Eastpoint Travel Guide: A Hidden Gem on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Last updated on February 17th, 2025 at 02:13 pm

Hi there! I’m Heather, a full-time RVer who has spent a lot of time researching RV destinations. Cindy asked if I would share some of my favorite Southern secret spots to visit in my RV with her readers. I immediately thought of Florida’s Forgotten Coast!

Here’s why this area is one of my favorite spots to return to over and over again:

Where (& What) is Florida’s Forgotten Coast?

It seems everyone knows about the much-loved and very busy part of Florida’s Emerald Coast: unique beach towns strung together along the narrow Highway 30A that winds down the white sandy shores of the West Coast. After Panama City, the crowds and traffic begin to disperse a bit, and after Port St. Joe, the route seemingly drops off into the Gulf.

But this is where the Forgotten Coast begins: A series of small fishing towns that unfold as you turn the bend around the tip of the panhandle. It’s made up of Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Alligator Point, Carabelle, and St. George Island.

This guide will focus primarily on Eastpoint and a bit on the St. George Island area, which are places I adore!

My Favorite Spot Along Florida’s Forgotten Coast: Eastpoint, FL

A few years back, I was towing my Grand Design Imagine 22RBE travel trailer with my Ram pickup truck and making the trek from Pensacola to St. Augustine, FL. I decided to explore Florida’s Forgotten Coast as a waypoint in my trip. 

As the highway curved south, I noticed the landscape begin to change. Tall pine trees began to pop up alongside the roadway, and more fishing jetties jutted into the glistening water.

If I blinked, I would have missed the small town of Eastpoint, unassuming and seemingly propped up by oyster shells on the edge of the Apalachicola Bay.

This entire stretch of the panhandle has a colorful history that includes pirates, Spanish explorers, settlers, and WWII training camps. Eastpoint was founded by a communal religious group of five families out of Georgia, and some members of these families still live there four generations later!

Best Things to Do on Florida’s Forgotten Coast: Family-Friendly, Fishing, Hiking, & Biking

Eastpoint is the place to head to for the best Angling opportunities. Thanks to the thriving marine life habitat in the shallow bay, there are plenty of game fish to choose from. 

Eastpoint has two fishing piers, as well as bait and tackle shops. You can also fish from shore on the community’s fishing pier next to the bridge that goes to St. George Island. Find more information on freshwater and saltwater fishing through Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

There are also plenty of kid-friendly places to go in the area. One place to consider is the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The visitor’s center features fish tanks, walking trails, interactive displays, and other educational programs. A visit to the area is a great way to get a break from the sun and learn more about this natural habitat.

Lastly, hiking, biking, and kayaking are popular activities throughout the coast. Just north, via Highway 65, these activities can be best enjoyed at Tate’s Hell State Forest and Apalachicola National Forest. 

The Forgotten Coast’s Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

St. George Island is a great day trip to drive. And it’s pet-friendly!

Much of the Florida coast from Pensacola down through 30A does not allow dogs on the beach, which is a huge bummer if you are traveling alone with your furry best friend!

So, the Forgotten Coast’s dog-friendliness made the area even more appealing to me! Dotty and I could drive over the bridge to St. George Island and enjoy a day in the sun and sand without reservation.  

The island is a 22-mile barrier island in the Gulf, boasting no high-rises! Just miles of gorgeous views and serene, uncrowded beaches. There’s also Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, and explore the bay forest and salt marshes.

You can also visit Cape St. George Light, a lighthouse lovingly salvaged by volunteers and the fourth reconstruction of the original lighthouse built in 1831.

Best Places to Eat & Drink on Florida’s Forgotten Coast: Eastpoint & Beyond

When it comes to eating and drinking, I look for two things in a place to stay: it must be dog-friendly, and a great brewery or winery should be nearby.

My favorite place in the area that hits on both accounts is Eastpoint Beer Company, just a mile or so up from where I usually park my rig for the night when I’m in the area.

Generally, once I land, Dotty and I unhitch and jump into the truck to make our way there to enjoy a lovely sunny afternoon.

