Experience all that the picturesque small river town of Apalachicola has to offer. One of the oldest historic towns along the Forgotten Coast where the Apalachicola River feeds into the Apalachicola Bay. Apalachicola is the perfect weekend getaway destination. Apalachicola is best known for its fresh seafood and the Florida Seafood Festival, charming bed and breakfast accommodations, and quaint boutiques.
Where to Stay
The Gibson Inn – Located in the heart of downtown Apalachicola, this 45-room inn was constructed in 1907 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a fresh menu from the in-house restaurant, Franklin Café and enjoy cocktails from one of the locals favorite watering holes, the Parlor Bar.
Coombs Inn & Suites – This luxury boutique bed and breakfast offers 3 Victorian mansions with 23 European styled guest suites. Complimentary bikes to explore the many restaurants, shopping, and more.
Water Street Hotel & Marina – This unique 30 room hotel is located along the Apalachicola River with a 19-slip marina, pool, screened waterfront porches, and meeting rooms. Enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, shopping, and more all within walking distance.
Where to Eat & Drink
Apalachicola Seafood Grill – This local restaurant located at 100 Market Street has been serving up fresh local seafood since 1903. They are noted for their large fish sandwich. Enjoy a wide array of seafood options. Open Monday thru Saturday from 11:00 am til 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Holiday hours may vary. For more information, follow them on Facebook.
Half Shell Dockside @ Scipio Creek – Waterfront dining at its best along Scipio Creek. Half Shell Dockside offers fresh local seafood including oysters, burgers, wings, their award wining gumbo, and unique cocktails from their full bar. Sit out on the deck and enjoy live music and with spectacular views.
Hole in the Wall Oyster Bar – Looking for a great Raw Bar with a laid-back atmosphere? Look no further! Located at 23 Avenue D in downtown Apalachicola. This small but unique restaurant offers oysters any way you like them as well as shrimp and other locally caught seafood. Open Tuesday – Saturday Noon – 8:00 pm and Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Eastern Time.
Lou's Beer, Wine, and Charcuterie – Located at 117 Market Street in downtown Apalachicola. Lou’s offers an array of beer, wine, sandwiches, and made to order charcuterie boards. They also deliver locally and offer catering services. Open for lunch Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am til 2:00 pm and are open for the evening hours on Thursday & Friday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm and Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm EST. Their holiday hours may vary.
The Owl Cafe' – Enjoy fine dining and excellence service at The Owl Café’ located at 15 Avenue D in downtown Apalachicola. They are open for lunch Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, dinner Tuesday – Saturday 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm and brunch on Sundays 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Serving up fresh locally caught seafood, steaks, and more. They also offer a full bar and local Oyster City brews. Don’t forget to visit The Owl Tap Room for their unique appetizers and craft beer and wine. The Tap Room is located downstairs and is open Tuesday – Sunday from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm EST.
The Station Raw Bar – A unique dining experience for the whole family. The Station is a remodeled gas station located at 53 Market Street in downtown Apalachicola. The menu has something for everyone. Enjoy fresh locally caught seafood, oysters, steaks, and more. Open Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 am til 8:00 pm Eastern Time.
What to Do
Visit the John Gorrie State Museum to learn more about the inventor of the ice machine and air conditioning.
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Reserve Education Center is located just across the bridge at 108 Island Drive in Eastpoint.
Enjoy a play at the Dixie Theater which was built in 1912 and restored in 1998.
Take a guided tour of The Orman House Historic State Park built by Thomas Orman in 1838. Tours are offered hourly, except noon. Don’t forget to visit the adjoining Chapman Botanical Garden featuring a butterfly garden and other botanical features, walkways, and open spaces. The Three Soldiers Detail is a bronze replica of the Vietnam memorial statue in Washington, D.C.
Just across the bridge to St George Island you will find the St. George Island Lighthouse. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola Bay, and St. George Sound. They also offer sunset and full moon climbs. For more information, visit their website https://www.stgeorgelight.org/. While on the island, take the opportunity to visit the St. George Island State park featuring nine miles of beach and pristine shoreline.
Where to Shop
Apalach Outfitters – Located at the corner of Avenue D and Market Street in the heart of Apalachicola. Apalach Outfitters is the place to find your fly fishing and light tackle fishing equipment. This specialty retail store specializes in men and women’s outdoor apparel, footwear, outdoor gear, and even dog accessories. They are open Monday through Saturday 10:30 am – 5:30 pm and Sunday 10:30 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time.
The Grady Market – Located on the Apalachicola waterfront has a long history. The Grady Market was a ship’s chandlery in the late 1800s. France and other European nations were drawn to the Apalachicola waterfront, which had become a major shipping port. In the 1900s, it became the French Consulate. The original building was destroyed by fire in the 1900s and remained in disrepair until renovated in the 1990s. You can even experience the old French Consulate, by staying in one of the former consulate suites. They offer the suites as vacation rentals by the day, week, or even longer. The downstairs is now host to one of the area’s finest boutiques offering fine clothing, antiques, local art, jewelry, and more. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time.
The Tin Shed – Home to the largest unique and antique maritime collection in the area. Looking for a gift for the person that has everything, this is the place to shop. They are located at the corner of Avenue D and Commerce Street. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time.
Betsy's Sunflower South – Located at 238 Water Street in Apalachicola. Betsy’s Sunflower South is the place to shop for fine gifts and kitchen supplies and accessories as well as unique food gift ideas. Open Monday – Saturday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm Eastern Time.
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