Fall along the Forgotten Coast is a season like no other. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the community comes alive with festivals, concerts, and coastal adventures. From local restaurants serving up seasonal flavors to hidden trails perfect for exploring, autumn is one of the best times to experience all that our area has to offer. This guide is your go-to resource for fall events, dining, activities, and new spots to check out around town. I’ve also included a few favorite weekend trip ideas for when you’re craving a quick getaway. Whether you’re a longtime local, a frequent visitor, or simply dreaming of life on the coast, there’s something here for you. And if thoughts of making the Forgotten Coast your home are on your mind, I’d love to help you explore the possibilities.
Fall EVENTS
Porchfest Apalachicola
October 10–11, 2025 | Downtown Apalachicola Downtown porches transform into stages for an all-day neighborhood music festival that’s equal parts creative and casual. Wander from house to house, soak up live tunes, and experience the small-town soul of Apalachicola.
Apalachicola Oktoberfest Street Party
October 12, 2025 | The Tap Room
Raise a stein and join the street-side revelry as Apalachicola serves up German food, live music, and coastal camaraderie. It’s Oktoberfest, Forgotten Coast-style—laid-back, lively, and a little salty.
Blast on the Bay Songwriters Fest
October 16–19, 2025 | Port St. Joe
For four days, the Gulf Coast becomes a listening room as 40+ Nashville songwriters share songs, stories, and stripped-down sets in cozy venues across Port St. Joe. The intimate settings foster connection and let fans hear the songs before they hit the radio.
Lighthouse Park turns into a festive Halloween hub with candy stations, costumes, and coastal charm. Families and visitors gather beneath the glowing lighthouse for a fun, small-town take on trick-or-treat night.
Fall EVENTS
Ghost on the Coast
October 30, 2025 | Downtown Reid Avenue
Reid Avenue transforms into a Halloween parade of ghosts, witches, and pumpkins in this festive trick-or-treat block party. With costume contests (including pets), candy stations, and spooky fun for all ages, it’s become a downtown highlight of the season.
Florida Seafood Festival
October 31–November 1, 2025 | Battery Park
Celebrate the Gulf’s coastal heritage at one of Florida’s oldest maritime festivals, packed with fresh seafood, local crafts, and live music beneath the oaks of Battery Park. It’s the perfect weekend to eat, explore, and experience classic Apalachicola charm.
Lantern Fest
November 8, 2025 | Crooked River Lighthouse, Carrabelle
Hundreds of hand-lit lanterns will float and glow across the lighthouse grounds as music, dance, craft demos, and evening tower climbs bring history alive. With food trucks, museum exhibits, and glowing performances under the night sky, this magical evening is a highlight of fall on the Forgotten Coast.
Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show
November 15, 2025 | Apalachicola Regional Airport
Expect vintage military aircraft, aerobatic performances, kids’ zones, food trucks, and live music for a full day of sky-watching and hometown pride.
Restaurant RECOMMENDATIONS
Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café
St. George Island
Right on the sand, this laid-back favorite pairs fresh Gulf seafood with unbeatable island views. It’s the spot for sunset dinners and toes-in-the-sand cocktails.
Owl Café & Tap Room
Apalachicola
A long-time local favorite, the Owl Café offers fresh seafood and Southern classics in a relaxed, refined setting. Pair your meal with a craft beer next door at The Tap Room.
Provisions Restaurant
Port St. Joe
Upscale yet approachable, Provisions is known for its fresh seafood, pasta, and creative Southern flavors. It’s the perfect dinner spot after a day exploring the coast.
Bayside Coffee Co.
Eastpoint
Beloved by locals, Bayside Coffee Co. roasts their own beans and serves them with small-town charm. It’s the perfect place to grab a latte before a beach day or stock up on beans to take home.
Restaurant RECOMMENDATIONS
The Franklin Café & Parlor Bar
Apalachicola
Located inside the historic Gibson Inn, The Franklin Café blends Southern charm with a coastal fine-dining touch. Enjoy Gulf-to-table dishes and classic cocktails in one of Apalachicola’s most elegant settings.
