St. George Island Florida: The Perfect Peaceful Vacation Destination

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Discover St. George Island, Florida

St. George Island Florida is a beautiful 22-mile barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Home to the most unspoiled, serene beaches in the Sunshine State, St. George Island offers plenty of things to do for every visitor. No high rises anywhere on this untouched island. Just a laid-back attitude, breathtaking beaches and unspoiled nature. The uncrowded beaches are perfect for family-friendly activities—from swimming, fishing and paddling in the clear gulf waters to shelling, castle-building and relaxing on the sugar white sand. Ready to be one with the nature? Venture out to St. George Island’s pristine bay marshes to enjoy extraordinary wildlife and stunning views of the sunset. Feeling adventurous? Rent a kayak, boat, bicycle or scooter and explore the island! St. George Island serves up an array of accommodations and vacation rentals, from charming beach cottages to luxurious Gulf-front homes to local hotels and inns.

Things to Do on St. George Island, Florida

Whether you’re searching for a romantic weekend getaway, a family-friendly vacation or a peaceful place to nest for snow bird season, look no further. Here at St. George Island, there’s something for everyone!

Shop Till You Drop If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, you’re in luck. St. George Island features an array of art galleries, boutiques and charming shops brimming with beachwear, handmade treasures, jewelry and unique gifts. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, you’re certain to find a special souvenir or keepsake to take home.

Pet Paradise Pack up your pooch and head on down to St. George Island for a doggone good time! No bones about it, St. George Island is the perfect doggie destination. In fact, our island is one of the few pet-friendly beaches in Florida. Many of our vacation homes, stores and restaurants welcome four-legged visitors with open arms. There are plenty of pet-friendly accommodations for you and your furry friend. Camp at the State Park, rent a hotel room, or reserve a villa or spacious home on the bay, beach or somewhere in-between.

Fabulous Fishing Whether you’re a reel rookie or an angling pro, St. George Island is every fisherman and fisherwoman’s wonderland. When you throw out a line in the bay, you can expect to land sheepshead, speckled trout, flounder, whiting, redfish and tripletail. If you’re fishing in the Gulf, get ready to hook up with snapper, grouper, amberjack, sea bass, mackerel, mahi-mahi, cobia and sharks. Here at St. George Island, there are plentiful inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. Cast a rod from the shore, skim the flats, or venture out to deeper water with a charter boat captain. Our island is home to several bait and tackle shops as well as two public boat ramps. Several businesses on St. George Island rent kayaks, paddle boards and boats for adventurous anglers. Not ready to go at it alone? Charter a fishing excursion with one of our experienced fishing and tour guides.

Delicious Dining Ready for a bite to eat? St. George Island offers a variety of restaurants featuring fresh local seafood. Enjoy beachfront dining overlooking the gulf or stop by a casual bayside eatery for cocktails and delicious pub fare. Worn out from a long day of adventures? Order dinner or lunch from our island pizzeria. If you prefer to cook up your own meal at your vacation rental, we’ve got you covered! St. George Island’s two grocery stores carry everything you need, including specialty and gourmet items you wouldn’t expect to find.

Biking Adventures Whether you choose to rent a bicycle in one of our local shops or bring your own, you’ll enjoy miles of bike paths here at St. George Island. Our island features a six-mile paved path that parallels Gulf Beach Drive, the island's main road. Explore the island and ride all the way to St. George Island State Park. At the park, you can pick up hiking trails and explore its peaceful dunes, forest and marshes, all teeming with local wildlife!

Family-Friendly Fun Here at St. George Island, there are countless things to do for families of all ages. Rent a boat or charter a trip to explore the bay and nearby islands. Go fishing inshore or offshore or rent a kayak or paddle board. Take a hike at our state park and enjoy a little bird-watching or stargazing. In early summer, if you walk the beach at dawn, you may get a glimpse of nesting sea turtles. Don’t forget to stop at the visitor center and get a closeup look at our historic lighthouse, the Cape St. George Light.

Nature’s Delights St. George Island is a dream destination for nature lovers. At St. George Island State Park, nestled on the eastern end of our island, visitors can explore nine miles of undeveloped shoreline, majestic dunes, a bay forest and salt marshes. The State Park offers a series of peaceful hiking trails, boardwalks and observation platforms.

Don’t forget your binoculars! Birding is a popular activity on St. George Island. You might encounter one of the many migratory birds that use St. George Island as a stopover on their journey. There have even been rare appearances by a flamingo and a snowy owl.

Beginning in early summer, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to dig their nests and lay eggs along the beach. The hatchlings emerge at night and crawl to the gulf, guided by light of the moon. During the summer nesting season, we ask visitors to help these baby turtles make it safely to sea by removing all items from the beach, filling in any man-made holes in the sand and turning of all outdoor lights.

Nightlife & Events Throughout the year, St. George Island showcases a variety of live music in several venues. The island is also home to a number of events, including the annual Chili Charity Cook-Off each March. This tasty annual event attracts more than 5,000 chili enthusiasts to the island. In the summer and fall, our music charity event, Rock By the Sea Festival, brings the region’s best musicians together to raise money for charity.

With so many things to do and see, St. George Island Florida is the perfect vacation destination for everyone.

You are invited to relax and stay awhile on St. George Island...

From a quaint beach cottage to a luxurious beachfront villa, St. George Island offers a variety of places to stay. All accommodations in Franklin County, Florida

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Upcoming events around St. George Island

Discover the Forgotten Coast's authentic, Old Florida charm at more than 100 annual events andfestivals, that highlight our natural resources, culture and history. Click here to see all events

Feb3

Special Exhibit: Honoring African American Servicemen

Carrabelle

Feb7

Annual Crooked River Park Fest

Carrabelle

Feb7

Annual SGI ShrimpFest

Saint George Island

Plan Your Trip to St. George Island, Florida

Maps and Directions Places to Stay FAQs Maps and Directions

St. George Island is a 22 mile long barrier island, located in Franklin County, Florida. Home to Florida’s most pristine, serene beaches, this beautiful barrier island offers tons of fun activities.

Mileage from selected cities to St. George Island:

Atlanta, GA	338	Memphis, TN	579
Birmingham, AL	335	Miami, FL	521
Chicago, IL	997	Montgomery, AL	246
Columbia, SC	440	Nashville, TN	525
Dallas, TX	865	New Orleans, LA	421
Detroit, MI	1056	Orlando, FL	304
Houston, TX	744	Pensacola, FL	231
Indianapolis, IN	813	Panama City, FL	72
Jackson, MS	465	Tallahassee, FL	76
Little Rock, AR	716	Tampa, FL	321

Places to Stay

St. George Island, Florida offers an array of accommodations and vacation rentals, from charming beach cottages to luxurious Gulf-front homes to local hotels and inns. See below for a full list of St. George Island accommodations:

Vacation Rentals

• Fickling & Company
• Summer Salt Cottage
• Sandcastles Vacation Rentals
• Cape & Coast Premier Properties
• Suncoast Vacation Rentals
• Boardwalk

• Breathe Easy
• Collins Vacation Rentals
• Sunset Cottage
• Island Bliss
• Forgotten Shores Properties
• All About View Rentals

Hotels & Inns

• Buccaneer Inn
• St. George Inn

• Island Suites

Campgrounds

• St. George Island State Park

FAQs

What is there to do on St. George Island on a rainy day? Whether you are escaping the elements on a rainy day or just needing a little A.C., there are plenty of fun indoor activities on St. George Island. You could explore the Cape St. George Lighthouse and Museum, take an art class at Art of Glass, hit the gym or take a fitness class at Saltwater Wellness, get a henna tattoo or hair braid at Pamelot Arts, or shop until you drop at one of the Island’s boutiques or souvenir shops. Mango Mike’s Sports Bar & Grill, The Beach Pit, Paddy’s Raw Bar, and The Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café offer covered outdoor seating, which gives shelter from the rain and the freedom to move (i.e., children can be children). B.J.’s Pizza & Subs has a small arcade for burning off steam. You could also head over to the mainland and visit one of our area museums. The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Eastpoint (ANERR) is an excellent place for children to run around and stay busy. There is a beautiful indoor aquarium and museum, touch tanks, and covered outdoor space. They might even let you hold the resident corn snake.

 What is St. George Island water clarity? Like all Florida beaches, St. George Island water clarity varies based on the season, tides and weather conditions. However, the water in St. George Island is generally crystal clear and a beautiful blue-green color. The gorgeous Gulf water is one of the many reasons why St. George Island consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the nation.

