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The Big Peach, City of Trees, Hotlanta, The A – Atlanta, Georgia is a city with many names, millions of people, and innumerable things going on at any given moment. The fast-paced lifestyle of the Empire City of The South can be exhilarating, but every now and then even the most thoroughbred ATL native may need a little break. Luckily, the trip from Atlanta to St. George Island is an easy drive. It can be done in about 5.5 hours, and SGI is under 350 miles from the buzzing Georgia city. There are also a few interesting things to see along the way.

Make the drive from Atlanta to St. George Island and experience a whole new lifestyle on SGI! The perfect mix of laid-back island life and fun activity, St. George Island, Florida is a vacation destination the whole family will love. Make amazing memories and explore the best of the Forgotten Coast when you visit our Things to Do page. It lists entertaining attractions, great restaurants, and local businesses that will keep your loved ones engaged as you enjoy your vacation together. The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, make sure you check our Things to Do page first. It contains everything you need to have great time bonding during your family vacation!

Atlanta to St. George Island: The Route
The quickest way from Atlanta to St. George Island by car is via US 27 South. The trip is about 339 miles from the heart of the city to arrival on SGI. The drive sticks closely to the Georgia-Alabama border, but you’ll stay in Georgia until you cross into the Florida Panhandle. Except for a few mild curves, it heads almost due South to the Gulf of Mexico.

Atlanta to St. George Island: What You’ll See Along the Way
On the drive from Atlanta to St. George Island, there are a few sights to look out for along the way. About half of the way through your Georgia state drive, you’ll pass through the town of Cusseta. If you’re looking for a place to stop and stretch your legs, take a quick jaunt around their charming downtown area.

Once you pass the Florida line, it won’t be long until the road takes you through Apalachicola National Forest. It’s the largest U.S. National Forest in the state of Florida, and the only one in the Panhandle. Finally, the St. George Island Bridge provides some amazing views of the water, the oyster fishermen, and the St. George Lighthouse.

Find the Perfect Vacation Home to Enjoy SGI
Once you make the trip from Atlanta to St. George Island, prepare to revel in the laid back lifestyle. A Collins Vacation Home is the perfect place to kick back and breathe easy. All of our gorgeous rentals are complete with everything you’ll want for a great vacation. Many of the homes are located in close proximity to some of the island’s best beaches, attractions, and activities.
Find the best place for your family and maximize your next vacation.  Once you find your Collins vacation home, you can start the countdown to a fantastic trip! Then just arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life!

Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your next beach getaway! If you’re trying to decide on a tropical destination, why not take a trip to St. George Island, Florida? The St. George Island State Park was voted the #1 Beach in America by Dr. Beach in 2023!  March is a wonderful time to visit our island paradise; the sun is shining, the weather is perfect, and there is no shortage of exciting spring festivals to attend along our sugar-white shores.

From spring festivals and concerts to family-friendly activities, there are so many fun things to do on St. George Island in March. Head over to our Things to Do page to see recommendations about the best events, attractions, and activities to enjoy during your stay on the island. It’s full of tips to help you enjoy your getaway to the fullest!

3 Reasons to Visit St. George Island in March

1. Enjoy the Beautiful Weather
Unlike many areas of the country, The Forgotten Coast experiences balmy weather in March. The St. George Island, FL, average monthly temperatures in March range from the mid-50’s to the high 60’s. While this may be too chilly for swimming, the weather is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. Take a stroll along the beach, bask in the sunshine, and breathe in the fresh sea breezes. Get out and explore miles of hiking and biking trails or paddle along the island’s secluded beaches. The possibilities are endless!

2. Take Advantage of the Lower Rates
March is secretly the best time to visit St. George Island. The summer peak season has not yet arrived, which means that vacation rates are still low. Anytime before Memorial Day you can find some amazing deals on accommodations, travel, dining out, and more. It’s a win-win because you’ll save money and you’ll feel like you have the entire beach to yourself!

3. Celebrate the Season
The warmer weather welcomes the return of spring festivals along the island, and there are so many exciting events planned each year!   In March, it’s all about the annual Chili Cook-Off. A beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike, the 3-day event includes a chili tournament, a golf outing, live music, and tons of family-friendly fun. Mark your calendar for the first weekend in March, and start making plans to attend now! Other Forgotten Coast events planned this March include the Carrabelle Culture Crawl, the Saturday Apalachicola Farmers Market, and a Full Moon Lighthouse Climb at Crooked River Lighthouse.

Book Your Spring Getaway in a Collins Vacation Rental
Whether you’re joining us for Spring Break, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, you’ll love every second of your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals. Our gorgeous St. George Island vacation rentals feature top-notch amenities to ensure your stay is a relaxing one. Many of them are just steps away from all of the best restaurants, shops, attractions, and the Gulf!

If you’re visiting in March, you may be interested in a property with a heated pool or hot tub. Consider booking your stay in A Piece of Heaven or Chill Inn on SGI! Are you looking for dog-friendly rentals? We offer a wide range of pet-friendly options as well. No matter what you are searching for, we are sure to have the ideal accommodation for your stay. Browse all of our properties and contact us to plan your getaway to St. George Island today! We’ll see you soon.

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Are you dreaming of sugar-white sand and sparkling blue water? When it comes to the world’s most beautiful beaches, no place can compare to Florida’s Forgotten Coast. From Apalachicola to the pristine shores of St. George Island, this slice of paradise offers stunning natural beauty around every corner. Come dive into the Gulf, indulge in fresh seafood, and get ready for a family vacation you’ll remember for years to come. Read on to learn how you can plan the best Florida summer vacation. Then, start planning your trip!

For more recommendations about things to see and do on St. George Island, head over to our Things to Do page. It’s full of great tips about the best local restaurants, beaches, shopping, and attractions along the Forgotten Coast. Planning the ultimate Florida summer vacation has never been easier!

How to Have the Best Florida Summer Vacation on St. George Island
See for yourself why St. George Island is one of the most desirable vacation spots in Florida. You won’t high-rises, hotels, or large crowds here. Instead, you’ll discover beautiful secluded beaches and endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Get out and explore miles of scenic hiking trails, go for a family bike ride, or play in the waves. You’ll find that many of our vacation homes are just steps away from the shoreline! 

5 of the Best Summer Florida Vacation Ideas for Families

1. Hit the Beach
St. George Island is home to the best beaches in Florida — it’s no secret. Year after year, visitors are drawn to the island’s powder-soft sands and aquamarine waters. Lounge by the shoreline and soak up the sun, help the kids build sandcastles, or cool off with a refreshing swim. The island also offers watersports galore! From snorkeling and diving to boating and kayaking, there are endless ways to play in the Gulf. Rent jet skis and have a blast on the waves, embark on a paddling adventure, or take a dolphin tour with the whole family. At the end of each day, enjoy a postcard-perfect sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. 

2. Tour the St. George Island Lighthouse
If there’s one thing that must be on your Florida summer itinerary, this is it! The St. George Island Lighthouse is a famous landmark of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Purchase your tickets inside a replica of the original Keeper’s House. Explore the lighthouse museum. Then, climb 92 steps to the top of the lighthouse to see panoramic vistas of the island. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

3. Cast a Line into the Gulf
Are you interested in doing some fishing while on vacation? You’ve come to the right place! St. George Island is one of the best angling destinations in the country! From the Gulf of Mexico to Apalachicola Bay, these waters are teeming with colorful fish. Flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting and Spanish mackerel are just some of the species you can catch. Make sure to visit some of these popular St. George Island fishing holes during your getaway!

4. Grab a Scoop of Ice Cream
On a hot summer day, nothing sounds better than a giant scoop of ice cream! When you’re ready to take a break from the sun and surf, stop into Aunt Eby’s. This local ice-cream shop offers some of the biggest (and tastiest) scoops on the island!

5. Explore Historic Apalachicola
With beautiful beaches, delicious dining options, and charming coastal shops, St. George Island has everything you need for a fabulous Florida summer vacation. However, if you’d like to venture off the island for a day, we recommend checking out Apalachicola. Just over the St. George Island Bridge, this charming town is home to interesting museums and beautiful state parks. 

Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Rental
Whether you’re joining us for spring break or an unforgettable summer getaway, you’ll never forget your stay along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Experience your family vacation to the fullest when you book your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals. We offer a wide range of gorgeous vacation rentals on St. George Island, FL. Whether your family prefers to stay in a beachfront property, a home with a heated pool, or a pet-friendly rental, we are sure to have the ideal accommodation for your stay. 
Guests staying at select, participating Collins Vacation Homes can also access complimentary activities through Xplorie. These may include yoga on the beach, climbing the SGI Lighthouse, kayaking  adventures, bike rentals, ice cream at Aunt Ebby’s, a latte at Coffee and Cream,  golfing at St. Joseph Bay Golf Club, or free admission to the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. Don’t wait to start planning your getaway!
View our properties and contact us to reserve your desired Florida summer vacation dates now. We’ll see you soon!

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St. George Island is one of the most calm and serene spots in all of Florida. However, for one day out of the year, the island turns competitive. The St. George Island Chili Cook-Off is one of the most anticipated events of the season. Every spring, locals and visitors come together to cook chili and enjoy events to raise money for charity. Book your stay at Collins Vacation Rentals to experience it for yourself!

If you’re thinking about heading to our island for the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off, take a look at our Things to Do page . Here, you will find everything you need to know about the things to do and see on the Forgotten Coast. Whether you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for date night or family-friendly activities for the kids, you can get our recommendations here.

 
About the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off
Every year, more than 5,000 people gather on St. George Island for the event. Not only is there a chili cook-off, there is also a 5K, Miss Chili Pepper and Mr. Hot Sauce contests, golf tournament, salsa contest, and an auction.

Where Do the Proceeds Go?
Proceeds of the St. George Island Chili Cook Off benefit our amazing Volunteer Fire Department. This contest was started to benefit the fire department from the very beginning and continues to do so to this day.

Can I Participate in Events?
Yes! As long as you register in time and pay a small fee, events at the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off are open to the public. We urge our guests at Collins Vacation Rentals to participate! Entry fees are usually about $5 for food competitions, and you might take home a prize. No matter what, you’ll get to go home with fond memories of competing in one of the most treasured events on the island. You might even get a chance to win Mister Hot Sauce or Miss Chili Pepper if you try out!
If you don’t want to participate, attendees have a great time watching all the events. You can try chilis and watch the contests. Check out the schedule to see when everything is, then plan your time around that.

The Official Chili Cook-Off
The official chili cook-off portion of the event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society. Their rules and regulations apply to the cook-off. It is $40 for ICS members and $90 for non-members, and winners get a cash prize. If this cook-off is too intense for you, you are always welcome to participate in the crockpot chili contest! ICS rules do not apply, and the entry fee is only $5.

Book Your Vacation Today
If you’re looking to attend the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off, book your stay at Collins Vacation Rentals! We have properties across the entire island, so we know we have one for you. Browse our rentals based on size and location, then book your stay. From beachfront homes to cozy cottages, our company has curated some of the best properties on the island for you to enjoy. We look forward to seeing you!

St. George Island is located about eight miles southeast of Apalachicola. It is known for its serene, natural setting and laid-back family atmosphere. The St. George Island Bridge is the connector between Apalachicola and St. George Island, and when you drive it, you’ll feel like you’re crossing the bridge to paradise!

The St. George Island Bridge is just the beginning of the beauty you’ll witness on our amazing island. There are many ways to get around and experience the stunning scenery of SGI. Discover the best ways to see and experience St. George Island and ensure that your family or friends have a memorable getaway to this island paradise! Our Things to Do page lists amazing outdoor activities, restaurants and local businesses that will keep your loved ones active as you enjoy the sights and sounds here on SGI. The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, make sure you check our Things to Do page first. It contains helpful recommendations that you can use to plan an amazing vacation!

Driving the St. George Island Bridge

The St. George Island Bridge is the most convenient and popular way to enter St. George Island. It also gives travelers the chance to experience some great scenic views. Enjoy looking out over the water as you approach the shore of SGI. As you get closer to the island, you’ll also see the town’s iconic Cape St. George light in the distance. The stretch over Apalachicola Bay, from East Point to SGI, is 4-miles long, making it the third longest bridge in the state of Florida.

When You Arrive, See Gorgeous St. George Island Up Close

The St. George Island Bridge, also known as State Road 300, ends right in the heart of St. George Island. While you’re here, you’ll experience all of the amazing sights you observed from a distance up close! Visit the St. George Island Lighthouse to learn about its history or go on a Full Moon Climb. Our beaches are loved for their natural style, and beauty of St .George Island State Park is rare. You can also head back out to the water for a dolphin tour, fishing, or kayaking while you’re here!

Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home

After you make your way to the island using the St. George Island Bridge, head to your beautiful Collins Vacation Home to relax. Our rental homes are amazing places to spend your SGI vacation. Many of the rentals are located in close proximity to some of the island’s best beaches, attractions, and activities.

Take full advantage of your beach vacation when you stay in one of our premier oceanfront properties.  Once you find your perfect vacation home, you can start the countdown to a fantastic trip! Then just arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life!