Last Minute Florida Christmas Vacation Spots | Quiet Coastal Winter Break
- Kelsey
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If your family is searching for a peaceful, last-minute Christmas vacation in Florida, the Forgotten Coast is one of the best places you can choose. St. George Island, Apalachicola, Cape San Blas, and Port St. Joe offer quiet beaches, small-town charm, and a slow coastal winter that feels restful and refreshing. These destinations are perfect for families who want to escape the holiday rush and enjoy a simple, meaningful Christmas on the coast.
Winter along the Forgotten Coast is calm and gentle. The beaches are open, the temperatures are comfortable, and the towns feel warm and welcoming. It’s an ideal time for families who love nature, slower adventures, and destinations that are still beautifully uncrowded.
St. George Island: A Peaceful, Family-Friendly Christmas Beach Destination
St. George Island is one of the most relaxing winter beach towns in Florida. During December, the island is calm and uncrowded, giving families room to take long beach walks, search for shells, watch the waves, and enjoy slow mornings in a rental home.
The holiday season brings a touch of festive charm around the lighthouse, but the island never feels overwhelming. It’s the perfect destination for families who want a simple coastal Christmas.
Apalachicola: A Charming Small-Town Christmas on the Coast
Just across the bridge from St. George Island, Apalachicola offers a peaceful downtown full of lights, local shops, and historic buildings. While it isn’t a beach town itself, it’s a beautiful home base for families who want a cozy Christmas with easy access to nearby shores.
Families love Apalachicola for:
Walkable streets
Local holiday events
Boutique shopping
Waterfront restaurants
A warm, inviting community feel
It’s perfect for families who enjoy exploring and supporting small businesses.
Cape San Blas: Quiet Beaches Perfect for a Relaxed Christmas
Cape San Blas is known for being one of the quietest and most naturally preserved beaches in Florida. In winter, you can expect calm water, peaceful dunes, and plenty of room to breathe. Families often spend their Christmas vacation here riding bikes, walking the wide shoreline, or enjoying evenings together in their rental.
If your ideal holiday is one without crowds or noise, Cape San Blas is a wonderful choice.
Port St. Joe: Coastal Comfort + Holiday Warmth
Port St. Joe blends small-town charm with beautiful views of St. Joseph Bay. During the Christmas season, the downtown area adds festive touches that make evening strolls feel restful and bright. You’ll find friendly locals, warm meals, and easy access to both the bay and nearby beaches.
It’s an excellent last-minute destination for families who want a blend of comfort, convenience, and coastal beauty.
A Quiet Christmas Vacation Your Family Will Treasure
A Christmas vacation doesn’t need to be packed with activities. On the Forgotten Coast, winter encourages you to rest, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of being together. Whether you spend your trip walking along the beach, sipping hot cocoa on a rental porch, or exploring small-town holiday charm, this part of Florida offers a peaceful alternative to the typical Christmas rush.
Local Last-Minute Rental Options (Family-Owned + Coastal Favorites)
Here are some wonderful locally operated places where families often find last-minute availability:
Cape & Coast Premier Properties – Rentals on St. George Island and Cape San Blas / surrounding Gulf-coast areas.
Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals (Cape San Blas / Port St. Joe) – Family-managed rentals with a variety of beachfront options.
Pristine Properties – A trusted local company with homes on Cape San Blas and throughout the Port St. Joe area.
Forgotten Shores Property Management – Rentals on St. George Island — affordable cottages to beachfront homes.
Coastal Joe Vacation Rentals - Vacation rentals near Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas — beachfront and waterside homes.
Want to Remember Your Holiday Travels?
If your family chooses the Forgotten Coast for your Christmas getaway, I would be honored to photograph your time here. Winter light is bright and beautiful along the shoreline, and sessions are peaceful, simple, and focused on the connection your family already shares.
Your photographs can become framed artwork or heirlooms that preserve this Christmas for years to come. When you're ready, you’re welcome to inquire, it would be a joy to create something meaningful for you and your family.