ICNDadmin, Author at Collins Vacation Rentals Blog | Explore St. George Island

March 28, 2018January 27, 2021

3 of the Best Reasons You’ll Love St. George Island Surf Fishing

St. George Island has an excellent reputation as a fishing destination. The waters around the island are teeming with many types of fish (which also why our restaurants serve some the freshest seafood most people have ever tasted). Anglers have more than a few options for where and how they want to cast their lines, but St. George Island surf fishing is a method that everyone who fishes on SGI should try!

St. George Island surf fishing is just one of the fun things you can do on our amazing island. There are many ways to have an amazing vacation here on 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 of St. George. 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!

Top 3 Reasons to Love St. George Island Surf Fishing
The Scenery

St. George Island surf fishing is a great way to spend time on the island’s amazing beaches. Stand at the edge of the shore and let the clear water wash around your calves as you cast your line out into the Gulf. Enjoy the unadulterated white sands as you wait, and bring a bathing suit in case you decide to take a dip!

The Convenience

Another reason to love St. George Island surf fishing is because of how easy it is to do. You don’t have to schedule time on a boat or kayak or drive out to the pier. Simply find a stretch of beach that suits you and set up shop for a wonderful day of fishing!

The Fish

St. George Island surf fishing yields a variety of fish. Whiting, flounder, and redfish can generally be found all year, while speckled trout, pompano, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel are available when the water is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. No matter when you go, you can take your catch to select SGI restaurants to have it cleaned and cooked to your liking!

Stay in a Collins Vacation Home on Your Next Fishing Trip

When you come to the Florida Gulf to experience St. George Island surf fishing, stay in a beautiful Collins Vacation Home. Our vacation homes are amazing places to spend your SGI vacation. Many of our rentals are located right on the beach, so you can fish all you want just steps away from your gorgeous home.

Take full advantage of your beach vacation when you stay in one of our premier oceanfront properties. Request one of our rental guides today to see the full range of options available for your next St. George Island getaway. 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!

March 28, 2018January 21, 2021

3 Reasons You Need to Fish Pelican Reef off St. George Island

When it comes to the best fishing destinations in Florida, St. George Island should be at the top of your list. From Apalachicola Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the entire island is an anglers dream. While there are tons of amazing fishing holes on the island, one of the best-kept-secrets is Pelican Reef. This hidden gem off the coast of St. George Island is only reachable by charter, but the trip is well-worth it. Here’s why you must fish Pelican Reef during your next visit!

After you fish Pelican Reef, check out the other amazing attractions on St. George Island. Head over to our Things to Do page for recommendations about the best local boat tours, excursions, dining, shopping, and more. It’s full of tips to help you plan the ultimate St. George Island getaway!

3 Reasons to Fish Pelican Reef off St. George Island

Discover the Best Flounder Fishing
Pelican Reef off St. George Island is one the best places to go fishing offshore. Stock your boat with plenty of bait before you head out onto the water. Anglers who fish this spot are known to bring in large quantities of flounder. Pelican Reef off St. George Island has two ends: West and East. For the best flounder fishing, head to the western end. Be aware that the fish move up and down the bar with the tide. Also, they are most active when the current is at its peak.

Enjoy a More Secluded Angling Experience
Because Pelican Reef is a lesser-known fishing destination, you can enjoy a more intimate experience. You will never have to worry about tons of boats or other fisherman crowding the reef! Enjoy the peace and quiet while you cast a line into calm waters.

Have Quality Bonding Time With Friends and Family
Navigating your own boat to a beautiful secluded reef, reeling heaps of fish, and enjoying quality time together: is there a better way to spend a day with your loved ones? Bring your family and friends to Pelican Reef and enjoy a fabulous day together on the water. Afterwards, haul your catch home to your Collins Vacation Rental and cook your fresh flounder for dinner. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Other Great Fishing Spots on St. George Island
Once you’ve tried your hand at fishing Pelican Reef off St. George Island, venture out to some of the other amazing fishing areas on and around SGI. St. George Island State Park is another great place for flounder, as well as whiting, pompano, redfish, whiting, and more. Also, the St. George Island Fishing Pier is well-loved by local anglers and visitors alike. If it’s your first time, we also highly recommend taking a fishing charter. Enjoy the best of St. George Island angling under the guidance of experienced professionals who will take you out to all the best fishing spots.

Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Home
After a day of fishing Pelican Reef off St. George Island, or one of our area’s other premier fishing spots, come relax at a Collins Vacation Home. Our waterfront homes are the ideal place to spend your next fishing trip. Many of our rentals are just steps from the beach, making them perfect for anglers who want to wake up and cast their lines from the shore.

Take full advantage of your beach vacation when you stay in one of our premier oceanfront properties. So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to check out our current vacation specials and book your stay today! 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!
Book Now!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

Your Guide to the Best Bike Rentals on St. George Island

Your Guide to the Best Bike Rentals on St. George Island
One of the best ways to explore St. George Island is via bike! Besides being great exercise, cycling along our gorgeous barrier island is a very scenic experience. Plus, it’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together! Breathe in the fresh sea breezes and listen to the sounds of nature as you cruise past beautiful, unspoiled landscapes. Whether you prefer to go a short distance or ride for miles, the possibilities are endless here. But before you go, you’ll need to know where to find the best bike rentals in St. George Island. Here is our top recommendation!

If you’re looking for bike rentals in St. George Island, you’ll definitely want to check out the other fun activities offered here. From hiking and fishing to paddleboarding and kayaking, there are endless adventures awaiting you on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Head over to our Things to Do page for more great recommendations about outdoor activities, local events, and more. It’s full of great tips to help you plan the ultimate family vacation!

Island Adventures: Premiere Bike Rentals on St. George Island
When it comes to quality bike rentals in St. George Island, look no further than Island Adventures to provide you with all your cycling needs. With more than 20 years of experience, this local rental agency is known for their great products and 5-star level of service. They carry bike rentals for all ages, as well as a variety of other beach necessities. Whether you’re looking for St. George Island beach wheelchairs, umbrellas, or fishing carts, you’ll find it all here.
For a small fee, Island Adventures will also deliver your bike or beach supply rental right to your front door. Get your bikes sent straight to your Collins Vacation Rental, and then set out with your crew to explore St. George Island’s beautiful bike paths!

How to Enjoy Complimentary Bike Rentals
Did you know that it’s possible to enjoy a complimentary Island Adventures bike rental when you book your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals? We have recently partnered with Xplorie to help you make the most of your St. George Island getaway. During the booking process, you can choose to add on a complimentary bike rental at select properties. Make reservations in advance, and then get ready cycle to your heart’s content! Bike from your vacation rental to breakfast, or take a leisurely cruise down to the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, pedal for miles along the scenic St. George Island Bike Path. There’s no better way to take in the many sights on the island!

In addition to bike rentals, guests staying at select homes can access several other complimentary activities through Xplorie. These may include yoga on the beach, kayaking or SUP Eco Tours, golfing at St. James Bay Golf Club, unlimited movie rentals, and free admission to the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. Check out our website for more details and choose the activities that interest you!

Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
After a fun-filled day of adventure, come kick back in one of our amazing Collins Vacation homes! We offer a variety of gorgeous rentals within a short drive (or ride) from some of the area’s best restaurants, not to mention great local attractions, beaches, and more. We even have rental homes right on the beach, so that you can enjoy the beauty of the ocean from your bedroom window. You deserve an amazing place to get away during your vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient.
When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest assured knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

March 28, 2018February 11, 2022

3 of the Best St. George Island Fishing Spots

When you vacation on St. George Island, you’ll want to take full advantage of our warm waters. Whether you want to sunbathe with your toes in the surf, rent a kayak, go boating, or just like to splash around, the beach tends to be a place that everyone cherishes. The Florida Gulf Coast is one of the best shorelines you can visit and boasts some of the best fishing you’ve ever experienced. Check out these St. George Island fishing spots during your next vacation!

These amazing St. George Island fishing spots are only the beginning of what our area has to offer. To find more fun activities in St. George Island, head to our Things to Do page. We created a list of our favorite businesses and activities to save you from hours of research! It’s a great way to find out about all the best places to eat and unique local attractions the whole family will enjoy. Full of the information you need, it includes fun outdoor activities, shopping venues, special events, and more! It’s the perfect way to begin planning the vacation of a lifetime.

3 of the Best St. George Island Fishing Spots
St. George Island Fishing Pier
The St. George Island fishing pier is an amazing place for expert and novice anglers alike. It juts out 600 feet into the water, giving you plenty of room to spread out. Plus, it’s a gorgeous place to enjoy during sunset! You can catch fish year round off SGI, but May starts the season of shore and pier fishing each year. Cast your line and catch fish like Florida pompano, black drum, Spanish mackerel, and more.

St. George Island Shore
One of the most popular St. George Island fishing spots is right from the shore! Anywhere along the island’s miles of beautiful beaches is open to anglers, and you can even cast your line right in front of your beach house if you choose an oceanfront property from Collins Vacation Rentals. When you try surf fishing, you’ll love the convenience of stepping right outside your rental and setting up your fishing pole.

St. George Island State Park
St. George Island State Park is a great place for surf fishing. Bring your rod, line, and bait, then cast out into the gorgeous Apalachicola Bay. Pull in flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting, Spanish mackerel and more when you fish from the shores of the park. You can also use a boat to do some fishing further out into deeper waters!

Cook Your Catch in Your Collins Vacation Rental
After you’ve enjoyed one of these St. George Island fishing spots, come back and relax at one of our Collins Vacation Homes. With more than 200 homes located throughout the island, we are sure we have the perfect one for you! If fishing is one of the main activities you’d like to enjoy during your vacation, consider a beachfront home. There’s nothing better than being able to step right outside your door and be right on the beach! Plus, you’ll love having access to a kitchen to prepare the day’s catch.

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

These Are the Best Things to Do near Apalachicola, FL

When you’re staying on St. George Island, everything you need is right at your fingertips. You don’t have to leave the island at all if you don’t want to! However, the mainland offers plenty of other activities to enjoy during your vacation. St. George Island is located just off the coast of Apalachicola, so you can easily cross the bridge and enjoy all the things to do near Apalachicola, FL.

Do you want to know more about all the things to do on our island and in areas around SGI like Apalachicola? Take a look at our Things to Do page! We want guests of Collins Vacation Rentals to have the best experience possible, so we listed out our most trusted businesses and favorite activities in the area.

5 of the Best Things to Do near Apalachicola, FL

Take a Kayak Tour
Explore the bay by kayak! Watch nature at work and observe the patterns and behavior of the area’s birds and wildlife. Rent a kayak or take a guided tour with Journey’s of St. George Island. Whether you are a beginner kayaker or just want to learn the best spots to paddle, a tour with Journey’s is fun for all ages. Trips range from two to eight hours so there is something for everyone.

Cast a Line
There are tons of fishing spots in the area! You can cast your line from pretty much anywhere on St. George Island. We recommend heading to a spot like St. George Island State Park so you can fish in the Apalachicola Bay. Pull in flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting, Spanish mackerel and more when you fish from the shores here. You can also hop on a boat to go further out into the water.

Go out to Eat
If your stomach is rumbling but you’re not back on St. George Island yet, don’t worry! Owl Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants in the area. Beautiful views of the bay give this eatery an outstanding atmosphere, and the menu is full of fresh and local ingredients. The dishes change depending on the season, and they have everything from pasta to seafood. Plus, the Owl Cafe Tap room is right next door so you can grab a beer!

Visit the Apalachicola Maritime Museum
It feels good knowing you learned something while you are on vacation! Head to the Apalachicola Maritime Museum to learn all about the history of the Forgotten Coast. This collection of exhibits immerses you in the history and culture of our area; find out what made our area into what it is today.

Book Your Getaway Today
Now that you know some of the amazing things to do near Apalachicola, FL, it’s time to plan your getaway! Collins Vacation Rentals are the perfect place to relax and restore. Convenient locations mean easy access to all the best activities in the area. Plus, when you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. Browse our properties to start planning your stay!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

Have the Night of Your Life at These St. George Island Bars

What would a vacation be without a quality night out on the town? St. George Island is a beautiful example of the natural serenity of the Florida Gulf Coast, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be at a loss for amazing nightlife. Both locals and vacationers gather at these St. George Island bars to relax, grab a drink, and listen to music.

Before you come to the Forgotten Coast for a night out at one of these St. George Island bars, head to our Things to Do page and take a look. It’s a great way to find out about fun events and unique attractions that St. George Island and the surrounding area have to offer. As locals in the area, we know all the best things to do and see while you are here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

5 of the Best St. George Island Bars

Paddy’s Raw Bar
For a relaxed atmosphere with excellent live music, head to Paddy’s Raw Bar . Not only is their menu full of delicious fresh seafood, their drinks are great, too! We recommend getting here right before sunset to see the sun go down over the water. The stunning scene takes place right behind their stage, and there are live bands present almost every night. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will feel right at home at Paddy’s.

