatar
    magnusfide
    Explorer II
    Dec 23, 2015
    I've always been partial to the name of Sopchoppy :c
    Miccosukee too (northeast of Tallahassee).

    Carrabelle, Sopchoppy, Miccosukee and the areas in between (except Tallahassee) still resemble Old Florida which is why we prefer to camp there instead of the overdeveloped tourist spots. It's more our style.
  • rexlion's avatar
    rexlion
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2015
    Remote is good. Nice low camping fee at Hodge, too. Saw some pics and I like it.
  • lizzie's avatar
    lizzie
    Explorer
    Dec 23, 2015
    Check out Ochlockonee River State Park on US 319 between Carrabelle and Sopchoppy and/or Myron Hodge City Park at Sopchoppy. ORSP is on the Ochlockonee River, beautiful and remote. MHCP is on the Sopchoppy River. lizzie
  • johnhicks's avatar
    johnhicks
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2015
    East of the Pensacola area, these are your beaches..

    https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/St-Joseph

    https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/St-George-Island

    Be sure to spend at least half a day wandering around Apalachicola; that half-day should include several lunches and dinners LOL. Go to Boss Oyster.

    Here's a nice waterfront CG at Ochlockonee Bay, just south of Panacea...

    http://www.holidaycampground.com/

    I wasn't impressed with Ho Hum, which is just a crushed shell parking lot.
  • Tripalot's avatar
    Tripalot
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2015
    Tripalot wrote:
    OutdoorPhotographer wrote:
    Dr Quick wrote:
    Mobile has the USS Alabama, a submarine and a Black Bird aircraft.
    Pensacola has a Navy base with a airplane museum, that that also has an I Max theatre.


    NAS Pensacola has the Naval Aviation Museum. It is free and well worth a half day. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to watch a Blue Angels practice. The museum has a great section on WW II life on the homefront.

    Destin has the most beautiful beaches but I wouldn't go there between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Not sure of your timing.


    We found the naval museum to be very worthwhile and we are not museum people. If you go, take one of the guided tours. The volunteers are anxious to tell you interesting stories and that is better than reading a lot of signs on the displays.

About Campground 101

Recommendations, reviews, and the inside scoop from fellow travelers.14,722 PostsLatest Activity: Apr 27, 2025