In Apalachicola, Florida, Coastal Meets Country in All the Best Ways
Embrace a Sunshine State of mind with warm Gulf waters, fresh oysters, and dozens of specialty shops.
Sometimes, when the weather turns cold, we want nothing more than to embrace the “brr” by traveling to one of America’s prettiest winter towns. And other times, we want nothing more than to escape it. If you’re looking for a charming new beach town to add to your travel bucket list, we’ve got just the place: Apalachicola, Florida. Situated in an oft-overlooked portion of the Florida panhandle, this quaint fishing community (population: 2,330) happily maintains a coastal-meets-country charm. (Just don’t let the word get out!)
Locally known as “Apalach” or “land of the friendly people,” a visit to Apalachicola bears all the hallmarks of a classic Florida getaway, including warm Gulf waters and plenty of fresh oysters, but it also satisfies the cravings of those looking for more old-school fun with nautical vintage shops, steeped-in-time general stores, and an old-fashioned soda fountain. (There’s also no shortage of quirky art galleries and delicious restaurants!)
For those flying to Apalachicola, the closest major airport is the Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). From there, you’ll still need to rent a car, but that will only add to the adventure! Once you get down near the water, the 60-mile stretch of Highway 98, known as Florida’s Forgotten Coast, also weaves through state parks, sleepy beaches, and the towns of Port St. Joe and Carrabelle, making it the perfect fodder for your next road trip. So put in that PTO request and start making plans—it’s time to head south! Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Apalachicola, Florida, including the best restaurants, shops, hotels, and more.
PS—for further warm-weather inspiration, be sure to check out our list of the best small towns in Florida.
Rise and Shine
Guava pastelitos and espresso-laced cortaditos bring Cuban flair to the breakfast menu at Cafe con Leche.
Go Overboard
Bedecked in old buoys, The Tin Shed Nautical & Antiques shop boasts a massive offering of vintage ship wheels, dive helments, and other "seaphemera."
Light the Way
Eight miles offshore of Apalachicola, the barrier island of St. George is the perfect place to dip your toes into the warm Gulf waters. Maritime history buffs can also explore the reconstructed Cape St. George Light Museum.
Slurp Some Bivalves
Seafood is an integral part of the local economy. Keep your eyes peeled for shrimping boats cruising the Apalachicola Bay, and support the area's rebounding oyster industry, which was once responsible for 90 percent of Florida's oyster production, by ordering a dozen at Up the Creek Raw Bar or The Franklin Cafe at The Gibson Inn, where you can chase each taste with a crisp IPA by Oyster City Brewing Co.
Explore the Stores
At Becasa, Emily Raffield sells breezy linen dresses and roomy straw totes, while Riverside Mercantile (pictured) specializes in giftables galore. And don't forget to stop into Retsyo Inc. (that's "oyster" spelled backwards), where proprietor John Lee will happily regale you with colorful tales of local lore and send you home with at least one jar of light and buttery Tupelo honey that is harvested nearby.
Play it Cool
Step back in time with an ice-cream sundae or chocolate malt at Old Time Soda Fountain, which first opened in 1905 and still retains its retro charm (those checkered floors!).
Sleep Seaside
Wraparound porches and the wood-paneled Parlor Bar have kept guests coming back to the centrally located Gibson Inn since 1907. New owners—and siblings!—Steven Etchen and Katharine Couillard have recently re-gussied up the guests rooms.
Sarah Zlotnick is the Lifestyle Director at Country Living, where she covers a little bit of everything—small towns, life in the country, and, her favorite, antiques. A research buff at heart, she loves a deep dive into the history of vintage finds and uncovering the reasons behind old-as-time traditions.
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