Rustic charm at its best, Apalachicola is the embodiment of Old Florida. A charming fishing town with a deep maritime history, this quiet, forgotten coastal town is known for its world-renowned (and freshly caught) seafood and friendly lifelong resident locals.
Located 75 miles outside Tallahassee, this Florida Panhandle destination is an underrated gem dripping with Southern charm and hospitality. Here, you’ll be greeted with lovingly restored B&Bs, an eclectic range of locally owned shops and galleries, and over 900 historic listings ranging from Victorian homes to churches with beautiful stained glass windows.
History enthusiasts will be in their element here, as this small fishing village allows travelers to glimpse Florida’s oyster, timber, and fishing history up close. An area that was once filled with steamboats and schooners take a walk along the historic waterfront and visit the range of bustling seafood houses, where traditional shrimp boats have been reeling in the day’s catch for decades.
As you’d expect, fishing is king around the Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay, where you can try and catch a few local delicacies yourself. At the same time, those looking for something different will find plenty of tours that focus on kayaking, canoeing, and exploring the wild, isolated marshes and nearby barrier islands on a boat.
Supplying over 90% of Florida’s oysters, Apalachicola Bay is the place to be for a straight-off-the-boat Florida food experience. Harvested by hand by oystermen in tiny wooden boats, these salty treasures are best tasted from one of the local raw bars.
Traffic and noise in this area are nowhere to be seen, as the close-knit community prides itself on maintaining its historic charm. Instead, you’ll find a long list of outdoor adventures, from water-based adventures to St Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, Cape St. George, and Dog Island to birding and hiking through the Apalachicola National Forest and Tate’s Hell State Forest.
If you’re in need of soaking up some of Florida’s sunshine and pure rest and relaxation, head to nearby St. George Island. A laid-back barrier island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, here you’ll find an expansive stretch of white sand beaches and miles unspoiled shoreline without all the tourist crowds.
