Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin You might spot many types of birds on St. George Island. When you think of Florida’s iconic, pristine white sand beaches, you might think of the Keys, Destin, or South Beach.
However, if you’re sleeping on the lesser known but gorgeous St. George Island in the Florida Panhandle, you are making a mistake. Once you see its pristine shores, you never forget them.
Located off the coast of Apalachicola in the northern Gulf of Mexico, St. George Island is a barrier island that’s more than 20 miles long and about a mile wide at its widest point. A tranquil, relaxing island vacation is within easy reach along its shores.
There’s just something special about St. George Island, or it’s more accurate to say there are many special things to be found throughout this sunny place. Here are five reasons I am always anticipating my next visit to the island.
The white sand beaches are perfect for sunbathing. Themed Vacation Rentals Provide A Home Away From Home St. George Island has a wide range of vacation rentals.
While you won’t find any high-rise condos or gigantic hotels on this island paradise, plenty of vacation homes are available for rent. They usually have beach-inspired names and fun coastal decor to make the experience feel even more celebratory. The Sea Horsing Around vacation home has an outdoor pool.
You can rent everything from a quaint beach cottage to a sprawling coastal home. Collins Vacation Rentals often rents the same home to families who return to their favorite beach haven each summer. Whether you want a home directly on the beach, a house with lots of amenities like a pool and hot tub across the street from the beach, or a small, romantic getaway with direct beach access, there’s a St.
George Island home for every kind of beachgoer. Pets Are Welcomed With Open Arms St. George Island is remarkably pet-friendly.
Not only do many of the homeowners welcome pets, but most beaches on the island encourage guests to bring along their leashed and well-behaved companion animals. Dogs are also allowed in many of the island's shops, and canine companions are usually welcomed in the patio areas of local restaurants. There's no need to leave a beloved pet behind when they can enjoy what the island has to offer, too.
History Comes Alive with Visits to The George Lighthouse The Saint George Island Lighthouse and Museum is a highly regarded attraction on the island. Schedule a tour to learn the riveting history of the lighthouse. If you climb to the top of the lighthouse, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the area.
Just keep in mind that it’s quite a climb. The lighthouse is 72 feet tall, and visitors will need to climb 92 wooden spiral stairs and an eight-rung metal ladder to reach the top. The St.
George lighthouse offers a history tour that is fascinating. Respect for the Loggerhead Sea Turtles If you don't already know about the loggerhead sea turtles that hatch on St. George Island, you probably will soon after you arrive.
The island is one of the most important nesting spots for loggerhead sea turtles, according to the FSU Marine Turtle Research Ecology and Conservation Group . Loggerhead sea turtles are respected and protected on St. George Island.
Residents and visitors alike join forces to protect these special creatures, and that is part of St. George Island's charm. Lights are turned off at night or windows are covered because artificial light is the biggest source of disruption when loggerhead sea turtles are hatching.
The newly hatched turtles need to go towards the moonlight and can get confused by other light sources. For that reason, flash photos and flashlights also shouldn't be used on the beach at night, and visitors should avoid beach bonfires or setting off fireworks. Award-Winning Beaches That Wow Last, but certainly not least, the highlight of any St.
George Island stay is time spent on the stunning George Island beaches with their pearly white sand and clear gulf waters. Uncrowded beaches aren’t plentiful in the Sunshine State, but you can enjoy miles of mellow beaches on this island. St.
George Island has beautiful beaches and beach homes. You don’t have to rent a beach house to enjoy the beaches, either. St.
George Island State Park takes up the eastern nine miles of the island, and it has unspoiled beaches available to the public. In fact, Dr. Beach chose St.
George Island as the top beach in the United States in 2023 because of its "undisturbed, pristine beaches, big sand dunes, freshwater lakes", according to the Tallahassee Democrat . He also noted that the water is emerald green. You can camp on the beaches in St.
George Island State Park but try to plan months in advance. The park also has scenic hiking trails, boardwalks that are just right for a leisurely stroll, and observation platforms where you can enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the area. Bird watching is especially popular throughout the park.
Best Time to Visit: When to Experience the Island’s Magic Sunsets are known to be stunning all over the island. The best time to visit St. George Island is whenever it fits best in your life.
It’s beautiful all year long. However, if you want to have the most serene experience possible, the down season is ideal. If you visit during the fall and winter months, you can enjoy all the natural beauty of the island without the spring break and summer rush.
The weather can be a big factor in how much you enjoy a beach vacation, so be sure to research when it has the weather you would most enjoy. You may also consider whether special events and festivals on the island make it an especially fun time to visit. Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades Join The Conversation One Community.
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