Apalachicola Historic District
Over 900 homes, commercial buildings and sites are listed in our National Register District. A scenic walking tour of the town acquaints visitors with sites such as cotton warehouses, which housed the City’s once prosperous cotton export during the 1800s, a sponge exchange and Victorian homes nestled amid the moss-draped live oak trees. A map is available at the Chamber office and Visitors Center located at 17 Avenue E.
Apalachicola Municipal Library
Apalachicola Library is open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 and 1:00-6:00pm. Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Books, audio books, local history and genealogy section, wireless internet access. 80 12th St (850) 653-8436
Apalachicola Maritime Museum
CURRENTLY CLOSED. The Maritime Museum has been re founded to celebrate and preserve the maritime history of Apalachicola in a hands-on learning environment with active sailing program and adventure programs, boat-building, restoration and educational programs. Collectively, the activities of the AMM will provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of the three rivers that come together to form the largest river in Florida, the Apalachicola. the maritime history of Apalachicola located at 103 Water Street, Apalachicola (850) 653-2500
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Encompassing over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, it is the 2nd largest Estuarine Research Reserve system in the nation. Nature Center is located at 108 Island Drive, Eastpoint east side of the St. George Island Bridge. Attractions include exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area and aquaria facility featuring a variety of local fish and turtles. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm (850) 670-7700.
Apalachicola National Forest
564,000 acres for birding, camping, boating, wildflower viewing, hunting, and fishing (850) 643-2282
Battery Park and the City Marina
Boat launch, park with picnic tables and great playground Bay Avenue 4th-6th Streets(850) 653-9319
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
A large Amphibious Warfare Training Camp from 1942-1946, it is estimated that over 250,000 men and women passed through Camp Gordon Johnston during its operation. The Camp Gordon Johnston Museum honors and preserves the heritage of these brave soldiers through extensive histories, displays, weapons, videos, and photographs of the area and life, at it existed at the camp. This is the only World War II museum east of New Orleans and the only one in Florida. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Located at its new facility, 1873 Highway 98 West, directly across from Carrabelle Public Beach. Hours are: Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00am - 5:00pm. Sunday - Monday: closed. Tours and special requests are welcome with advance notice. (850) 697-8575. www.campgordonjohnston.com. museum@campgordonjohnston.com.
Cape St George Lighthouse
The 79 foot St George Island Lighthouse now stands proudly in the center of St George Island. The lighthouse is open for tours Monday-Wednesday 10-5 , closed Thursday, Friday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5 . The Lighthouse Keepers Cottage has exhibits that tell about the early history of the islands, the keepers and their families and maritime culture of the area.Call (850) 927-7745 for information.
Cape St. George State Reserve
This 9 mile long reserve is one of three barrier islands that separate Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico . The Reserve’s remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida ’s original natural landscape. Shell collecting is very good, accessible only by boat.
Carrabelle History Museum
The Carrabelle History Museum is housed in a historic building, that for 75 years, was Carrabelle’s City Hall. Now a museum, its mission is to preserve the history and culture of Carrabelle and the surrounding Forgotten Coast. Personal memorabilia and local artifacts tell the story of Carrabelle from the eyes and ears of its long term residents. Exhibit items include ancient Native America pottery shards and artifacts, fascinating fossils, tools and other artifacts from the turpentine, lumber and commercial fishing industries, nautical artifacts and history, and a Civil war display… and an endless supply of fascinating stories. The museum also has an exhibit about the steamship “SS Tarpon” which served the city with weekly visits from 1902 to 1937 including the amazing tale of its deadly wreck and the men who survived it. And the original World’s Smallest Police Station can be found on display right inside the Carrabelle History Museum.
Chapman Botanical Garden
Time stands still in our garden as you find a place of solitude where you can finish that book, start a new painting or perhaps watch the butterflies in our butterfly garden. Slow down, unwind and reconnect. Located on North Market Street, adjacent to the Orman House Historic State Park. Open Thursday through Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Crooked River Lighthouse
Listed on the National Historic Registry, this 103 foot iron and steel structure was built in 1895, to guide ships through East Pass between Dog Island and St. George Island. The reconstructed keeper’s house features history and science exhibits and a gift shop. picnic and playground area, open dawn to dusk. Museum hours: Thursday thru Sunday, noon- 5pm. Climbing on Saturdays and Sundays. Located 2 miles west of the Carrabelle Bridge. (850) 697-2732
Chestnut Street Cemetery
One of the most 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. Located on US Highway 98 between 6th and 8th Streets
Dixie Theatre
Originally built in 1912, the Dixie Theatre became the entertainment center of Franklin County . Closed in 1967, it was rebuilt and opened once again in 1998. The Dixie now produces the best in Live Professional Theatre, and musical events as well providing an acoustically perfect rental space for other community functions. For information call (850) 653-3200
Dog Park
Located at Avenue L and 17th Street, behind the old Apalachicola High School, is a city park especially for our furry friends. It's divided into 3 sections: a large dog area, a small dog area, and a "special" section. We expect the special area to be used by dogs or people that want to enjoy the park but don't want or need to be with other dogs and for people with small children to be with just their dog. That might be someone with a handicap, with an older dog, or with a dog that isn't yet socialized enough to be with the others. Each section has a double port gate and seating so people can "sit and stay" for a while. Water and trash cans are located in each area and the large and small dog sections share a big shade structure.
Fort Gadsden Historic Site
Earthen embankments and interpretive kiosk, located on the east bank of the Apalachicola River, approximately 45 minutes north of Eastpoint, accessed by Highway 65. The site interprets the role of Native and African Americans during the early 1800s (850) 643-2282
John Gorrie State Museum
Contains a replica of the first ice machine (predecessor to A/C) created by Dr John Gorrie in an attempt to cool his yellow fever patients. His invention later became the basis for the ice industry and air conditioning. Open Thursday-Monday 9:00am-5:00pm 6th Street and Avenue D (850) 653-9347
Lafayette Park
Block long open park overlooking Apalachicola Bay with a large gazebo in the center, plus a long broad wooden pier, interpretive signs, picnic tables and playground Avenue B between 13th and 15th (850) 653-9319
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. Open Thursday-Monday 9:00am-5:00pm North Market Street (850) 653-1209
Raney House Museum
Owned by the city of Apalachicola and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Raney House provides a glimpse of the life in the 1830s when cotton merchant and community leader David Greenway Raney was a resident. The Apalachicola Area Historical Society has furnished the 1838 home and gives tours to the public from 1 to 4 Sunday-Friday and 10am to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Donations or welcome, but not required. Located on Market Street at the corner of Avenue F (850) 653-1700.
St. George Island State Park
Nine miles of undeveloped beach, pristine shoreline, majestic dunes and bay forest, sandy coves and salt marshes. A series of hiking trails, boardwalks and observation platforms great for hiking, camping or a leisurely stroll (850) 927-2111
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
St. Vincent Island is an unspoiled barrier island at the west end of Apalachicola Bay . The refuge is open during daylight hours. It is only accessible by boat and there are no facilities available. for more information contact the SNWR at (850) 653-8808
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Miles of white sand beaches, striking dunes, 2,516 acre park. Excellent snorkeling, swimming, birding, camping. Voted #1 beach in the nation in 2003 by Dr. Beach (850) 227-1327
St. Joseph Bay Preserve
Over 5,000 acres on St. Joseph Bay form the State Buffer Preserve. Miles of trails are open for hiking and biking, and there is a kayak launch site at the Deal Tract on Cape San Blas Road. The Visitor Center has educational exhibits; programs on local sea life, flora, and fauna; and volunteer opportunities. The St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve is located at 3915 State Road 30-A. Call (850) 229-1787, weekdays 9:00 – 4:00, for program schedule and trail maps.
Tate’s Hell State Forest
Thousands of acres for hiking, biking, and wildlife, wild flower viewing. Canoe trails, cypress forest. Trailhead is located on US Highway 98, 4 miles west of Carrabelle in Franklin County (850) 697-3734
Three Servicemen Statue Detail & Veterans Memorial Plaza
Veterans Memorial Plaza was created in 2008 to honor veterans for their service to our country. The block-long park consists of the Circle of Freedom walkway and the striking Three Servicemen Statue Detail, a bronze sculpture by Fredrick Hart that depicts a realistic image of Vietnam servicemen.
Trinity Episcopal Church
This Greek-Revival church, built in 1838, was prefabricated in White Plains New York and shipped in section by schooner to Apalachicola. Early church founders included Dr John Gorrie and botanist Dr Alvin Chapman.
