13 Best Things To Do In Apalachicola, Florida - Updated 2025

1. Southern Comfort Floating Home

1/5 things to do in apalachicola florida | southern comfort floating home

2/5 southern comfort floating home

3/5 southern comfort floating home

4/5 southern comfort floating home

5/5

Show all photos

Consider residing within a houseboat while in Apalachicola. We recommend Southern Comfort, a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath floating home that comfortably accommodates 4 adults. It has a cathedral ceiling in the living area as well as a full-sized kitchen. There’s a covered patio on the river that will give you an amazing view of fishing boats. You can even cast your fishing poles right at the front porch and catch some fish. The houseboat is situated close to town, so you can easily walk to cafes, bars, and restaurants in Apalachicola.

2. Apalachicola Bay

1/5 things to do in apalachicola florida | apalachicola bay

2/5 apalachicola bay

3/5 apalachicola bay

4/5 apalachicola bay

5/5

Show all photos

Of all the many beautiful Apalachicola, Florida, beaches, here’s one you should not miss. Home to more than than 100 species of fish, Apalachicola Bay offers one of the best fishing adventures in Florida. Between March and November, there’s an abundance of catch that includes speckled trout, flounder and tripletail, among many others. Red snapper and mahi-mahi can be caught offshore. As you board on a boat and head out to Apalachicola Bay and its inland tributaries, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery of wild Florida. Casting lessons are available for all - regardless of fishing experience. After an exciting day of reeling in, you can have your catch cleaned and packaged for you to take home.

3. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area

The Apalachicola Historic District, nestled along the picturesque shores of the Apalachicola River in Florida, is a charming and captivating attraction in Apalachicola for those seeking a leisurely stroll through history. This district is a testament to the rich and diverse heritage of the region, with its well-preserved antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks that harken back to the 19th century.

The district boasts a remarkable blend of unique boutiques, art galleries, cozy cafes, and friendly locals who are eager to share tales of the area’s history. The peaceful ambiance, accompanied by the rustling of the nearby river and the sight of Spanish moss-draped oak trees, makes walking through the Apalachicola Historic District a truly enchanting experience.

Apalachicola Historic District

Address: 86 Water St, Apalachicola, FL 32320, United States

4. Scipio Creek Boardwalk

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Scipio Creek Boardwalk is a moderate hike where you can get stunning views of the Apalachicola River estuary. This magnificent nature trail and hiking area feature various coastal habitats, and at one point along the trail, there is an observation deck. If you’re in town with family, this is a fun and exciting thing to do with them without having to exhaust yourself with complicated trails. The entire trail is mostly a boardwalk with a short, rocky pathway by the entrance.

Scipio Creek Boardwalk

Address: Apalachicola, FL 32320, United States

Website: Scipio Creek Boardwalk

5. Apalachicola Maritime Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a history museum that was founded with the intention to celebrate and preserve the maritime history of the town of Apalachicola. What you will find at this place is a hands-on learning environment with active sailing and adventure programs, boat building and restoration, and educational programs. Spend some time at the maritime museum if you don’t know what to do in Apalachicola!

Apalachicola Maritime Museum

Address: 103 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL

Website: Apalachicola Maritime Museum

6. St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge was established in 1968 for waterfowl, but now also provides protection for such endangered species like red wolves. This Apalachicola attraction has two islands and two mainland regions. Some popular things to do here are fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and nature photography.

St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 479 Market St, Apalachicola, FL

Website: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

7. Mile Seafood Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a family owned and operated fresh seafood market. Some of the delicious seafood you will find here include oysters, shrimp, blue crabs, clams as well as homemade seafood dips. There is also a gift shop onsite where you can find a variety of souvenirs. A unique thing about this place is that you can book a charter tour and catch some mouthwatering seafood yourself.

13 Mile Seafood Market

Address: 227 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL

Website: 13 Mile Seafood Market

8. Apalachicola Sponge Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This is a store in the historic downtown district of Apalachicola. Natural sea sponges, handmade goat’s milk soap and Cottonseed clothing are some of the things you will find at this store. An interesting fact is that Apalachicola used to be the third-largest sponge producer in the Florida sponge industry following Key West and Tarpon Springs. This store is a tribute to the history.

Apalachicola Sponge Company

Address: 14 Avenue D, 32320-1761 Apalachicola, FL

Website: Apalachicola Sponge Company

9. The Raney House Museum

This is a beautiful old Southern home that was built for the family of David G. Raney, a prosperous cotton trader in Apalachicola. He also had a hand in the construction. Currently, this historic antebellum home is a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On the grounds of the museum you will see a state marker that details the history of the lovely house for more information. A great place to tour with family while being educated on a piece of history.

The Raney House Museum

Address: 128 Market St, Apalachicola, FL

Website: The Raney House Museum

10. The Grady Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Fancy a day of shopping in Apalachicola? You can head to the famous Grady Market. Found in the historic Grady Building, this marketplace hosts a whole variety of antique shops, artist galleries, unique and scenic dining as well as clothes and textile boutiques. Take a stroll through this restored ships’ chandlery. You will love the Apalachicola elegance the same as it was more than 150 years ago. Some of the shops here are upscale, but it is always fun to window shop while enjoying the view of the beach right across the street.

The Grady Market

Address: 76 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL

11. John Gorrie State Museum

This is a Florida State Park and museum that honors Dr. John Gorrie. Dr. Gorrie is considered the father of air conditioning and refrigeration. He received the first United States Patent for mechanical refrigeration in the year 1851. While at the museum, you can see a replica of Gorrie’s ice machine. Florida gets quite hot and this invention really made Florida what it is today, a sunny and exciting place to visit. There is a visitor center here that is open from 9 am until 5 pm Eastern time on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Please note that it is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

John Gorrie State Museum

Address: 46 6th Street, Apalachicola, FL

Website: John Gorrie State Museum

12. Orman House

This is another Florida State Park and historic site in Apalachicola that is popular with tourists. Also on the property is the Three Soldiers Veteran’s Memorial. It is a tribute to three southern soldiers that were killed in the Vietnam War and the Chapman Botanical Gardens. Just a note: the house is open from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm Eastern time on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Orman House

Address: 177 5th St, Apalachicola, FL

Website: Orman House

13. Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Here is a place to stop in and enjoy handmade chocolate, gelato and coffee. Also served here is homemade lunch, pastries, pie, cookies, rolls and more. After a day of sightseeing, this is a great place to relax and kick back. Enjoy the scenic view as you savor the delicious sweets and other things at this cool place.

Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company

Address: 75 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL

The sweet town of Apalachicola, Florida

Offering great places to stay, Apalachicola, Florida, serves as a fantastic vacation spot. You will feel relaxed and welcome in this fun place. There is lots of history to explore, so pay this place a visit and see this beautiful town for yourself.

Should you want to venture out further into the neighboring cities, you will find plenty of comfy vacation rentals in Carrabelle, which is only a short drive away.