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If you're looking for a Florida beach destination that feels a little removed from the crowds, St. George Island is worth putting on your list.
Located along Florida's Forgotten Coast, this barrier island is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, clear Gulf waters, abundant wildlife, and wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. It doesn't have the high-rise resorts or busy tourist attractions you'll find at some of Florida's more famous beaches, and that's exactly what makes it special.
Our visit to St. George Island was a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and spend some time exploring one of Florida's quieter coastal communities.
A Day on St. George Island
St. George Island stretches along the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The Gulf side offers miles of sandy shoreline, while the bay side is home to marshes and coastal habitats filled with birds and other wildlife.
The island is part of Florida's Forgotten Coast, an area known for its relatively undeveloped beaches and small coastal communities.
If your idea of a good beach day involves walking along the shore, looking for shells, watching birds, taking photographs, and enjoying a beautiful sunset rather than fighting crowds for a parking space, St. George Island is a great choice.
Visit the Cape St. George Lighthouse
One of the island's most recognizable landmarks is the Cape St. George Lighthouse.
The original lighthouse stood on the western end of St. George Island for more than 150 years before erosion caused it to collapse. The lighthouse was reconstructed using many of the original bricks and now serves as an important reminder of the island's maritime history.
A visit to the lighthouse is a great way to add a little history to your beach day, and the surrounding area also has restrooms and a small play area.
The lighthouse is one of those places that makes St. George Island more than just another Florida beach destination.
Beautiful, Uncrowded Beaches
The beaches are probably the biggest attraction on St. George Island.
The island is known for its soft, white sand and clear Gulf waters, making it a wonderful place for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, shelling, or simply taking a long walk along the shore.
One of the best things about St. George Island is the feeling of space. Even when other visitors are around, the beaches can feel peaceful and uncrowded compared with many of Florida's larger beach destinations.
The Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park offers about nine miles of pristine beach, along with opportunities for swimming, shelling, fishing, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
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St. George Island isn't just about the beach.
The island's beaches, marshes, pine forests, and coastal habitats provide homes for a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers may see pelicans, shorebirds, wading birds, and other coastal species.
Dolphins can sometimes be spotted offshore, and during nesting season the beaches are also important habitat for sea turtles and shorebirds.
If you visit, remember that this is a natural environment. Give wildlife plenty of space and follow posted signs, particularly around nesting areas.
Portuguese Man-of-War on the Beach
During our visit, we came across something you definitely don't want to touch—Portuguese man-of-war.
There were quite a few of them washed up along the beach.
They may look interesting, but don't be tempted to pick one up. Even those washed onto shore can still deliver a painful sting.
Fishing, Kayaking and Other Outdoor Activities
There is plenty to do on St. George Island if you want something more active than sitting on the beach.
Fishing is popular both from shore and by boat, while kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore the bay and surrounding waterways. Biking, hiking, shelling, and birdwatching are also popular activities.
The state park has nature trails that wind through pine forests and coastal scrub, giving visitors a chance to see a different side of the island.
A Relaxed Beach-Town Atmosphere
Perhaps what I enjoyed most about St. George Island was the atmosphere.
This isn't the place to go if you're looking for amusement parks, huge shopping malls, or a packed nightlife scene. Instead, St. George Island is about slowing down and enjoying the simple things.
VISITOR INFORMATION
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