Carrabelle Beach Park in Carrabelle, Florida, is a great beach park and picnic area off of Hwy 98. Step back in time to an old Florida vibe with the covered beach pavilions under swaying palm trees.
Carrabelle Beach Park
Carrabelle Beach Park sits along St. George Sound at 1860 Highway 98 W, offering a family-friendly stretch of sand with calm, protected surf and easy amenities.
The park's history goes beyond a typical beach day too, in late 1943 this stretch of coastline was part of Camp Gordon Johnston, where the US Army's 4th Infantry Division trained for the Normandy Invasion. Those troops went on to be the first amphibious assault teams to land on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
We love the retro vibe of this Florida Forgotten Coast beach park. It is the perfect background for fun photos, a family picnic, or easy access to the beach from Highway 98.
Beach Access
There is easy beach access from the parking lot via the boardwalk down to the beach. The beach is soft and great for relaxing. Take a walk down the beach to enjoy the calm water and gorgeous views.
There is an outdoor shower available for rinsing off.
Picnic Area
There are 10 covered picnic pavilions at the park with tables and benches. Restrooms are available near the picnic area.
World War II Training Site historic marker
A historical marker on site tells the story of Carrabelle Beach's role as a D-Day training ground. In 2000, the Camp Gordon Johnston Association took a small amount of soil from this site and placed it in the National 4th Infantry Division Association's monument in Arlington, Virginia.
Why you will love Carrabelle Beach Park
- Calm, protected surf makes it a great option for families with young kids
- 10 covered picnic pavilions that feel like old Florida
- A meaningful piece of WWII history right on the sand
- Free and easy to visit, no entrance fee
- Close to Crooked River Lighthouse and downtown Carrabelle
Things to know when planning a visit
Address - 1860 Highway 98 W, Carrabelle, Florida 32322
Accessibility - There are accessible parking spaces available. There is an accessibility mat leading down to the sand but the park sign designates that the walkway is not accessible.
Plus Size Seating - There are concrete benches at the pavilion picnic tables. The benches do not move. If you are not a fan of getting onto a bench I would bring a camp chair or something you can use on the beach.
Dress Code/Suggestions - beach casual
Pets - Leashed pets are generally welcome on Carrabelle Beach, please clean up after them and keep them off the dunes.
Parking - There is a paved parking area in front of the beach picnic pavilions.
Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Crooked River Lighthouse - Climb 128 steps to the top of this 103-foot lighthouse for panoramic views of St. George Sound.
World's Smallest Police Station Carrabelle - A quirky 1963 phone booth turned tiny police station, a quick free photo stop in downtown Carrabelle.
St. George Island State Park - Miles of undeveloped white sand beach, camping, and some of the best stargazing on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Florida Gulf Coast Lighthouses - Guide to historic Florida Gulf Coast lighthouses, from Pensacola down to Sanibel Island.
Weber's Little Donut Shop - Fresh cake donuts made daily on St. George Island, open only a few morning hours.
Mango Mike's Sports Bar & Grill - An island-vibe sports bar on St. George Island, good for lunch or dinner.
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Articles
St. George Island Lighthouse - A climbable historic lighthouse on St. George Island with panoramic Gulf views from the top.
Buccaneer Inn - St George Island - The only beachfront hotel on the island, built in 1978 with an outdoor pool and easy beach access.
Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe - Beachfront dining on St. George Island with fresh seafood and a shaded outdoor deck.
Beach Pit Restaurant - Texas-style BBQ with Apalachicola Bay oysters and fresh Gulf seafood.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse - A 130-year-old lighthouse relocated in 2014, with a spiral staircase and restored keeper's quarters.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park - A small Port St. Joe history museum where Florida's first state constitution was drafted.
St George Island Tours and Rentals
Hourly Kayak Rental - Rent a kayak by the hour and hit the water!
6 Person Golf Cart Rental - Rent a 6 person kayak to move around St. George Island. Gas powered, with cooler storage on back.
4 Person Golf Card Rental - Rent a 4 person kayak to move around St. George Island. Gas powered, with cooler storage on back.
Daily Kayak and SUP rentals - Rental kayaks and paddleboards come with paddles and life vests. Free delivery on multi-day rentals.
Beach Wheel Chair Rental - Rent a beach wheelchair to make it easier to get out on the beach and everyone have a great.
St. George Island Lodging
If you are visiting St George Island and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Buccaneer Inn - Beachfront hotel with outdoor pool, near St George Lighthouse. Check out our review of the Buccaneer Inn.
St. George Inn - Pet-friendly hotel on St. George Island.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
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