Apalachicola Travel Guide, Florida

Apalachicola - Florida

Located 65 miles east of Panama City in Franklin County, Apalachicola boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It is true that they are a few miles away, about 7 but that’s not a long way. People chose to visit the city and the area because of the outdoors. The endless possibility it offers for nature lovers attracts many tourists who are in favor of fishing, boating, uncrowded beaches, shallow bays or hiking in the National and State forests. The outdoors is also appreciated for not being spoiled and you can come to visit just for the beauty of it.

Spring and autumns are the best periods to come visit as the temperatures are not so high. Summer is also excellent for those who can take heat(they are helped anyway by air conditioners that are almost everywhere, but it would be a good idea to ask the hotel if your room has air conditioning).

Even those who do not come to stay in the city but reside in the nearby Panama City are just a stone throw away and could plan a day trip to Apalachicola.

The history of the city as a major seaport goes back to the beginning of the 19th century. Since then it has evolved a lot and despite the many diseases that killed many of its residents the town continued to thrive to the present day. You can see some of the city’s past by visiting the Apalachicola Historic District containing over 200 buildings listed on the National Register. You can see some old warehouses on Water Street, the Trinity Episcopal Church on Gorrie Square. In the John Gorrie Museum State Park you can see a prototype of today's air conditioner built by John Gorrie.

Part of its economy is based on sea food, there are many oyster crops and shrimps not even talking about fish. Being close to water the local cuisine is also based on seafood that comes fresh, tasty and prepared is a variety of ways.

The top outdoor activity in the city and its area is fishing. You can fish a number of different fishes like trout, pompano, Spanish mackerel, shark and many others. Finding the right spot is essential no matter if you hire a charter boat or fish right off the bridge. For charters on the local boats you must address to the chamber of commerce. Here you can also get some brochures for self-guided tours.

If you would rather look at the fish and not catch them you can go to Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve stretching on 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay. This is the 2nd largest in the country and hosts some huge aquariums full of fish and turtles, exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area

Another nice way of spending your time here is to go sailing on 2 1/2-hour voyages, go on narrated nature cruises to the barrier islands or on canoe and kayak trips in the creeks and streams of the Apalachicola River basin or to see blue-crab netting. You can opt for a personalized trip and children are welcomed to experience the world of water. They also have a nice playground on Sixth Street at Battery Park.

The more cultured oriented people can choose to see a play or a movie at Dixie Theater.

With a lot to offer as far as nature and the outdoors is concerned, this city encompasses beauty, relaxation, and plenty of water and land based activities, a city of variety.