Big Bend Scenic Byway
Apalachicola, FL

The town has an exceptionally rich history and its maritime culture reflects the area’s bountiful natural resources. Visitors can watch shrimp boats ply the area waters, sample the famous Apalachicola oysters, visit a museum, or browse through unique galleries and antique shops. Designated a “Distinctive Destination” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it has over 900 homes and buildings listed in its National Register District, dating as far back as the 1830s. A scenic walking tour of the town acquaints visitors with sites such as cotton warehouses, which supported the city’s once prosperous cotton export trade during the 1800s.

The Nature Center of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is the second largest of 25 Reserves in the U.S., and the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center has displays about this remote 12,300-acre barrier island at the west end of Apalachicola Bay.

The city celebrates its heritage each May with a Tour of Historic Homes, and the Florida Seafood Festival in November.