Apalachicola is a historic riverside town with a wonderful selection of local seafood and area fishing that seems to run at a slower pace than the rest of the world. The days here just seem to ease by with out a worry in the world.

The name Apalachicola means "people on the other side" in the language of the native Indians.

Apalachicola was established in 1831. Shipping cotton was Apalachicola's big industry and it soon became the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico. By the 1850s, the waterfront was lined with brick warehouses and broad streets to handle the loading and unloading of cotton. Steamboats laden with cotton came down the River and were unloaded. Then small shallow draft schooners moved the cargo to larger ships offshore.

As the railroads expanded throughout the United States, a new industry took shape in the city. Since the area is home to large cypress forests, Franklin County developed several big lumber mills in the late 1800s. By the end of the 19th century, oysters and seafood became an important industry.

Lafayette Park
The park has a pier, a gazebo, picnic tables and playground. It is located in Apalachicola on Avenue B between 13th and 15th Streets. The gazebo makes a great location for a wedding or other special event. The pier is great for fishing or just to relax watching the sunset into the bay.

Battery Park and the City Marina
Boat launch, pier, city marina, and park with picnic tables and playground, located in Apalachicola below the bridge on Bay Avenue between 4th and 6th Streets. It is also the location of the annual seafood festival, held on the first weekend of every November.

Chestnut Street Cemetery
It is one of the more significant cemeteries on the Gulf Coast. Established in 1831, the stones tell the history of Apalachicola. Funerary art reflects the ethnic diversity of the community, religious beliefs and burial customs trade patterns. Located on Highway 98 between 6th and 8th Streets.

Chapman Botanical Garden
A great place to take a relaxing stroll through canopy walk ways, and to view local flowers.

Orman House
Built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, the wood for this two story home was cut to measure near Syracuse, New York and shipped to Apalachicola by sailing vessel around the Florida Keys then assembled on the bluff overlooking the broad estuary and bay of the Apalachicola River. Today the house still resonates with a genteel aura and warmth of the past.

Apalachicola National Estuary Research Reserve
The Apalachicola National Estuary Research Reserve encom-passes over 246,000 acres and is the second largest estuarine research reserve in the United States . Nature trails, educational exhibits, bird viewing areas and aquaria with local fish and turtles.

John Gorrie Museum
Dr. Gorrie was the inventor of the ice machine. The museum is located at Sixth Street and Avenue D.

Learn about other areas: Apalachicola | Cape San Blas | Carrabelle | Dog Island | Eastpoint | Mexico Beach | Port St. Joe | St. George Island