The area in and around Carrabelle has much to offer residents and visitors alike. For more information, click the links below.
Parks and Beaches
- Alligator Point: Secluded peninsula. Fifteen minute drive east of Carrabelle. Beautiful uncrowded beaches.
- Carrabelle Beach: Is 1.5 miles west of town; beautiful uncrowded beach with public bathrooms and picnic areas. Great for sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing.
- Ft. Gadsden Historic Site: Is a historic battle site located approximately 20 miles north of East Point on SR65. The fort was a British base in the War of 1812, and overlooks the Apalachicola River. Exhibits and replicas of the fort are on display, public facilities available.
- St. George Island State Park: Is a 20 minute drive west of Carrabelle. State Park, sugar sand beaches and dunes. This park includes a series of trail boardwalks and observation platforms, allows the visitor to “see it all”. Also bike trails available. Voted top #3 U.S. Beach in 2014 by “Dr. Beach”.
- Ochlockonee State Park: A 392 acre park with public facilities, picnic areas, fishing and boat ramp. Canoe rental available. Approximately 15 minutes east of Carrabelle.
Museums
- Carrabelle History Museum: Operated by the Carrabelle Historical Society. Located at 106 SE Ave B in downtown Carrabelle. They have several special displays that highlight local heroes, the Steamship Tarpon which was key to building our community in the early 1900’s and Carrabelle’s “First People”, natives who lived here thousands of years ago.
- Camp Gordon Johnston Museum: Operated by the Camp Gordon Johnston Association and located at the Carrabelle City Complex at 1001 Gray Ave. The museum houses memorabilia, photographs, records and related historical information on the WW II training facility. Information from the 4th, 28th and 38th Infantry Divisions, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Amphibious Brigades as well as all the related specialized units who trained at the camp is available for all to see. The museum is dedicated to preserving the historical accuracy of the local area’s part in this crucial period of World history, as well as honoring its veterans.
- Crooked River Lighthouse: Located 2 miles west of town on the right, just past the Carrabelle Beach RV Park. The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association manages the Keeper’s House Museum and gift shop. The public is invited to climb the lighthouse (must be at least 44 inches tall to climb) for $5.00 per person every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00pm.
Other Points of Interest
- Big Bend Scenic Byway: Transport yourself to a different time and place through 220 miles of wildlife, woods, waterways and way of life.
- World’s Smallest Police Station: Carrabelle is home to the “Smallest Police Station in the World”. It’s a phone booth! View a replica on US 98 at the corner of CR67. The original is now on display in the Chamber Office, located at 105 St. James Ave (U.S.98) in downtown Carrabelle.
- Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: The ANERR Environmental Education and Training Center is nestled along Apalachicola Bay amidst scrub live oaks and saw palmetto in Eastpoint. It features 18,000 square feet of learning space, including two working wet and dry research laboratories. Representing the river, bay and gulf habitats found in Apalachicola, the center features three large walk-around tanks that each hold over 1,000 gallons and house a variety of native plant life and creatures. A mural stretching along the nearby walls demonstrates the connectivity among the river, bay and gulf habitats as one continuum instead of discreet, separate systems. Additional exhibits highlight the rich history of the area with descriptions and testimonials of life working on the bay and waterfront.
- Florida State University’s Coastal Marine Laboratory: Located on St. James Island in northwest Florida, the laboratory offers unique opportunities for research, education, and outreach on the Gulf of Mexico in a biologically diverse, pristine environment. Habitats range from inshore oyster reefs to offshore patch reefs, from freshwater bogs to sea grass and salt marshes.
- Crooked River Lighthouse: Located 2 miles west of town on the right, just past the Carrabelle Beach RV Park. The Carrabelle Lighthouse Association manages the Keeper’s House Museum and gift shop, open Thursday – Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00pm. The public is invited to climb the lighthouse (must be at least 44 inches tall to climb) for $5.00 per person every Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00pm.
- Dog Island: A small remote island only accessible by boat or plane. Spend a day with nature marshes and pine forests or on sugar sand beaches.
- Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory: Features unique variety of Florida marine life and “see & touch” tanks. The organization is dedicated to scientific research, education and protection of our natural resources. Located 20 minutes east of Carrabelle on US Hwy 98.
- Wakulla Springs: Has jungle boat tours, glass bottom boats, nature trails, swimming and picnic area. This is a 40 minute drive east of Carrabelle.
Shopping
- There are several antique stores to plunder.