Mango Mike’s Sports Bar
A visit to Mango Mike’s Sports Bar is always a good time! Their many TV’s make it an excellent spot to catch a game and and grab a cold one with your friends. Make sure you get one of the signature drinks at this tiki-style hangout: an ice-cold beverage is always the best way to cool down on a hot summer day..

The Blue Parrot
If you’re looking for St. George Island bars right on the water, grab a seat next to the beach at the Blue Parrot to have a drink next to the sand! There are plenty of frozen drinks on the menu that will get you into the island spirit. The thatched roof and beach location are the perfect surroundings for a tropical vacation.

The Beach Pit
Draft beer and barbecue are the perfect pair for a meal at The Beach Pit. This casual restaurant and bar serves up amazing meat platters and seafood classics in addition to offering a full-service bar. If you’re looking for St. George Island bars to visit when you have a hefty appetite, this is the place!

Harry A’s
Harry A’s is one of the most well-known St. George Island bars. Get there for dinner and fuel up before the night begins with one of their delicious seafood or steak entrees. Then, hit the bar for a few drinks and plenty of good conversation. Once the sun goes down, there is always a DJ or live band outside. The outdoor area is 21+, so it is an excellent area for the older crowd. Check the restaurant’s Facebook page to see all of their upcoming events and shows!

Book Your Island Getaway Today!
After a night of fun at one of these St. George Island bars, come back and relax at your Collins Vacation Rental. We offer a variety of gorgeous rentals within a short drive from these popular nightlife spots; you could even walk to some of them! Browse our properties to start planning your stay. We look forward to seeing you on the island!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

Have an Amazing Day at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum!

A visit to the Apalachicola Maritime Museum is a great way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Forgotten Coast. More than interpretive displays, this museum offers a range of activities and classes to help visitors experience some of the best things about this coastal area. Become a part of the living history of the Florida Gulf Coast when you attend an event at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum!

While you’re planning your trip to the amazing Apalachicola Maritime Museum, head to our Things to Do page and take a look. It’s a great way to find out about fun events and unique attractions that St. George and the Forgotten Coast have to offer. Full of the information you need, it includes, great restaurants, local attractions, shopping venues, and more! The next time you’re looking for something fun to do, go there first. It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation to beautiful St. George!

Discover the Maritime History of the Forgotten Coast
The Apalachicola Maritime Museum educates visitors on the coastal heritage of the Florida Gulf using both traditional displays and experiential learning. It is one of the best places to attend a class, workshop, or tour for those who want to learn skills while also learning about the fabric of this community. Their calendar of events lists rotating educational opportunities – there is always something new to enjoy. Check out the schedule before you go to find the best activity for you and your group!

Apalachicola Riverboat Tours with the Apalachicola Maritime Museum
Take a tour with the Apalachicola Maritime Museum to experience the beauty of local waterways, and learn something along the way! The Estuary Eco-Tours are great ways to discover new information. Study the sophisticated eco-systems of the region’s rivers, streams, and lakes. The Sunset Cruise is a romantic way to end the day on the water, and the Full Moon Cruise is great for night owls. For those who prefer an active adventure, you also have the opportunity to kayak or canoe from the docks of the museum. Take your vessel out and explore for 4, 6, or 8 hours!
You can even take your experience a step further than that and build your own boat! Check out the museum’s Wooden Boat School for information on how you can build your own kayak, rowing shell, or paddleboard!

After a Day of Hands-On Learning, Come Rest at a Collins Vacation Home
When you’ve had a full day of cruising, kayaking, or boat building with the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, come back to a place where you can completely relax. A gorgeous Collins Vacation Home is the perfect place to put your feet up. We offer a variety of gorgeous rentals within a short drive from the museum, not to mention great restaurants, beaches, and more. You deserve an amazing place to get away during your vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

Why You Need to Eat at The Beach Pit on St. George Island

When you go on vacation, you’re sure to get hungry! All that fun in the sun will definitely work up an appetite. The Beach Pit on St. George Island is a favorite of our island’s locals and visitors alike. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the chefs here are serving fresh, amazing food for every meal of the day. If you’re looking for a place to eat great food in style on SGI, we know you’ll love The Beach Pit!