The brewery is situated right off of US-98, with parking flanking the entire front of the small building. The first time we went, we pulled into a spot and stepped out onto the gravel and sun-bleached oyster shell pathway. A simple, small sign demarcated the location; I wasn’t sure what we would find inside. 

When we opened the front doors, the smell of hops and yeast immediately hit our noses. We were welcomed with friendly faces. The brewery itself is tiny, with a few barrels lined against one wall and a small bar counter opposite, with a few tables and barstools in between. The current beer list is casually written on a chalkboard hanging on the wall above the bar.

I ordered the Swamp Girl IPA and started a tab. Then Dotty and I made our way to the outside area. We found a seat on a worn wooden bench to sip and stare at the beautiful bay.

It’s literally the perfect spot—plenty of comfortable seating facing the water, a small stage to the side for live local musicians, lots of laughter from locals, and plenty of pups with tails wagging as they greet new friends.

This craft brewery also serves hand-tossed homemade pizza. The beer and pizza are equally delicious and are only enhanced by the comfortable vibe.

On a tip from a local, I walked up the highway just a bit and popped into Lynn’s Quality Oysters.  It’s a restaurant with a raw fish bar and seafood market, and I had heard they had an incredible smoked fish dip.  The counter wasn’t busy, and I purchased one order of fish dip, which they bagged up with plenty of Captain’s wafers.  

Dot and I made our way back to our rig to watch the sunset on the Bay, and I had a light dinner of fish dip and another beer. The dip was absolutely delicious, made from fresh mahi-mahi dolphinfish, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, Cajun seasoning, seasoned salt, and lemon pepper seasoning. It was just the right blend of creamy and spicy that made my taste buds sing.

I recommend both destinations and visit them when I’m in the area. Every time we return to Eastpoint Beer Co., we have an even better time—we meet more friends, enjoy great live music, and soak up the sunshine. 

There are plenty of other local restaurants nearby where you can get your fill of fresh seafood pulled out of Apalachicola Bay that same day. Many local eateries are four generations strong, and you won’t be disappointed by the food or ambiance.

Where to Stay in Florida’s Forgotten Coast:

Throughout the Forgotten Coast, you can find many places to stay, from traditional Bed & Breakfasts and historic hotels and inns to vacation and cabin rentals on the water, RV parks, and camping at the nearby State Parks.

RV Park

My favorite RV park in the area is Coastline RV Park, right off US-98, with breathtaking views of the Bay.

This family-run park continues to add spots and is quiet and very well-maintained. It offers amenities like a dog park, pool, laundry facilities, and a lovely camp store to restock any necessary items. They also run specials throughout the year, so connect by email or social media to find out and plan your next trip.

Here is what you could be viewing from your RV:

RV or Tent Camping

Other RV and tent camping options include:

Book a Camping Spot on Private Land via Hipcamp!

Here are three Hipcamp options in the area:
⛺️ Magnolias by the Bay RV Site & Dock
⛺️ Apalachicola RV Camp w/utility & dock
⛺️ Bayside Camping

Camping at a State Park, National Forest, or State Forest

⛺️ Camel Lake Recreation Area or Wright Lake in Apalachicola National Forest
⛺️ Tate’s Hell State Forest Cash Creek Campground, FL
⛺️ Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park

Primitive Camping

⛺️ Porter Lake in Apalachicola National Forest

Vacation Rentals (VRBO)

Vacation rentals are another fantastic lodging option. Check out some of the options available in the area on this map:

Hotels

If you are looking for the charming old Southern-style inn experience and to be close to various attractions, check out:
St George Inn: Booking.com | Expedia

If a beachfront stay is what you’re looking for, check out:
Buccaneer Inn: Booking.com | Expedia

Wrap Up: Plan your visit to Florida’s Forgotten Coast!

Dotty and I have made this special area a mainstay of our travels in Florida. Are you thinking of planning your trip, but you want to know more? There’s a YouTube channel dedicated to showing you the insider’s view of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. 

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