We’re in the midst of the road trip renaissance and what better place to take our Airstream off the beaten path than the beautiful Florida panhandle for a fantastic Florida road trip. Sure, we’d been to the bustling metropolis of Miami and the glittering waters of the Florida Keys, but after months of being cooped up in our home, we craved something off the grid, something undiscovered, something that got us back out into nature, and something away from it all – completely different than the typical Sunshine State activities. That’s we chose to spend 6 magical nights vacationing in the rural areas of Florida’s panhandle, adventuring with the plethora water sports, indulging in Florida’s delicious gulf oysters, and of course, marinating in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Our Route
We started our route on the Emerald Coast in Panhandle city of Panama City before heading out to the famous beaches of Panama City Beach. We then took our Airstream down to Florida’s “Forgotten Coast” to Apalachicola, St. George Island, and Carrabelle. Here is a list of our favorite things to do along each of our rural Florida Road Trip stops:
Panama City
Where to Eat:
History Class Brewing Company: Recently opened in the summer of 2020, History Class Brewing Company is a great brewpub in downtown Panama City. We recommend heading to the back patio, ordering a flight of beers, and playing cornhole with friends.
Parlor Doughnuts: Parlor Doughnuts was created in Evansville, Indiana, but now it has made its way down to Panama City in its very own Airstream. Parlor Doughnuts serves fresh doughnuts on Papa Joe’s lawn and they are well worth every bite. We would highly recommend the French toast doughnut (we actually went back for seconds!)
Delicious Parlor Doughnuts!
Papa Joe’s Bayside: Located waterfront on St. Andrews Bay, Papa Joe’s Bayside has a plethora of food trucks to choose from. Check their social media pages for an updated list of food trucks. There will also be a mobile bar coming soon to Papa Joe’s called Tequila Joe’s. This will have a full bar!
What to Do:
Fishing & Boating with Heritage Excursions: Heritage Excursions is a charter boat company that was started by Josh Sauls, a local Panama City captain who comes from generations of captains and fishermen. If you’re in the Panama City area, you have to book a fishing trip with Josh. We went out on a sunset cruise with Josh and his wife and it was absolutely amazing! Josh was nice enough to drop off some freshly caught grouper for us to cook up in our Airstream. What a legend!
Rent Jet Ski’s: One of the best ways to see Panama City and Panama City Beach is on the water with a jet ski! Head out on your own and explore the area or join a group tour with Adventures at Sea where you can ski out to Shell island, see dolphins, and visit St. Andrews State Park.
Making new friends!
Panama City Beach
Where to Stay: Panama City Beach RV Resort
Where to Eat:
The Grand Marlin: The Grand Marlin has delicious, fresh seafood, amazing martini’s, and unparalleled sunsets overlooking Grand Lagoon. The location is tranquil, relaxed, and beautiful with a surplus of outdoor seating!
Finns Island Style Grub: Head to the laidback and lowkey Finns Island Style Grub for breakfast fish tacos, ceviche, and a cup of Joe to start your day!
What to Do:
Shell Island: This uninhabited island has picture perfect white sand beaches that are an absolute must when visiting Florida’s Emerald Coast. This hidden gem is accessible only by boat or jet ski, which makes the journey even more exclusive and enjoyable.
St. Andrews State Park: While there are plenty of beautiful beaches around Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Pak takes the cake. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, you can go swimming, snorkeling, surfing, or simply sunbathe on its beautiful beaches. It costs only $8 to enter, but the entry allows for a more peaceful and private beach experience.
White sand beaches at St. Andrews State Park
Apalachicola and the “Forgotten Coast”
Where to Stay: Coastline RV Resort & Campground
Where to Eat:
Up The Creek Raw Bar: Located right on the water, this laidback oyster haven is the perfect spot to indulge in the finest oysters on the Forgotten Coast. After all, Apalachicola is the oyster capital of Florida, producing approximately 90% of the state’s oysters! We highly recommend sitting outside, ordering the Moscow Oysters (topped with horseradish and flying fish caviar), grabbing a local brew to wash it down with, and enjoy the serenity of Apalachicola while watching the boats pass by.
Hole in the Wall Seafood: This small seafood joint is located in downtown Apalachicola and it serves up delicious oysters (obviously) and fresh fish.
The cutest campsite that ever lived
What to Do:
Explore downtown Apalachicola: Downtown Apalachicola is a darling waterfront town with dozens of adorable boutiques and delicious restaurants. It’s worth spending a leisurely afternoon popping into shops and refueling your shopping adventures with local oysters.
St. George Island State Park: Located around 10 miles from Eastpoint (where the Coastline RV Resort & Campground is situated), is the gorgeous St. George Island State Park. Located on a barrier island on Apalachicola Bay, it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing beach day and enjoying water spots on its beautiful blue waters and sugary white sand beaches.
St. George Lighthouse: Located on the barrier island of St. George, the lighthouse towers 72 feet high! Stop by to check it out on your way from Eastpoint to St. George Island State Park.
Carrabelle Lighthouse & Museum: Located in the tiny town of Carrabelle, this lighthouse is known as the Crooked River Lighthouse. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top!
White sand beaches at St. George Island State Park
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