For more of the best restaurants like The Beach Pit on St. George Island, take a look at our Things to Do page. We know that planning a vacation can challenging, so we created a list of local, handpicked recommendations for you to enjoy. Browse through to find other eateries, family-friendly activities, and more!

The Cuisine at The Beach Pit on St. George Island
The Beach Pit on St. George Island is a surf and turf utopia. The waters surrounding our island and beyond provide incredible fresh seafood for chefs to prepare. Here, you can enjoy Apalachicola Bay oysters, freshly prepared fish, and shrimp dishes. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, don’t worry! There are plenty of other items on the menu for you to enjoy. Not only does the restaurant serve coastal classics, it also boasts a barbecue selection that meat lovers won’t want to miss. Smoky, savory, and delicious, their barbecue plates are the perfect meal to follow a light appetizer of oysters on the half shell. Take a look at their full menu to check out the full list of mouth-watering meal options.

Breakfast at The Beach Pit on St. George Island
Treat yourself to breakfast during your stay at a Collins Vacation Rental! Take the whole family or go on a breakfast date with your sweetheart at The Beach Pit on St. George Island. They offer a wide array of options, so everyone is sure to find something that they’ll love. If you’re in the mood for a small bite, grab a bagel or a biscuit. Eat it there or take it to-go to munch on at the beach! Want something a little heartier? Try one of the three egg omelets. Those with a sweet tooth will have the decadent choice of pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes hot off the griddle!

Your Collins Vacation Rental Will Be Your Home Base on SGI
Your Collins Vacation Rental will be your home away from home during your beach getaway! When you opt for a vacation rental, you can make it your own. Cook your meals in the kitchen or indulge in some island cuisine at The Beach Pit on St. George Island. We offer a variety of gorgeous rentals within a short drive from the beaches, restaurants, family activities, and more. Your family deserves a great place to rest during your beach vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all of the details.

Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

Your Guide to the Best St. George Island Boat Rentals

From freshwater creeks and rivers to the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a boater’s paradise! Whether you’re planning a fishing trip or a day out with family, you’ll love navigating the waterways of St. George Island. Cruise along the Intracoastal, sink a line into Apalachicola Bay, and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. Are you searching for the best boat rentals near St. George Island? You’re in luck! Here are some of our top suggestions.

If you’re looking for St. George Island boat rentals, you may also want to check out the local fishing charters, guided boat tours, and kayak rentals. Head over to our Things to Do page to see more recommendations about things to see and do along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation to beautiful St. George!
Where to Find the Best Boat Rentals Near St. George Island

1. Wefings Marine
When it comes to boat rental companies near St. George Island, we highly recommend Wefings Marine in Apalachicola, FL. These well-appointed boat rentals are equipped with everything you need for a day at sea! Choose from single-day or multi-day rentals and explore the Florida Panhandle at your own pace. Their rental fleet includes a great selection of Carolina Skiffs, Sea Pro Bay boats, Sundance Skiffs, and pontoons. Wefings Marine is known for their exceptional customer service and they are happy to accommodate most special requests. Give them a call at 850-670-8100 to inquire about services and pricing.

2. Gunner Pontoon Rentals
Located in the nearby town of Carrabelle, Gunner Pontoon Rentals is another great option. This local company offers fishing boat, pontoon, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. Choose either a full-day or half-day rental and enjoy being the captain of your own vessel! Explore the islands, swim with dolphins, or cast a line right from the water. Gunner Pontoon Rentals also offer weekly rentals on select watercrafts. Call 850-570-3122 for rental details and pricing.

Guided Boat Tours With Journeys of SGI: Great for Your First Time on the Water
Not quite comfortable venturing out on your own? No worries! Journeys of St. George Island offers some of the best guided tours on the island. Climb aboard a comfortable powerboat and enjoy a customized tour based on your interests. Excursions may include dolphin encounters, sunset cruises, historical tours, birding adventures, or shelling trips to Little St. George Island. You and your family can get familiar with the area and enjoy the water with an experienced professional manning the wheel.
In addition to powerboat tours, Journeys of SGI also offers exceptional fishing and sailing charters. Set sail along Apalachicola Bay or embark on the deep sea fishing trip of a lifetime. The possibilities are endless!

Looking for a Workout? Try Paddling Instead!
If you’re looking for a trip that’s a little more active, rent a kayak or paddleboard instead. This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy together, and the staff at Journeys of SGI can guide you to some of the best adventure routes. You can keep their rentals for an extended period of up to seven days.

