Things to Do in Apalachicola
Your Ultimate Forgotten Coast Vacation Guide Curated by Robinson Vacation Rentals
Planning a vacation in Apalachicola, Florida? You’re in for something special. Nestled along Florida’s beautiful Forgotten Coast, Apalachicola offers a rare blend of rich history, world-class fishing, fresh local seafood, charming working waterfronts, and the kind of authentic Old Florida experiences that keep guests coming back year after year.
At Robinson Vacation Rentals, we believe the best vacations are about more than where you stay. They’re about the memories you make while you’re here. Whether you’re planning a romantic coastal getaway, a fishing trip with lifelong friends, or a multigenerational family vacation, these are our favorite things to do in Apalachicola and throughout Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Start Your Day Like a Local
Every great day in Apalachicola begins with great coffee and something fresh from the oven.
A longtime local favorite is Apalachicola Chocolate & Coffee Company, where savory pastries, house-roasted daily coffee, and handmade chocolates have become part of many visitors’ morning routine. If there’s a line, get in it. It moves quickly, and we promise it’s worth the wait! Be sure to grab a sweet treat for later.
Another breakfast favorite is The Biscuit Factory, known for hearty Southern breakfasts, fresh-made biscuits, and a loyal following. Arrive early, they often sell out!
Experience World-Class Fishing in Apalachicola
If you’re searching for the best fishing in Apalachicola, you’re in the right place.
The waters surrounding Apalachicola Bay, St. George Sound, and the Gulf of Mexico are known for outstanding inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, tarpon, and seasonal offshore species attract anglers from across the country.
For an unforgettable day on the water, book with Robinson Brothers Guide Service. With generations of local knowledge and a passion for these waters, Robinson Brothers offers the authentic Forgotten Coast fishing experience our guests talk about long after they return home.
Explore the Apalachicola River by Airboat
Looking for one of the most unique things to do in Apalachicola?
Hop aboard Apalachicola Airboat Excursions and experience the untouched marshes, winding river channels, towering cypress trees, and abundant wildlife that make the Apalachicola River system one of Florida’s natural treasures.
Walk the Historic District of Apalachicola
One of the best ways to experience Apalachicola is on foot.
Brick streets, beautifully preserved Victorian homes, maritime architecture, hidden courtyards, and stories dating back nearly two centuries make downtown Apalachicola one of the most charming historic districts in Florida.
Download the official walking tour map here.
Want a more personal experience? Book a private golf cart tour with Enjoy Apalachicola and discover hidden gems with a local guide.
Explore Downtown Apalachicola
Downtown Apalachicola is filled with locally owned boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and authentic coastal character that invites you to slow down and wander awhile.
Spend an afternoon strolling the historic streets, then make your way to Riverfront Park to watch shrimp boats and working vessels mosey along the riverfront.
When hunger strikes, you’ll find no shortage of local favorites nearby. Just across from the park, Tamara's On The Go food truck has earned a loyal following for its flavorful menu. While you really can’t go wrong, the smash burger is a local favorite for good reason!
For a more elevated dining experience, Owl Cafe is one of the Forgotten Coast’s most renowned restaurants, offering casual fine dining, craft cocktails, fresh local seafood, and a delicious Sunday brunch that both locals and visitors look forward to. And while you’re there, trust us, the crab dip is a must-try.
Discover Apalachicola After Dark
Once the sun goes down, Apalachicola comes alive with live music, waterfront cocktails, and authentic local charm.
One guest favorite is Apalachicola Yacht Club, where locals and visitors gather for great music, cold drinks, and lively waterfront evenings just across the river. While you’re there, be sure to grab a bite from Taqueria de Apalach, a local favorite food truck located on-site at the Yacht Club known for serving some of the best tacos in town.
Explore Florida History
History lovers will find no shortage of fascinating stories in Apalachicola.
Be sure to visit:
- Orman House Historic State Park, a beautifully preserved antebellum home overlooking the river.
- Raney House Museum, one of the city’s most iconic historic residences.
- John Gorrie Museum State Park, honoring the physician whose refrigeration discoveries changed the world.
Eat Oysters and Fresh Local Seafood
No Apalachicola vacation is complete without tasting the seafood that made this town famous.
Two of our favorite places to enjoy local oysters and fresh Gulf seafood are Hole In The Wall Seafood and Up The Creek Raw Bar. From raw oysters and smoked fish dip to fresh shrimp and grouper, you’ll taste why Apalachicola remains one of Florida’s most beloved seafood destinations.
Don't forget to stop at 13 Mile Seafood Market and bring home some of the freshest seafood on the Forgotten Coast.
Visit Local Breweries and Distilleries
Apalachicola’s craft beverage scene continues to grow.
Grab a pint at Oyster City Brewing Company, home of Apalachicola’s first craft beer.
Sample locally crafted spirits at WaterCraft Distillery.
Or enjoy waterfront drinks at Buoy Brewing Company at Dockside.
Take a Ghost Tour Through Historic Apalachicola
As evening settles over the historic district, Apalachicola’s stories take on a different character.
Join a guided ghost tour and hear tales of ship captains, merchants, and longtime residents from centuries past while walking some of the city’s most historic streets.
Explore St. George Island
Just fifteen minutes from Apalachicola, St. George Island offers a completely different side of the Forgotten Coast, one filled with sugar-white sand, Gulf breezes, and some of the most beautiful undeveloped beaches in Florida. Whether you’re planning a full day or simply chasing sunset, it’s a drive well worth taking.
On your way to the island, we recommend stopping at the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center in Eastpoint. Admission is free, and it’s a wonderful place for both adults and children to learn more about the bays, marshes, wildlife, and unique ecosystems that make this area so special.
Once you cross the bridge onto the island, one of the first must-see stops is the St. George Island Lighthouse. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Apalachicola Bay on the other. There’s convenient free public parking nearby, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring the area on foot.
As the day begins to wind down, head toward the bridge and the “Welcome to St. George Island” sign for photo ops as the sun sinks into the Bay. Few sunsets compare to St. George Island. Afterward, head over to Paddy's Raw Bar for fresh oysters, cold drinks, and live music. It’s one of those places where locals, fishermen, and visitors all seem to end up by the end of the day.
If Mother Nature has other plans, rainy days can still be memorable at Art of Glass, where you can create your own glass art and bring home a one-of-a-kind piece of your Forgotten Coast vacation.
Explore Carrabelle
Just about thirty minutes east of Apalachicola, Carrabelle offers a slower pace, authentic charm, and the kind of coastal character that feels increasingly rare in Florida today. If you have an afternoon to explore, this small waterfront town makes for a memorable day trip.
Begin your visit at the Crooked River Lighthouse, one of the Forgotten Coast’s most iconic landmarks. If you’re up for a climb, make your way to the top for sweeping views of St. George Sound and miles of untouched coastline. It’s especially beautiful in the late afternoon as the sun begins to soften.
History lovers should make time for the Camp Gordon Johnston Museum, where you’ll step back into World War II and learn how thousands of soldiers once trained right here along these beaches before heading overseas. It’s a fascinating and often unexpected piece of Florida history.
Just a few blocks away, don’t miss the quirky and beloved World's Smallest Police Station, a roadside photo opportunity that has been making visitors smile for decades.
When hunger strikes, locals and visitors alike love Mornin' Bite. Don’t let the casual exterior fool you. This local favorite serves up surprisingly creative dishes, fresh seafood, hearty breakfasts, and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
On your way back to Apalachicola, stop at Carrabelle Beach. With its quiet shoreline, uncrowded sands, and unmistakable vintage Florida feel, it’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and remember what a coastal vacation is really supposed to feel like.
Explore Port St. Joe
Located about thirty minutes west of Apalachicola, Port St. Joe offers a vibrant blend of waterfront beauty, small-town hospitality, and a little more energy while still holding tightly to its coastal roots. It’s an easy and enjoyable day trip for guests looking to explore more of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.
Start your visit in the heart of downtown, where beautifully restored buildings, local boutiques, art galleries, and inviting restaurants line the streets just blocks from the water. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours simply strolling, shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere.
Be sure to make your way to the Port St. Joe Marina, where boats gently sway in St. Joseph Bay and the waterfront offers some of the prettiest views on this stretch of coast. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, an afternoon cocktail, or simply watching the boats come and go.
If you enjoy history, stop by the Constitution Convention Museum State Park to learn about Florida’s early statehood and the role this region played in shaping Florida’s story.
And when it’s time for dinner, Port St. Joe offers everything from elevated coastal cuisine to laid-back waterfront dining, all served with the kind of genuine hospitality that keeps guests coming back year after year. Whether you spend a few hours or an entire day, Port St. Joe offers a wonderful mix of activity, beauty, and authentic coastal living.
Planning Your Apalachicola Vacation? Let Robinson Be Your Local Guide
Whether you’re searching for the best things to do in Apalachicola, planning a day trip to St. George Island, exploring Carrabelle, or discovering Port St. Joe, Robinson Vacation Rentals is proud to help guests experience Florida’s Forgotten Coast like a local.
Looking for personalized recommendations during your stay? Simply call or text (850) 653-1653, and our local team will be happy to point you toward more favorite restaurants, hidden gems, activities, fishing adventures, and authentic local experiences.
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