Apalachicola Might Be Florida's Most Charming Small Town

Apalachicola is a little town on Northwest Florida’s Forgotten Coast, rich in charm and history. Apalachicola combines coastal and Southern charm in a way only Florida’s small towns can. From the distinctive historic buildings to the working waterfront, this town attracts plenty of tourists yet doesn’t feel like a tourist town.

The water is not just scenery here, it’s an important part of the town’s identity. Around here, restaurants serve oysters the size of your hand, and Santa arrives by shrimp boat. Some of the 18th and 19th-century buildings have become restaurants, shops and beautifully restored B&Bs, and some of them have a weathered look that adds character to the town. You don’t need an excuse to visit, but it seems like there’s always an event or festival going on. Check out the Florida Seafood Festival November 4th for a special treat.

When you walk through this town, you can feel that it’s an authentic piece of Old Florida. There are no big, flashy attractions, but there’s plenty to do. Go shopping, fishing, or spend a day at the beach. The state park on nearby St. George Island has some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches left in the state. If you’re from Florida, you’re probably pretty thankful for air conditioning. Stop by John Gorrie Museum State Park to pay homage to one of the pioneers of ice making and air conditioning and learn about the history of Apalachicola.

Check out a few photos captured around this authentic Florida small town below: