St. George Island beaches are some of the most stunning and unspoiled beaches in Florida, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and recreational activities. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day in the sun, a serene spot for fishing, or a hidden gem for nature-watching, St. George Island has a beach for you.
St George Island State Park
At nine miles in length, this is the second-longest beachfront state park in Florida. There are two large beach-use areas with ample parking, picnic pavilions, beach house facilities, grills, and boardwalks. This beach is renowned for its soft, white sand, gentle surf, and softly sloping bottom that makes for easy beach enjoyment for the whole family. Fishing is a common activity here. Pets are allowed on leashes in parking lots, in campsites, and on the nature trails but not on the beaches.
Carrabelle Beach
This easily-accessed, curving, white-sand beach is located just west of the City of Carrabelle on U.S. Highway 98. There is plenty of convenient parking, outdoor showers, bathroom facilities, and covered picnic tables. This is a very popular beach with a gently sloping bottom and calm surf. Since the beach is protected by Dog Island from heavy winds and seas, it is often the most suitable of all our major beaches for families with young children. While the center of the beach near the bathhouses can get crowded on holidays, there’s plenty of space to find your own sand and solitude. This is a great beach for nature-watching, too. Dolphins hunt mullet up close in the surf in a sometimes spectacular display. Many shorebirds can be sighted, and it is a hot spot for birders during spring and fall migrations.
St. George Island Public Beach
The public beach on St. George Island is easy to find. From Island Drive, the only access to the island, go over the five-mile-long Bryant Patton Bridge with a gorgeous view of Apalachicola Bay. When you get to the island stop sign, turn right and then left into convenient island parking. The public beach is not only easy to find, but there are bathhouse facilities, covered pavilions for picnics, a playground, and a ball court. The Cape St. George Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper’s House are also located nearby.
East End Fishing Beach
You guessed it: this beach is perfect for fishing. This area is for fishing only as the deep water and strong currents can be hazardous for swimming. That said, it’s a great place to partake in a fun Florida pastime and score some good flounder or redfish on the end of your pole. The East End of the state park is accessible by walking or bicycling. Access is via the gulf side beaches or by the narrow road that extends 5 miles from the Sugar Hill Beach Use Area Parking Lot to the East End. This is one of the most popular fishing areas on the Forgotten Coast and it is as beautiful as it is productive. The deep currents that run through East Pass, which separates St. George Island from Dog Island, bring large schools of bait and bait eaters.
Unit Four Beach
This hidden bayside gem is perfect for nature lovers, with hiking trails and freshwater pools to explore. If you’re into wildlife and adventure, this location is a dream come true. Wander through the salt marshes to spot oysters and other mollusks, keep an eye out for eagles and osprey soaring above, and soak in the beauty of the Florida Gulf!
Dog Island Beach
This is the smallest and least accessible of the Gulf Coast barrier islands. Because it takes a little work to get to, its pristine beaches and surrounding nature feel untouched. For intrepid tourists with access to a boat, you can hike to the secluded Dog Island Beach on the island for shelling, crabbing, and soaking in the clearest waters of any beach on this list.
Alligator Point Beach
It’s a local’s favorite. This mainland beach is pretty quiet as far as Florida beaches go. Fishermen will enjoy the superb diversity of species in the water. Trout, redfish, pompano, and tarpan are all frequently caught in the area. Beachgoers will be pleased with the soft sand and calm waters.
Shell Point Cove
Looking to partake in some serious shelling? This Forgotten Coast beach is the one to hit for beachcombing. The rugged coastline here doesn’t leave much terrain for sunbathing, but it’s great for an early morning or late afternoon stroll.
Apalachicola Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Located near the mouth of the Apalachicola River, this is the best area to spot birds and other wildlife, both marine and otherwise, while on vacation. You’ll find ghost crabs popping in and out of their sandy holes as they hide from predatory shorebirds. This reserve is actually much bigger than just this little spot on St. George Island and stretches back upriver onto the mainland.
Book Your St. George Island Vacation Rental with Southern Coast Vacation Properties
Make your perfect beach getaway a reality by booking your St. George Island vacation rental with Southern Coast Vacation Properties. With a diverse selection of rentals, you’ll easily find the perfect place to relax and enjoy everything that the beautiful St. George Island beaches have to offer. Our rentals on St. George Island come with fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare and enjoy meals at your convenience. Many of our St. George Island vacation home rentals offer private pools, perfect for cooling off and unwinding under the sun. For those traveling with pets, we offer pet-friendly options so your furry companions can join in the fun. Book your St. George Island vacation rental today with Southern Coast Vacation Properties, and get ready to begin an unforgettable beach adventure!