Things To Do In Alligator Point Florida

When I first started looking at things to do in Alligator Point Florida, I was not sure what I was expecting. Alligator Point did not disappoint.

This part of the state of Florida is known as a small community of the Forgotten Coast and stretches roughly eight miles in total.

When you live in Florida, you live an outdoor lifestyle. Well, at least I do. And exploring new areas is one of the things I enjoy the most, and I really enjoyed Alligator Point.

And did I mention out of this world, exquisite star watching? I knew I absolutely HAD to get to this part of Florida.

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Not only getting to all the beaches in Florida (List Of All Beaches in Florida 190+ Reasons To Relax). I’m also a hiker as well as staying active with kayaking and teaching my fitness classes.

Being a travel blogger does make it a bit easier because it’s my J-O-B. But not really a job at all when you think about it. I love to explore new areas.

And that is how my first trip to Alligator Point happened. From Bald Point State Park to Apalachee Bay, there is something for everyone. But first, where is Alligator Point?

Where is Alligator Point Florida?

Alligator Point Florida is a rural beach community located on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. You will find this little gem on St. James Island in Franklin County, Florida, United States. 

Map of Alligator Point And Ochlockonee Bay

And that is how my first trip to Alligator Point happened. From Bald Point State Park to Apalachee Bay, there is something for everyone. But first, where is Alligator Point?

Where is Alligator Point Florida?

Alligator Point Florida is located on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. You will find this sparsely populated little gem on St. James Island in Franklin County, Florida, United States. 

Map of Alligator Point And Ochlockonee Bay

Many refer to this as simply the point. You will find “the point” or narrow beach peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Alligator Harbor.

There are a few small airports nearby, but the nearest main airport is Tallahassee International Airport.

Does Alligator Point have a beach?

Yes, there are a few beaches on Alligator Point. When we visited, there was quite a bit of road work happening.

One is called Alligator Beach. The best thing about this area? You can literally walk along the shoreline quite a long way and never see any other person.

The other beach we stopped at was inside beautiful Bald Point State Park. Definitely make a stop at this one.

Sidenote, crews were working on the shoreline when we were there. Quite a bit of the shore did appear to have significant erosion.

Are there alligators in Alligator Bay?

Yes. As mentioned previously, there are alligators in most bodies of water in Florida.

Is the water clear on Alligator Point?

The water color is not clear. More of a murky brown, at least when I visited.

The reason for the color is the nearby Ochlockonee River that flows into this part of the state.

Alligator Point may not have the clearest water, but you will find one of the most peaceful and unspoiled beaches in the Panhandle.

What to do at Alligator Point, Florida?

Alligator Point offers many fun outdoor activities to enjoy. My favorites are:

Bald Point State Park

This park was our first stop and a great place to hike, bike, fish, or just enjoy the scenic views. The address is Bald Point State Park, 146 Box Cut Rd, Alligator Point, FL 32346.

This natural park is located south of Ochlockonee Bay. That is approximately seven miles southeast of Panacea, on St. James Island, in Alligator Point.

When you enter this park, all you see are open fields and dunes. Wild natural Florida at its best. As you drive into the park, you will quickly see a parking lot with restrooms and picnic pavilions.

Park in that lot, then follow the paved path past the restroom onto the beach to hike the beach trail. There are 18 total miles of paths to hike in this beautiful park.

Ochlockonee Bay

Ochlockonee Bay offers fabulous fishing local game fish species, boating, and bird watching. Here you will enjoy biking, paddling, and hiking trails that take you past hidden beachfront communities.

While you are strolling through the unspoiled marshes and across forest lands, watch for wildlife including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, black bear, peregrine falcons and migratory birds and monarch butterflies.

Wakulla Springs State Park

Definitely make time to visit Wakulla Springs State Park. It is one of the deepest springs in the world and absolutely beautiful. This spring feeds into fresh water rivers including the Wakulla river.

Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve

This preserve is also perfect for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and picnicking. It is located near St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and also a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

This preserve is one of the world’s largest feeding grounds for the Kemp’s Ridley turtle, which is the rarest and most endangered of all marine sea turtles. You will also see blue crabs, jellyfish and other shellfish – all important sources of food.

Burial Mounds

The burial mounds at Alligator Point are an important part of the area’s history. In addition to the wildlife, you may see Miccosukee/Seminole Indian artifacts and burial mounds surrounding the harbor.

The Yent Burial Mound is a Santa Rosa-Swift Creek culture archaeological site located on Alligator Harbor, west of St. Teresa, Florida.

Dog Island Reef

The Dog Island Reef is a great place to snorkel and see amazing marine life. It is located about 10 miles from Carrabelle Beach and about 4 miles from Dog Island itself.

This reef has beautiful white sandy beaches as well as plenty of fishing opportunities. Dog Island is secluded. There are no cars, stores, or restaurants on the island.

Roughly 60% of the island is managed by The Nature Conservancy in cooperation with the Barrier Island Trust as the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve. It is also one of the most important winter nesting areas for Piping Plovers, Snowy Plovers, and American Oystercatchers.

St. George Island

Near Carrabelle Beach, mentioned above, you will also find St George Island. This is a fantastic location for the whole family, including children.

Explore the local coastal community, then head over to St George Island State Park and enjoy a day on white sand beaches, kayaking, hiking and more.

Where to stay

Alligator Point Florida Rentals

When it comes to options on where to stay, there are not many on Alligator Point. Your best bet would be to check out local vacation rentals, which is what I recommend to those visiting this area. As far as high rises and hotels, you won’t find them here.

As we were driving around on the island, there were a few for rent by owner vacation properties. I’ve pulled those here:

The closest hotels are located roughly 30 miles away. There also are no grocery stores, restaurants or even fast food restaurants nearby. You will find all of these though in Panacea.

Plan to bring what you need with you as far as food, etc. Also, if you are renting a house, be sure they have beach chairs. You will definitely be using those.

There are many more things to do in Alligator Point Florida, so be sure to explore all the area has to offer!

The links below will help you plan your Alligator Point Florida getaway: