The Underrated Sleepy Town On Florida's Gulf Coast That's Best Known As A 'Seafood Hub'

Some of the best cities in America for seafood lovers are major ports and popular destinations like New Orleans, Miami, and Baltimore. But there's an underrated small town on Florida's Gulf Coast that seafoodies (yes, we are proud of that clever portmanteau) need to add to their must-visit list the next time they're hunting for a laid-back, quiet getaway. Eastpoint, Florida is a working waterfront located on Florida's northern coast, and it's particularly well-known for its Apalachicola Bay oysters.

From family-owned fish joints with daily catches and all-you-can-eat oysters to Southern barbecue mixed with beachfront dining, this little part of Florida's Forgotten Coast has everything to appease your cravings. As an active fishing town, it's also a big draw for anglers. With around 50 artificial reefs off the local coast, tons of species are attracted to the waters for fantastic fishing opportunities for all skill levels.

There's loads of fun to be had in Eastpoint in between meals, so consider renting a bike to explore the town or a pontoon boat for a relaxing day out on the water. Craft beer fans will want to check out Eastpoint Beer Company for local brews, and visitors in February should mark their calendars for the annual Shrimp Fest over on nearby St. George Island.

We can't talk about Eastpoint without giving a shoutout to Lynn's Quality Oysters, a family business in Eastpoint since the early '70s. Don't let the roadside shack appearance fool you. Not only does Lynn's have a popular raw bar (currently holding the top Eastpoint restaurant spot on TripAdvisor) but it also sells freshly caught local seafood at its on-site market, perfect for cooking up a storm back at your rental. If you flew in and want to take some of Eastpoint's finest oysters home with you, an unexpected TSA-approved item will let you do just that — an empty cooler. Just be sure to check the instructions for packing fresh seafood on the TSA's website.

Other popular seafood joints in Eastpoint include Barber's Seafood and Island View Seafood. Head over to Red Pirate Family Grill and Oyster Bar for scallops, crab legs, and a round of mini golf or live music. Or check out Family Coastal Restaurant for build-your-own seafood platters and entrees complete with two sides and hushpuppies or a roll. Just bear in mind that seafood, especially the freshest you can get, doesn't run cheap. For example, expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $30 a person for dinner, depending on what you order.

For visitors who like to catch their own, Eastpoint has everything you need for a stellar fishing trip. The bays are filled with species like speckled trout, black drum, Spanish mackerel, and more. Local fishing captains offer charters with expert guidance for the best places to drop a line, and the area has plenty of bait and tackle shops for restocking your fishing supplies.

For anyone looking to skip the Florida tourist traps for something a little more quaint, Eastpoint fits the bill for fresh seafood galore and relaxing vibes. Getting here is easy — it's just 70 miles from Tallahassee (home to an international airport). It's also within driving distance from nearby tourist destinations like Panama City, which will take just about an hour and a half on the road.

Once you're here, accommodations include cute hotels on the bay, a range of vacation rentals (which we highly recommend if you'd like to cook fresh seafood on your own), and even a waterfront RV park. Sandcastles Vacation Rentals manages a range of rentals in the Forgotten Coast area, with everything from quaint one-bedroom to luxurious eight-bedroom villas. According to Priceline, an average two-person hotel stay in July will cost around $200 a night, but there are some pricier private home rentals in the $400-$600 range.

The best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and itinerary, but keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June through November. To miss the summer crowds, late April and early May is an excellent time to plan your trip to Eastpoint. Aside from stuffing your face with amazing seafood, there's plenty to do in the area, from watersports to historical tours and just enjoying the beach. So be sure to bring breezy, light beach clothes, comfy shoes, and your appetite when you visit Eastpoint and Florida's Forgotten Coast.