St George Island
A pristine barrier island on Florida's Forgotten Coast, famed for its award-winning beaches and laid-back charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather, fewer crowds
St George Island
Best Time
Perfect weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine barrier island on Florida's Forgotten Coast, famed for its award-winning beaches and laid-back charm.
"Voted Best Beach in the U.S., this island offers unspoiled beauty and a step back in time."
🚗 Golf Cart Reservations
Book your golf cart MONTHS in advance! They are essential for island fun and get booked up fast .
🚲 Bike Exploration
Rent a bike with a basket to easily explore the island's charming streets and scenic routes .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. George Island State Park
Eastern end of the island
Voted Best Beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach! Pristine sands, sparkling waters, and a private boardwalk await.
Historic Lighthouse
Near Apalachicola
A picturesque landmark offering a glimpse into the island's past and stunning coastal views.
Exploring by Bike or Golf Cart
Island-wide
Cruise along the beaches and charming streets, soaking in the laid-back island atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Time is Real Time
Embrace the Forgotten Coast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Golf Cart Reservations
Book your golf cart MONTHS in advance! They are essential for island fun and get booked up fast.
🚲 Bike Exploration
Rent a bike with a basket to easily explore the island's charming streets and scenic routes.
🌅 Sunrise Beach Walks
Enjoy quiet mornings watching stingrays and crabs on the beach during a breathtaking sunrise.
🎣 Fishing & Boating
The island is a paradise for anglers and boaters, offering fantastic opportunities for a day on the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Golf Cart Reservations
Book your golf cart MONTHS in advance! They are essential for island fun and get booked up fast.
🚲 Bike Exploration
Rent a bike with a basket to easily explore the island's charming streets and scenic routes.
🌅 Sunrise Beach Walks
Enjoy quiet mornings watching stingrays and crabs on the beach during a breathtaking sunrise.
🎣 Fishing & Boating
The island is a paradise for anglers and boaters, offering fantastic opportunities for a day on the water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. George Island for its stunning, uncrowded beaches, particularly within the State Park, and its relaxed, old-Florida charm. The island is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Some find booking essential rentals like golf carts challenging due to high demand.
"Went on a day boat trip with a local man and he took us snorkeling and swimming around this little jam of an island and I had a blast. 😁"
Denis Duranovic
"Small island, accessible by boat dominated by the church of Sveti Juraj, surrounded by walls. Very near to the other small island: Ostrovo. Also near to the coastal town of Perast. Breathtaking landscape with the bay of Kotor and surrounding mountains. Don't miss it."
Aurelian Schnautzer
"Island of Saint George is one of the two islets off the coast of Perast in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro (the other being Gospa od Škrpjela). Unlike Gospa od Škrpjela, it is a natural island."
Jovan Nikolić
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. George Island is located on Florida's Forgotten Coast. The nearest major airport is in Tallahassee (TLH), about a 1.5-hour drive away. You can also fly into Panama City Beach International Airport (ECP), which is about a 1-hour drive. Driving is the most common way to reach the island, often via US-98.
Yes, the island is relatively small and easy to navigate. Renting a golf cart or a bike is highly recommended for exploring the beaches and town at a leisurely pace.
Many visitors opt to rent a golf cart for convenient island transport, but booking well in advance is crucial.
Public transportation is limited on St. George Island. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles, rental cars, golf carts, or bicycles for getting around.
Absolutely! St. George Island is a fantastic destination for a day trip, especially if you're coming from nearby areas like Apalachicola. You can enjoy the beaches, lighthouse, and local charm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a toll to cross the bridge onto St. George Island. Access to St. George Island State Park requires an entrance fee per vehicle.
St. George Island State Park is typically open from 8 AM until sunset daily. It's always a good idea to check the official Florida State Parks website for the most current hours.
Yes, there is a toll to cross the St. George Island Bridge. The State Park has a separate entrance fee.
It is highly recommended to book accommodations, especially vacation rentals and golf carts, well in advance, particularly during peak seasons, as they tend to fill up quickly.
While the lighthouse itself is a landmark, there may be fees associated with climbing to the top or visiting any associated museum or gift shop. Check local listings for current information.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss St. George Island State Park, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S..
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating, shelling, birdwatching, and exploring the natural beauty of the state park. Renting a golf cart or bike enhances the experience.
