Discover Small-Town Charm in Apalachicola: Named One of Florida’s Best Small Towns by Country Living

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Country Living Magazine recently named Apalachicola one of the best small towns in Florida—and it doesn’t surprise us one bit! For many years, Apalachicola has been renowned as one of the friendliest towns in all of the Sunshine State.

In fact, locals will gladly tell you that “Apalachicola” is a combination of Hitchoti Indian words that roughly translates into “land of the friendly people.” While there is some controversy surrounding the true meaning of the name, one thing is certain: Apalachicola makes everyone feel at home.

As soon as you set foot in our little slice of paradise, we guarantee you’ll fall in love. That’s because Apalachicola is bursting with hometown charm, friendly folks and rich maritime history. Nestled on the mouth of the Apalachicola River, our small, welcoming port town is home to bustling seafood houses, weather-worn shrimp boats and stately historical buildings.

“This quaint fishing town in Florida’s panhandle is the place for fresh catch,” writes Giannina Smith Bedford in Country Living Magazine. “Book a room at a charming inn and learn about the local oyster, timber, and fishing history or relax on miles of unspoiled beaches in nearby St. George’s Island.”

While our small coastal town is certainly laid-back and quiet, there are plenty of things to do here—from upscale dining and shopping to museum hopping and sightseeing to kayaking and beach bumming. Extremely walkable, Apalach features several parks and nature trails. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour along the tree-shaded sidewalks of our distinguished Historic District, where you can check out the regal homes of past sea captains and river pilots.

Of course, Apalachicola is also well-known as an angler’s paradise. The prolific ecosystem within the Apalachicola River and the Apalachicola Bay offer endless fishing opportunities.

Celebrated for superb local seafood (particularly our world-famous Apalachicola oysters) our small town is home to an impressive array of eateries—from casual downtown cafes to riverside oyster dives to fine dining restaurants. Apalachicola is also renowned throughout the Panhandle for our numerous annual festivals and events. After all, there’s a lot to celebrate in this charming coastal town!

Brimming with warm hospitality and smiling faces, Apalachicola is a dream destination for couples, families, empty nesters and anyone else searching for a small-town getaway.