Carrabelle, Florida, a historic working community, is located right on the Gulf of Mexico in the eastern Florida Panhandle. A true fishing village, its people have been harvesting the sea for more than 100 years. Shrimping, oystering, commercial and recreational game fishing together with tourism have been the mainstays of Carrabelle’s economic development over the years.
Although a hidden secret no longer, Carrabelle’s ideal location is surrounded by state and national forests, together with its beautiful, deep water seaport. The community of 1300 residents welcomes travelers who enter by boat, or arrive via scenic Highways 98 along the coast, and 67 through the forests.
Community
One of only a few small towns in historic Franklin County, Carrabelle is proud of its independence and home-grown residents. Visitors can mix easily with local folks in the coffee shop, neighborhood bars and restaurants, the grocery, pharmacy service/convenience stores and at the post office too. Hardware stores plus a gift shop ensure that both male and female travelers can buy necessities or just browse for souvenirs during their visit. The Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center, the World’s Smallest Police Station, the Carrabelle History Museum, the WWII Camp Gordon Johnston Museum and local shrimp boats are special highlights not to be missed when enjoying a walk toward the scenic Riverfront Pavilion located on Marine Street.
Attractions
As the visitor travels just west of town, watch for the historic Crooked River Lighthouse in its wooded setting on the north side of Highway 98. And don’t miss the miles and miles of white sand beaches, open to the public for walking and enjoying. A public wayside park with bathroom facilities is located less than a mile west of town, just across from a motor home park. Further west, the Tate’s Hell Forest walking trail sign will lure the visitor into the trail-head. All the while, the white heads and tails of soaring eagles, together with pelicans, herons, and osprey can be seen circling overhead along the beautifully scenic waterfront highway.
Carrabelle welcomes you to come for a visit, or stay for a lifetime.
