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Merry Christmas everybody! Hope y’all had a great holiday, and the time spent with family was a good one. Today we’re going to take a little trek down a stretch of highway that isn’t as well known as some of the others in this well-traveled State. We’re going to kick off our drive in an oft-visited Florida destination and finish in another landmark city, so grab some sunscreen, charge up the phone batteries, and strap in because we’re headed along the Gulf Coast!
Today let’s pretend we’re in Panama City, FL. We’ve had enough of crowded beaches and all the teenagers that come with them, so today we’re going to look for a little peace and quiet, beautiful scenery, and gorgeous beaches. So what we’re going to do today is drive out of Panama City along the coast on Rte 98. Once you cross the bridge and get past Tyndall AFB, you’re on the coast road and headed for Port St Joe.
Port St Joe is a sleepy little coastal town of a little less than 4000 people. Famous for it’s Cape San Blas lighthouse, from Port St Joe you can head south on 30A all the way to the white sand beaches of Bay San Blas. If you’d prefer to head further east, stay on Rte 98 and Apalachicola.
Apalachicola is another small coastal town, with a population of around 2-3000. It sits at the mouth of the Apalachicola River, where the fresh water of the river meets the salt water of the Gulf of Mexico. Every year the town hosts the Florida Seafood Festival, and is the home of Florida oysters. From here you can drive across the causeway to St George Island, or continue further east to Carabelle.
Would you believe that Carabelle, FL is another sleepy coastal town? Well it sure is! Population of around 1500, give or take a hundred or two. It is surrounded by water, with the Carabelle River, St George Sound, Crooked River, Ochlockonee River and the mighty Gulf of Mexico all within spitting distance. Continue east on 98 until you reach the junction with Hwy 319, take 319 up to Tallahassee and I-10.
In all of these little towns you will find the usual water and sun-based activities. Great seafood abounds, as do campgrounds, and fun. We hope you’ll enjoy this drive, and remember to swing by PPL Motorhomes for all your parts and accessories.