Discover Apalachicola, Florida

Things to Do in Apalachicola

Though the area is certainly laid-back, there are plenty of things to do in Apalachicola—from upscale dining and shopping to museum hopping and sightseeing to fishing and kayaking.

Hip & Historical
Apalachicola has managed to retain its historic charm while evolving into a hip destination teeming with arts and culture. Affectionately called "Apalach” by locals, this picturesque town gives visitors a delightful taste of Old Florida while offering countless activities and events.

The town lays claim to a beautifully restored historic district like none other in the Panhandle. Throughout Apalachicola’s historic downtown commercial district, visitors will stumble across eclectic boutiques, unique eateries, art galleries and popular music venues tucked into brick, tin-roofed warehouses. It’s a distinctive destination that offers the best of both worlds: old world charm and new world cool.

Nationally Recognized Restaurants
Famous for its seafood, Apalachicola is home to an impressive array of world-class restaurants. You’ll find the freshest seafood served up in every way imaginable, from raw and steamed to fried and grilled and everything in between. Enjoy a dozen oysters overlooking the sparkling Apalachicola River or grab a salad or burger at one of the local diners. Don’t forget to stop by the town’s microbrewery to taste award-winning brews.

Plentiful Outdoor Activities
Apalachicola offers a variety of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy. Extremely walkable, the small town features several parks and nature trails. Take a self-guided walking tour along the tree-shaded sidewalks of Apalachicola’s distinguished Historic District, where you can check out the regal homes of past sea captains and river pilots.

Ready for an angling adventure? You’re in luck! The Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay serve up a bounty of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. If you’d rather take a peaceful paddle or cruise, explore the area’s endless waterways by kayak, canoe, riverboat or sailboat.

History Buff Heaven
Apalachicola is the ideal destination for history buffs and inquisitive travelers. The town is considered a “distinctive destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation based on its unique character, charm and dedication to historic preservation. Once the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola echoes with maritime memories and old-fashioned charm.

Take a stroll through the Historic District to check out picturesque Victorian homes and learn about the town’s diverse and colorful history. More than 900 historic homes and buildings dating back to the 1830s can be seen on the city’s self-guided walking tour.

Apalachicola also features a number interesting museums, including the Apalachicola Maritime Museum and the John Gorrie Museum State Park, which contains a replica of the ice machine created and patented in 1851 by Dr. John Gorrie.

Tons of Fun Festivals
Apalachicola is renowned throughout the Panhandle for its plentiful festivals and events. After all, there’s a lot to celebrate in this charming coastal town. From a handful of holiday events in December and the annual Oyster Cookoff in January to springtime art festivals and the famous Florida Seafood Festival in November, there’s always something fun happening in Apalach.

Array of Accommodations
When it comes to places to stay, Apalachicola has something for everyone. The town features meticulously restored hotels, charming Bed & Breakfasts and luxury waterfront accommodations.

If you’re looking for a historical destination with a hip edge, look no further than Apalachicola Florida.