Stretching 220 miles along Florida’s forgotten Gulf Coast, the Big Bend Scenic Byway reveals a wild, untamed Florida that most visitors never discover. This National Scenic Byway traces the curve of the Big Bend region from Scipio Creek Marina in historic Apalachicola to the iconic St. Marks Lighthouse within St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Along this route, you’ll encounter vast salt marshes teeming with wading birds, ancient cypress swamps draped in Spanish moss, and pristine coastal forests where black bears and wild turkeys roam freely. Stop in Apalachicola to savor world-famous oysters, then wind through fishing villages frozen in time like Carrabelle and Panacea. The byway passes through Tate’s Hell State Forest and skirts the edges of wilderness areas where the horizon stretches endlessly across sawgrass prairies.
Wildlife viewing is exceptional year-round, with migratory birds making this corridor spectacular in fall and spring. Winter months offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms and lush green landscapes.
Allow a full day to drive the route without rushing, though two days permits proper exploration of hiking trails, kayak launches, and waterfront seafood shacks. This is Old Florida at its most authentic—slow down and let it unfold.
Explore Nearby
- Dog Island Light — Lighthouse in Florida
- Crooked River Light — Lighthouse in Florida
- Ochlockonee River State Park — State Park in Florida
- Bald Point State Park — State Park in Florida
- Apalachicola National Forest — National Forest in Florida
