Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve


Just over the bridge from Apalachicola, in Eastpoint, this reserve provides a great overview of its research site, which encompasses more than 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, with giant aquariums simulating different habitats. A half-mile boardwalk leads down to the river, where you'll find a free telescope on a turret.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. St George Lighthouse

4.81 MILES

Originally built in 1858, this little lighthouse was painstakingly reconstructed in 2008 after collapsing into the sea in 2005 due to erosion. Today you…

2. Apalachicola Maritime Museum

5.68 MILES

This small museum, which rests on the banks of the Apalachicola River, gives a breakdown on the history of oystering, fishing and boat building in…

3. Raney House

5.94 MILES

Sitting behind a white-picket fence and a facade of grand columns, this small museum occupies the former 1838 Southern style–plantation home of David…

4. John Gorrie State Museum

5.95 MILES

Dr John Gorrie (1803–55), one of Apalachicola's most famous sons, developed an ice-making machine to keep yellow-fever patients cool during an epidemic…

5. Trinity Episcopal Church

5.97 MILES

This handsome church was built in New York state and cut into sections, which were shipped down the Atlantic Coast and around the Keys before making their…

6. St George Island State Park

8.06 MILES

St George island at its undeveloped best is found here, in the 9 miles of glorious beach and sand dunes that make up this pristine park. A 2.5-mile nature…

7. St Vincent Island

15.03 MILES

Just a few minutes from Apalachicola, but accessible only by boat, lies this pristine island. Its pearly dunes reveal 5000-year-old geological records,…

8. Fort Gadsen Historic Site

15.13 MILES

This is the former location of an 1814 British fort manned by African American and Native American soldiers armed and trained by the British to defend…