Did you know that it’s possible to enjoy complimentary kayak rentals with Journeys of SGI? Through our partnership with Xplorie, Collins Vacation Rentals is happy to offer complimentary kayak rentals at select, participating properties. Check out our website for more details and paddle your way to a better vacation!

Collins Vacation Rentals Are the Best Place to Drop Anchor
Once you and your family have enjoyed a day on the water, come settle in for the night at one of our Collins Vacation Homes. We offer a variety of gorgeous rentals within a short drive from the beaches, restaurants, family activities, and more. Your family deserves a great place to rest during your beach vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest assured knowing that we’ve taken care of all of the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island. Bon voyage!

March 28, 2018January 28, 2021

Your Tail Will Wag at These 4 Best Pet Best Pet Friendly Beaches

People come to St. George Island to see its stunning beaches, enjoy the outdoors, and relax under the Florida sun. Visitors can spend hours gazing out over the ocean as they enjoy making memories with their family. The only thing that could make a trip to the Forgotten Coast any better would be to be accompanied by man’s best friend. Luckily for you, that dream can come true! SGI is home to pet friendly Florida beaches, and many of our Collins Vacation Rentals are pet friendly, too!

Now that you know your furry friend is welcome on our pet friendly Florida beaches, it’s time to start planning your trip! Our Things to Do page has everything you need to begin outlining your SGI getaway! Find local attractions, great restaurants, shopping venues, and more. Whether you are looking for fun excursions or romantic date nights, our island has it all.

4 of the Best Pet Friendly Florida Beaches
1. Unit Four Beach
You can find the gorgeous Unit Four Beach on the bay side of St. George Island. This is one of the most secluded of the pet friendly Florida beaches. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy walking this beach with their four-legged friend. Many come here for the birding opportunities; you are likely to see feathered creatures like willet, plover, heron, diving osprey, and marauding eagles. If you are planning on bringing your dog on your walk through nature, just make sure your pet is on a leash and you pick up after them!

2. Carrabelle Beach
Located on the mainland, Carrabelle Beach is just a quick drive from St. George Island. This popular dog-friendly beach is protected from winds and heavy seas by Dog Island, so it will be calm every time you visit. On certain weekends and holidays, this popular beach can get crowded. However, once you make your way down the coast, you will find plenty of open sand! Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, see some wildlife, or find a peaceful place to walk your dog, Carrabelle Beach is one of the best pet friendly Florida beaches.

3. Dog Island
If you and your four-legged friend are up to it, you can go explore the beaches of Dog Island. This secluded island takes a bit of work to access; it can only be reached by boat, ferry, or plane. Once you’re there, you and your pet will enjoy this private escape for hours on end. If you choose to go to Dog Island, make sure to bring any supplies you might need with you; there are no stores or facilities on the island.

4. St. George Island Public Beaches
St. George Island is exceptionally pet friendly, with dogs allowed on both the beach and the bay side for most of the island. Miles of soft sand and a laid-back atmosphere mean your dogs will experience their own vacation when visiting St. George Island. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, per the July 2017 Franklin County Animal Control Ordinance. Many of our businesses welcome dogs and their companions, and you will find water bowls and maybe even the offer of a T-R-E-A-T or two are you and your furry friends explore the area. Dogs are restricted in some areas of the State Park on the eastern end of the island. You may view detailed information about this on the State Park website. Dogs must also be leashed at all times in St. George Plantation, the private community at the western end of the island.

Other Ways to Enjoy The Forgotten Coast With Your Furry Friend
After you’re done exploring these pet friendly Florida beaches, experience some other things you can do on St. George Island with your furry friend! Many restaurants here will let dogs hang out on their outdoor patios with you as you dine. Some of our favorite pet friendly restaurants include The Blue Parrot and Harry A’s!

Collins Vacation Rentals Offers Pet Friendly Homes
When you and your four-legged family members come to St. George Island to enjoy the nearby pet friendly Florida beaches, we’ll be glad to welcome you at one of our Collins Vacation Homes. We offer a variety of pet friendly rentals within a short drive from all the pet friendly Florida beaches, restaurants, and attractions our island oasis has to offer. Your pet deserves a little luxury just as much as you do, so we will make sure you both have a vacation you remember for a lifetime! When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all of the details for you and your best friend. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!