What is there to do on St. George Island? There are countless things to see and do on St. George Island, Florida. This beautiful 22-mile barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is home to some of the most unspoiled, serene beaches in the Sunshine State. The island’s uncrowded beaches are perfect for family-friendly activities—from swimming, boating, fishing to paddling, castle-building or just relaxing on the sugar white sand.

Feeling adventurous? Rent a kayak, boat, bicycle or scooter and explore the island. Don’t forget to check out Cape St. George Light on the center of the island. This beautifully restored lighthouse hosts special climbs on full moon evenings.

If you enjoy hiking, birding or just admiring nature, be sure to visit Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. This spectacular park encompasses nine miles of undeveloped beaches teeming with local wildlife and breathtaking Gulf views. A favorite destination for anglers and beachgoers, St. George Island State Park also serves up magnificent Gulf sunsets and the best stargazing opportunities in the Florida panhandle. SGI also includes plenty of shopping and top-notch restaurants.

Are dogs allowed on St. George Island beaches? Yes! Except for the Julian G. Bruce State Park beach, all St. George Island beaches are pet-friendly for well-behaved and leashed pets.

How big is St. George Island Florida? St. George Island is 22 miles long and one mile across at its widest point.

Which is better Panama City Beach or St. George Island? If you’re looking for uncrowded, pristine beaches with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, St. George Island is your best bet. Unlike Panama City Beach, St. George Island (SGI) is a truly tranquil getaway. There are no high rises anywhere on this barrier island. Just a laid-back attitude, breathtaking beaches and unspoiled nature. The island’s calm beaches are perfect for family-friendly activities—from swimming, fishing and paddling in the clear Gulf waters to shelling, castle-building and relaxing on the sugar white sand. Plus, St. George Island is one of the few pet-friendly beaches in the panhandle!

While SGI is definitely laid back, there are plenty of fabulous restaurants, shops and other fun things to see and do here. Rent a kayak, boat, bicycle or scooter to explore the island, and don’t forget to stop by the picturesque lighthouse. Want to catch a boatload of fish? Book a fishing adventure with one of the island’s experienced captains. St. George Island also offers an array of accommodations, from charming beach cottages and condos to luxurious Gulf-front homes and local hotels and inns.

What is the zip code for St. George Island Florida? The zip code for St. George Island is 32328.

When was St. George Island founded? Between the 10th and 15th centuries, St. George Island was first inhabited by the Muscogee people, who all eventually died from disease. After European colonists arrived in the area in the late 1700s, there was an intense struggle for control. In 1803, the Creek Indians ceded a large tract of land, including St. George Island, to trader John Forbes and Company in what was known as the “Forbes Grant.”

In 1823, John Lee Williams sought refuge on St. George Island. With a shortage of food supplies, his crew depended on the island’s ample store of oysters and crabs. Soon after, the island experienced a surge in trading activities, particularly along the banks of the Apalachicola River. This led to the construction of the original Cape St. George Lighthouse, built in 1833.

How long is St. George Island Bridge? St. George Island Bridge is 4.1 miles long, making it the third longest bridge in the state of Florida.

What is the closest beach to Tallahassee Florida? The closest beaches to Tallahassee are Alligator Point, Carrabelle Beach and St. George Island.

When was St. George Island bridge built? The current St. George Island Bridge was completed in 2004.

Which is better Cape San Blas or St. George Island? While both of these destinations have beautiful and uncrowded beaches, we believe St. George Island is better—and we’re not the only ones who think so! St. George Island State Park beach, located at the far east end on St. George Island, is regularly ranked as a Top 10 Beach by Dr. Beach. SGI has also received countless other awards over the years, including being named by TripAdvisor as one of the most romantic getaways.

This beautiful 22-mile barrier island is home to some of the most natural and serene beaches in the Sunshine State. There are no high rises or chain stores on this natural barrier island. Just clear blue water, sugar white sand and plentiful wildlife. To top it off, St. George Island is one of the few pet-friendly beaches in the panhandle!

What beach in Florida is best for family? St. George Island is one of the top beaches for families in the Sunshine State! In fact, this beautiful, unspoiled island in the Gulf of Mexico was ranked by TripSavvy.com as one of the best family-friendly Spring Break destinations in Florida.