Hunt’s Oyster Bar & Seafood
Port St. Joe
A local favorite for fresh Gulf seafood and beautiful bay views, Hunt’s on St. Joe Bay delivers the same friendly charm and flavor that made the name famous. Bring in your own catch for their hook-and-cook service, or settle in for oysters, shrimp, and a cold drink as the sun sets over the water.
Paddy’s Raw Bar
St. George Island
This bayside hangout is where locals go for cold beer, live music, and the area’s best oysters. The vibe is easygoing, salty, and perfectly St. George.
Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Kitchen
Port St. Joe
Known for its wood-fired pizzas and elevated comfort food, Joe Mama’s blends local ingredients with a cozy downtown vibe. It’s one of Port St. Joe’s most consistently loved restaurants.
Local ADVENTURES
Hike St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
HarborWalk Village offers ziplining, a rock climbing wall, water-walking balls, and bungee trampolines. It’s an exciting destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Paddle the Dead Lakes
Cool mornings and misty water make fall the most magical time to explore this cypress-filled wonderland — it’s quiet, eerie, and totally mesmerizing.
Bike the Loggerhead Run Trail
The cooler weather is perfect for a ride along Cape San Blas, with views of both the Gulf and St. Joe Bay — and fewer bugs trying to ruin your mood.
Beach Bonfire
Cooler fall evenings set the perfect backdrop for a crackling fire on the sand. Local services can handle the setup — from chairs and wood to cleanup — so you can simply unwind under the stars, roast s’mores, and enjoy the sound of the waves while keeping the beach as pristine as you found it.
Apalachicola Ghost Tour
Nothing says October like haunted tales and 1800s architecture under lamplight. Historic characters “rise” from their graves to share the town’s storied past.
Climb the Cape St. George Lighthouse
The view from the top of St. George Island’s restored lighthouse is unforgettable, with sweeping vistas of the Gulf and bay. Time your visit for a Sunset or Full Moon Climb to watch the coast glow under soft twilight and moonlit skies.
Explore Tate’s Hell State Forest
Drive or hike through miles of pine and cypress forest draped in early fall color. The name sounds ominous, but the peace and solitude are heavenly.
Shop the Local Farmers Markets
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts at the Salt Air, Apalachicola, or Carrabelle markets — a perfect Saturday morning before heading to brunch.
Catch Live Music at the Haughty Heron
As the days shorten, locals gather at this bayside hangout for drinks, sunsets, and live tunes that sound even better in the fall breeze.
Weekend TripsNEARBY
Panama City, FL
2 hours west
In the cooler fall months, enjoy quieter beaches for a peaceful stroll or a sandy picnic, then explore local shops and boutiques downtown or along Front Beach Road. Scenic bay views, fresh seafood spots, and a crisp autumn sunset make for a full, relaxing day trip.
Tallahassee, FL
1.5-2 hours northeast
Explore the state capital’s museums, historic homes, and Cascades Park. The autumn light and cooler weather make walking downtown or through campus-style gardens especially pleasant.
Wakulla Springs State Park
1.5 hours northeast
Crystal-clear spring waters, boat tours, and cypress-lined rivers are breathtaking in fall. Keep an eye out for manatees, turtles, and migrating birds along the trails.
Seaside, FL / 30A
3 hours west
Travel west along US-98 and Scenic Highway 30A to reach Florida’s iconic Emerald Coast. By local standards, fall is the best time to visit Seaside and 30A beach towns for quaint cafes, pastel town squares, and stunning beach paths.
Gainesville, FL
4 hours east
Discover a mix of culture and nature in this lively college town. Stroll through the Florida Museum of Natural History, explore the butterfly gardens, and wander historic downtown streets, all made even more charming by crisp fall air and colorful autumn foliage.
Ways toWORK WITH ME
Life along the Forgotten Coast is all about the lifestyle, the community, and the experiences that come with home. If you’ve ever thought about owning a home here—whether as a full-time residence, a vacation getaway, or an investment property—I’d love to be your resource. I help buyers find the right fit, sellers showcase their home with standout marketing, and investors navigate opportunities with confidence. Wherever you are in the process, consider me your local guide to real estate on the Forgotten Coast.
