Tucked between Mexico Beach and St. Marks, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is more than a name—it’s a living tribute to the way coastal Florida used to be. Unspoiled, uncrowded, and undeniably authentic, this region earned its name in the early 1990s when the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce coined the phrase to distinguish the area from the more commercialized coastlines of the state. As Florida exploded with tourism and development, this stretch of coast stayed quiet, rugged, and real—earning the proud title of “Forgotten.”
A Working Waterfront: Apalachicola’s Oyster Legacy
At the heart of the Forgotten Coast lies Apalachicola, a historic fishing town that was once known as the Oyster Capital of the World. For generations, oystermen worked the Apalachicola Bay with tongs and flatboats, pulling up wild oysters that fed families and fueled a regional economy. Though the industry has faced recent challenges, the spirit of the bay and its people remains strong—preserving a way of life you can still feel today on the docks, in the seafood houses, and out on the water.
Natural Beauty Crowned the Best in the U.S.
Just across the bay, St. George Island State Park boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the country. In fact, Dr. Stephen Leatherman—aka "Dr. Beach"—ranked it the #1 Beach in the United States in 2023, thanks to its sugar-white sand, clear Gulf waters, and untouched dunes. It's a favorite destination for shelling, birdwatching, and beachcombing—and a perfect stop on any custom tour with Williamson Outfitters.
A Capital Moment in Port St. Joe
History buffs will appreciate that Florida’s first state constitution was written in Port St. Joe in 1838. This quiet coastal town was once poised to be a major Gulf port, and its legacy is cemented in the Constitution Convention Museum State Park, which commemorates this formative chapter in Florida’s journey to statehood.
St. Marks and the Sentinel of the Bay
At the eastern edge of the Forgotten Coast lies St. Marks, one of Florida’s oldest settlements. Its crown jewel is the St. Marks Lighthouse, built in 1831 and still standing guard over the coastal marshes of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. The lighthouse is a symbol of endurance and a stunning backdrop for nature tours, wildlife photography, or a peaceful cruise.
Explore the Forgotten Coast with Williamson Outfitters
At Williamson Outfitters, we’re proud to share this region’s heritage through guided fishing charters, scalloping adventures, flounder gigging trips, and custom coastal tours. In the fall and winter, we also offer trophy gator hunts, wild hog hunts, and duck hunting—connecting our guests to the land as much as the water.
From the working waterfronts of Apalachicola to the windswept dunes of St. George, the Forgotten Coast is more than a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s the Florida you didn’t know still existed.
For information about our trips and lodging call/text 850-251-8650. Come experience the legacy, the landscape, and the adventure of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.