There are no high rises, noisy crowds or strip malls here. Just a laid-back attitude, breathtaking beaches and unspoiled nature. Plus, there are plenty of fabulous restaurants, shops and other fun things to see and do here. And don’t forget about your four-legged family members. St. George Island is one of the few pet-friendly beaches in the panhandle!

What is the safest beach in Florida? St. George Island is one of the safest and most kid-friendly beaches in Florida. This is one of the many reasons why SGI is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S. With miles of uncrowded expanses for sunning and shelling and clear Gulf waters for swimming, paddling and fishing, St. George Island is a safe destination for kids, families and visitors of all ages.

What does SGI stand for? SGI stands for St. George Island. This beautiful barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is located in the Florida panhandle. St. George Island is part of Franklin County.

What's the most beautiful beach in Florida? While there’s a bounty of beautiful beaches in Florida, we believe St. George Island is the most breathtaking. It’s no wonder why SGI is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the U.S. With sugar white sand and crystal-clear water, this beautiful barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is home to some of the most natural and serene beaches in the Sunshine State. There are no high rises or loud crowds on this natural island. Just a laid-back attitude, gorgeous views and unspoiled nature.

Where do you fly into for St. George Island? If you’re planning to visit St. George Island, you can fly into a couple of different airports. The closest airport serviced by major airlines is the Tallahassee Regional Airport, located approximately 75 miles east of St. George Island. You can also fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport located in Panama City, about 100 miles west of St. George Island.

If you have a private airplane, you can fly into the St. George Island Airport, located on the grounds of the St. George Plantation. This private, 1200-acre community on the west end of the island allows private single-engine or twin-engine airplanes to land for a small fee. Tie-down spaces also are available for an additional fee.

Where is the prettiest beach in Florida? Obviously, pretty is a matter of opinion. But if you ask us, St. George Island is the prettiest beach in Florida! And we’re not the only ones who say so. Thanks to its breathtaking beauty, St. George Island is consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the U.S. This stunning barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico boasts some of the most uncrowded, peaceful beaches in the state. Even better? There are no high rises or chain stores on this pristine little island. Just sugar white sand, emerald waters and tons of wildlife.

How many beaches does Florida have? Florida is home to 1200 miles of coastline and nearly 700 miles of sandy beaches, including approximately 200 different named beaches. That’s why we think it’s pretty special that St. George Island is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the entire Sunshine State!

How did you get to St. George Island before the bridge? Before the current St. George Island Bridge, built in 2004, there were two older bridges to the island. These bridges were constructed in 1965. Prior to that, visitors traveled to St. George Island by ferry.

Where to eat on St. George Island Florida? There are heaps of awesome places to eat in St. George Island, from waterfront restaurants to pizza joints to late night dinner dives.

For Gulf front dining, look no further than Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café, which specializes in fresh seafood, burgers, steak and chicken. Mango Mike's Sports Bar & Grill is a dog-friendly outdoor restaurant and sports bar serving up burgers, seafood and entertainment. Another pet-friendly option is Paddy’s Raw Bar, which offers beautiful views of the bay and delicious fresh seafood.

The Beach Pit serves up a family-friendly menu, including Texas style BBQ, fresh seafood and plenty of other delicious dishes. For made to order sandwiches and the best pizza on the beach, go to BJ’s Pizza and Subs. If you’re hankering for a late-night bite, check out Harry A’s Restaurant. In addition to breakfast and lunch, Harry A’s offers late night dinners, a full-service bar, outside dining and live entertainment every night!

Craving sweet treats? Swing by Weber’s Little Donut Shop, Sweet Surf or Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream.

What is the average temperature on St. George Island Florida in December? In December, St. George Island’s average temperatures range from a high of 64°F with lows around 52°F. It’s the perfect time of year to visit this beautiful barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico!

Which is better Sanibel or St. George Island? In our humble opinion, St. George Island is better. While both of these destinations are beautiful, St. George Island consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the Sunshine State. A 22-mile barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, St. George Island boasts uncrowded beaches, sugar white sand, clear waters and unspoiled nature. Plus, St. George Island is one on the few pet-friendly beaches in Florida!

What is the best family vacation spot in Florida? St. George Island is ranked as one of the best family-friendly Spring Break destinations in Florida—but we think it’s the greatest family vacation spot year-round! The island’s uncrowded beaches are perfect for activities the whole family can enjoy, including swimming, fishing, paddling, shelling, castle-building or just relaxing on the sugar white sand.

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