Yes, St. George Island is a fantastic family destination with its calm waters, wide beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Many vacation rentals cater to families.
You might spot dolphins, sea turtles, various shorebirds, and marine life like stingrays and crabs, especially during quiet mornings on the beach.
The St. George Island Lighthouse is a significant historical landmark. The island's proximity to Apalachicola also offers access to a historic downtown area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
St. George Island offers a variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to more upscale restaurants. Many feature fresh, local catches. Apalachicola, nearby, also has excellent culinary choices.
Yes, there are grocery stores on the island where you can stock up on essentials for your stay, especially if you're planning to cook at your vacation rental.
Absolutely! Being a coastal destination, St. George Island is renowned for its fresh seafood. Look for local specialties like oysters and shrimp.
Many restaurants on St. George Island offer beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico or the bay, providing a lovely dining experience.
Try local seafood restaurants, especially those known for their oysters and shrimp. Exploring the historic downtown of nearby Apalachicola also offers great dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The St. George Island Lighthouse, the expansive beaches of the State Park, and the scenic sunrises and sunsets are prime photography locations.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the clear blue waters are still beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and skies. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a polarizing filter can enhance water and sky colors.
Look for opportunities to photograph the local wildlife, charming beach houses, and the unique character of the Forgotten Coast.
Drone usage is subject to regulations, especially within state parks. Always check current FAA and local park rules before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Don't miss the chance to explore St. George Island State Park, which offers plenty of space for kids to run around and discover seashells. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the surf and crabs scuttling along the shore.
The relaxed atmosphere of the island means less stress and more quality family time.🎣 Anglers & Boaters
Boaters will find plenty of opportunities to explore the coastline, visit nearby islands, or simply enjoy a day cruising the turquoise waters. There are marinas and boat ramps available to accommodate your vessel. The sense of adventure and the abundance of marine life make St. George Island a prime spot for water-based activities.
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Relaxation Seekers
The uncrowded nature of many areas, especially within the State Park, allows for a truly peaceful escape.Beyond the beach, the island's laid-back vibe encourages a slower pace of life. Enjoy leisurely strolls, watch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets,
and simply unwind. Renting a beach house with a private boardwalk provides direct access to the sand, maximizing your relaxation time.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of St. George Island State Park
This pristine stretch of coastline offers miles of undeveloped natural beauty, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a true escape. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear Gulf waters, sunbathing on the soft sands, and exploring the diverse ecosystems that make up the park.Beyond the typical beach activities, the park is a haven for nature lovers. Birdwatching is exceptional, with numerous migratory species passing through. The park also provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, allowing you to experience the coastal environment from different perspectives. Many visitors rave about the feeling of having a private beach, especially when staying in homes with private boardwalks leading directly to the sand.
Remember that the State Park has an entrance fee, and it's advisable to pack essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection, as amenities can be spread out. The eastern end of the island, where the park is located, is particularly known for its unspoiled charm and stunning natural vistas.
Island Transportation: Golf Carts & Bikes
Don't wait until you arrive to try and secure one!Bicycles are another excellent option, offering a more active way to experience the island's laid-back atmosphere. Many rental companies offer beach cruisers with baskets, perfect for carrying your beach essentials or a picnic.
Cycling along the scenic routes allows you to appreciate the island's charm at your own pace. Whether you choose a golf cart or a bike, these modes of transport significantly enhance the quintessential St. George Island experience, making it feel more immersive and less reliant on a car.+1When planning your trip, factor in the time and effort required to arrange these rentals. Calling around to different rental agencies if your initial choice is booked is a good strategy, but proactive booking is always best. This approach ensures you can fully embrace the island's relaxed vibe without transportation hassles.
The Forgotten Coast Charm
+1Nearby Apalachicola, a historic fishing town, complements the island experience with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and vibrant downtown area.
+1 Exploring Apalachicola provides a glimpse into the region's rich maritime history and offers additional dining and shopping opportunities. The combination of the island's natural splendor and the historic mainland town creates a well-rounded vacation destination.Embracing the 'Forgotten Coast' ethos means appreciating the natural environment, enjoying fresh seafood, and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle. It's a place where you can truly relax and soak in the simple pleasures of coastal living.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit