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With a rich and fascinating past, St. George Island is a prime destination for history-lovers! Visitors return year after year to explore the pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and world-class museums. However, the true beauty of the island lies in the customs, traditions, and beliefs that have been passed down for generations. Are you interested in learning more about our local history? Here are the best ways to discover St. George Island folklore!

St. George Island folklore is just the beginning of what you’ll find along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Our island paradise is also home to award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, and renowned historic sites. Head over to our Things to Do page for more tips about things to see and do during your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals. It’s full of recommendations about the best attractions to see during your vacation!

How to Learn About St. George Island Folklore
1. Explore a Historic Lighthouse
The St. George Island lighthouse is a time-honored treasure and a beloved symbol of the local community. If there is one attraction you must see during your visit, this is it! Originally built in 1833 on the western tip of the island, the very first lighthouse was damaged by storms in 1846. It was rebuilt on the southern cape of St. George Island, and destroyed again just 3 years later. The third lighthouse, completed in 1852, was much stronger than its predecessors. Built to last, it served as a beacon of light, granting ships safe passage through the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2005.

Because the St.George Island lighthouse was so important to the community, it was rebuilt again, piece by piece. Volunteers cleaned the old mortar off of more than 20,000 of the original bricks so that they could be used in the reconstruction. At a whopping 72-feet, the current lighthouse stands tall in the center of the island. Come see this iconic symbol for yourself and climb the 92 steps to the top. Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the island! Afterward, take some time to browse the Lighthouse Museum and gift shop next door.

2. Take a Ghost Walk
Perhaps you’re interested in learning about haunted St. George Island folklore? Experience all the thrills and chills when you take an Apalachicola ghost walk! Held annually in the spring and fall by the Apalachicola Historic Society, these chilling cemetery walks are sure to give you goosebumps. The ghost tours are led by local history enthusiasts dressed in costume, portraying figures from eras past who are now buried at Chestnut Street Cemetery. Take a step back in time as your local guide tells you about life in Apalachicola in the 1800s. You may even spot a ghost or two!

3. Visit a Local Museum 
Of course, one of the best ways to immerse yourself into St. George Island history is by visiting a local museum. Dive into the culture of the Forgotten Coast at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn all about our coastal heritage. Browse the engaging exhibits, attend a class or workshop, or take an educational riverboat tour along the Apalachicola Waterfront. Or, journey back in time to the 19th century when you visit the Raney House Museum. Discover what life was like for the home’s original inhabitants during the antebellum South.
Next, stop by the John Gorrie Museum. Learn all about Dr. Gorrie and how he helped pioneer the invention of air conditioning and refrigeration. Take your time observing a replica of Gorrie’s ice-making machine, among other interesting artifacts. Finally, no trip to the Forgotten Coast is complete without stopping by the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum. A vital piece of Franklin County history, it honors the heritage of the men who trained and served at Camp Gordon Johnston during WWII. It’s one of the best things to do during your stay on St. George Island!

Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Rental
If you’re searching for accommodations on St. George Island, we invite you to stay in a Collins Vacation Rental. Our St. George Island, Florida, vacation rentals feature the privacy and comfort you desire. With top-notch amenities and plush furnishings, you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay every time. Whether you’re searching for a pet-friendly rental, a home with a heated pool, or an intimate beachfront villa, we are sure to have the ideal property for your stay. Plus, all of the best attractions, museums, beaches, and nature trails are just minutes away! Browse all properties and contact us to start planning your getaway to St. George Island today. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Pristine sugar-white beaches, delicious seafood, and unique coastal shops: these are just a few reasons to vacation on St. George Island. If you’re looking to do some shopping during your trip, we highly recommend stopping by Seaside Cotton Boutique! This resort-style boutique offers everything from brand-name clothing and accessories to homeware, gifts, and more. Whether you’re searching for a new outfit or thoughtful gifts for loved ones back home, they have it all!
Seaside Cotton Boutique is one of many amazing shops on our beautiful barrier island. Head over to our Things to Do Page for more recommendations about shopping, dining, and attractions. It’s full of great tips to help you plan your vacation!

Here’s What You’ll Find at Seaside Cotton Boutique
Shopping at Seaside Cotton Boutique isn’t just a fun way to spend an afternoon; it’s an experience you’ll never forget! Once you take home all your great finds, you’ll be glad you stopped by. Here’s what you’ll discover when you go.

1. Stylish Clothing
From designer apparel to island essentials, Seaside Cotton Boutique offers a great selection of men’s and women’s clothing. They carry all the top brands, including Coast, Southern Marsh, Karlie, Askari, Entro, Band of Gypsies, Buddy Love, Articles of Society, Johnny-O, and Lucky Brand Denim. Each piece is carefully hand-selected, ensuring the highest in quality and design. Ladies’ styles range from sophisticated and trendy to casual-yet-chic. And the guys will find plenty of options for fishing, golfing, and leisure attire. They also carry everyday items like beach coverups, leggings, camisoles, and more. Check out their Facebook page to see current looks and new arrivals!

2. Shoes
You can never have too many pairs of shoes! Luckily, Seaside Cotton Boutique does not disappoint when it comes to comfortable and cute footwear. Treat yourself to a new pair of sandals, boots, wedges, or wovens. They carry name-brands like Antelope, Naked Feet, Born, Matisse, and Sbicca.

3. One-of-a-Kind Accessories
Having the right accessories is so important when you’re on vacation. Hit the beaches in style with a new pair of shades or a Mule cooler! Seaside Cotton Boutique has everything you need for a successful beach trip, including sunglasses, hats, belts, lightweight coolers, jewelry, raincoats, and Sun Bum Skincare and Sunscreen products.

4. Coastal Home Decor
Are you looking for that perfect centerpiece for your living room back home? Perhaps you’re on the hunt for an eye-catching set of dishware, furniture, or accent items. Make sure to check out the boutique’s collection of MudPie Home Decor while you’re there. You might just end up redecorating your entire home with these head-turning pieces!

5. Unique Gifts
Selecting a thoughtful gift is a great way to let your friends and family know that you are thinking of them while on vacation. Perhaps they would like a handmade TY Park Candle, artisan jewelry, or other Gulf Coast treasures. Are you searching for ways to surprise your significant other? A new Southern Marsh fishing shirt or belt is sure to do the trick! No matter who you are shopping for, they will thank you for visiting this boutique!

Book Your Stay in A Collins Vacation Rental
After a fabulous day of shopping, come kick back and relax in your Collins Vacation Home! Our incredible St. George Island vacation rentals are located just minutes from all of the best shops, restaurants, and nightlife. With luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing beach getaway. Whether you prefer views of the Gulf, Apalachicola Bay, or the canal, we offer a wide array of lodging options to choose from. Many of our rentals even have private pools! Make sure to take advantage of our current specials. Then, browse our properties and contact us to start planning your next trip to paradise. We can’t wait to welcome you!

You’re ready to go on vacation, but you’re still in the planning stages. Where do I go? What do I pack? If you’re heading to a tropical spot like St. George Island (we hope you are!), use our summer vacation packing list to get rid of some of that pre-trip planning anxiety. Plus, St. George Island has a handful of stores that are stocked with anything you might have forgotten.

You have your summer vacation packing list, so now start planning all the things to do. If you’re staying on St. George Island, we made it easy! We created our Things to Do page so you’ll have easy access to all of the best activities and businesses on our island. Whether you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for a date night or something the kids will enjoy, you’ll find it here.

Here’s Your Summer Vacation Packing List
We’ve broken down your summer vacation packing list into different categories so you can decide which suits you!

Packing Your Main Suitcase
Of course, when it comes to packing, we immediately think of how much we can fit in our suitcase. Keep it minimal– don’t forget that our Collins Vacation Rentals all come with washers and dryers! Here’s what to put in your suitcase:

Shorts and pants
Shirts, t-shirts, a nice shirt or two for dinner, and tank tops
Dresses/ skirts
Sleepwear
Socks and shoes (We recommend flip flops, sandals, and sneakers.)
Don’t forget the basics (like underwear)!
A sweater that you can layer over your outfits
Bathing suits (We recommend more than one.)
Cover-ups
Clothes you can explore in

Toiletries 

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Soap, facewash, shampoo, and conditioner
Makeup
Hairbrush and comb
Styling product
Razors and shave gel
Flatiron or curling iron (Many of our rentals have hair dryers, but you are welcome to bring your own.)
Lip balm
After sun gel or aloe vera
Lotion
Scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers

Accessories

Sun hat or baseball cap for the beach
Jewelry (Packing jewelry can be a challenge, but putting a necklace through a straw and keeping your jewelry in a silk bag will keep it safe.)
Sunglasses
Belts
Hair ties and accessories

Beach and Pool Gear 
You can pack your own beach gear, but many guests of Collins Vacation Rentals opt to buy or rent their gear here. This way, you don’t have to lug your beach chairs all the way here, and you can get them delivered right to your vacation rental! Island Adventures is one of our favorite places to rent gear from.

Beach chairs
Umbrellas
Sunscreen (You can never have too much of this stuff!)
A beach bag
A good book
Floaties and beach toys
Beach towels
A reusable water bottle

Book Your Summer Getaway Today
Now that you have our summer vacation packing list, it’s time to book your actual summer vacation! St. George Island is one of a kind– our small island has stood the test of time. Our beaches are never crowded, our seafood is fresh, and our island is welcoming. Book your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals to see for yourself. We can’t wait to host you!

There are so many Florida islands to visit, so how do you pick the best one? Luckily for you, we know the best island off the coast. St. George Island is unique in so many ways. Our visitors love it so much that they find themselves coming back year after year. It’s time to make SGI your tradition, too!
Get the inside scoop on all the things to do and see on St. George Island when you take a look at our Things to Do page! It’s a great resource for discovering all the activities on our island, and you can also use it to plan your trip. We’ve listed the businesses we trust, the best restaurants, and more.

3 Reasons Why St. George Island Is the Best Florida Island to Visit 

Easy to Get To 
Travel to St. George Island with ease! If you need to fly in, the Tallahassee International Airport is less than two hours away. From there, you’ll have an easy drive! There are no taxis or Ubers on the island, so it’s always beneficial to have a car. If you choose to drive the whole way, you’ll be on highways for most of your journey. There are many major highways coming toward the Gulf Coast! Plus, there’s no ferry necessary to get to the island. We have a bridge so you can easily come and go as you please.

Never Crowded 
A lot of Florida islands to visit have become so popular that they are overcrowded during the best times to vacation. That’s not the case with St. George Island! Our island’s preservation has become very important to locals. You’ll find no big-name hotels or resorts here– the island is not allowed to be built up. Traffic is minimal, and you’ll always have more than enough room to spread out on the beach. Even the busiest summer months mean only a short wait at our local restaurants! Even so, the wait will fly by with a cold drink in your hand as you take in the sights and sounds of our island.

You’ll Never Run out of Things to Do
Even though our island is small, there are countless things to do here. Split your vacation between relaxing with your toes in the sand, taking a dip in your vacation rental’s private pool, and exploring the island. To help you experience all the activities here, we partnered with Xplorie to add this complimentary amenity to select vacation rental reservations. Enjoy everything from kayaking to a round of golf!

Book Your Island Getaway Today
Now that you know the best Florida island to visit, it’s time to book your getaway! Browse our variety of vacation rentals at Collins Vacation Rentals to start planning your stay. We have more than 200 properties to choose from, and each offers something different. Choose based on size, location, and amenities to find your perfect fit. We can’t wait to host you!

Some of the best parts about going on vacation are all the lasting memories you are going to make. Keep these cherished times forever when you have a family photo shoot on the beach! Come back year after year and watch your family grow up in your collection of photos. There’s nothing like a family vacation spot that feels like home.
Are you thinking about taking a family photo shoot on the beach? St. George Island is the perfect place to do it! Consider bringing the family for a vacation they will never forget. Check out our Things to Do page for a list of all the best activities on the island to start planning your getaway!

Your Photographer for Your Family Photoshoot on the Beach
If you’re having a family photo shoot on the beach on St. George Island, you’ll want to work with Royce Rolstad. He is a local here that takes stunning family photos. Not only does he know the best places and times to shoot, but he’s also well-versed in making the entire family comfortable. Rolstad explains, “I have families who come to St. George every year and schedule a beach portrait session.  I have watched the kids and grandkids grow up. My repeat clients are like family.” We completely agree and recommend him to anyone looking for a shoot on the island!

3 Steps to Have the Best Family Photoshoot on the Beach

1. Choose Your Outfits
To have a successful family photoshoot, you’ll need to choose your outfits! Some families go for the typical all white ensemble while others want more of a vacation feel. No matter what you choose, you’ll just want to make sure you plan it out so you can pack the right things.

2. Pick a Time
Two of Royce Rolstad’s favorite times to shoot are sunrise and sunset. Yes, the kids might have to have a 7:00 a.m. wake up call, or you might have to make sure they get in an afternoon nap to shoot at sunset. However, it’s all worth it in the end!

3. Have Fun!
Don’t take the fun out of this memory! The best shoots are when the family is relaxed and having a great time. Having photos taken can be nerve-wracking, but a good photographer will make you feel relaxed. Plus, keeping calm and a good attitude will ensure young children won’t be fussy.

Book Your Family Getaway Today
St. George Island is a place that families come back to year after year. We have customers that rent from Collins Vacation Rentals every year; we’ve seen the kids grow up, and we have even met grandkids from our typical renters. Because our island is never crowded, it’s the perfect place to bring the whole family. Browse our vacation rentals to start planning your getaway. With more than 200 to choose from and locations all over the island, we know we have the perfect one for you!

Featured photo by Royce Rolstad

St. George Island has been a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast of Florida for hundreds of years. Somehow, our small island has escaped the fate of many other beach towns and still retains its old-town charm. So, when is the best time to visit St. George Island? That depends on what you are looking for! 

Have you ever been to St. George Island? Are you thinking about vacationing here? Check out our Things to Do page for ideas on all the best things to do and see! Once you figure out the answer to the question when is the best time to visit St. George Island, you’ll be able to plan your getaway with ease. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit St George Island? It’s up to You to Decide!
The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. Anyone that has fallen in love with SGI will tell you that there’s no bad time to visit! There are a few factors you should keep in mind when making your travel plans. 

St. George Island in the Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit St. George Island, and there are definitely pros and cons of coming during this season. Of course, the weather is gorgeous. The temperature hovers in the 80s for nearly the entire summer! It’s perfect for hitting the beach or renting a charter to explore the area from the water. The downside is that the summers are the most crowded St. George Island will ever be. Luckily, because our island has no big-name hotels or touristy attractions, it doesn’t get as crowded as other areas. The biggest impact you’ll see is an occasional wait at a restaurant !

St. George Island in the Fall
If you’re looking for warm weather with fewer crowds, the best time to visit St. George Island is in the early fall. September and early October are still in the 80s! If laying out on the beach isn’t your top priority, you’ll love coming during any time in the fall. The kids are back in school and the island is still experiencing great weather. It’s the perfect time to go hiking at St. George Island State Park or kayak the bay! 

St. George Island in the Winter
Those looking to escape the cold northern weather flock to St. George Island every winter. Temperatures in the winter range from the high 40s to high 60s, so usually all you need is a jacket to enjoy everything SGI has to offer. Wake up every morning to walk the nearly-empty beach and indulge in our island cuisine without having to wait for a table! 

St. George Island in the Spring
St. George Island in the spring is similar to the island in the fall. The weather starts to get warm again in May, and any time before Memorial Day will give you great rates on rentals. This is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, and it is almost ensured that you will get a hot day or two that’s perfect for the beach. 

Book Your Getaway
Did you decide when the best time to visit St. George Island is? It’s time to book your getaway! Collins Vacation Rentals has more than 200 rentals to choose from throughout the year. They vary in size and location, so we know we have the perfect one for you. Browse our properties to start planning your stay today! 

Landlocked in Orlando, Florida? It’s time for a vacation! Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life when you head to St. George Island. Our small island is within driving distance, and it has everything you need for the perfect getaway from Orlando. Here’s why!

5 Reasons St. George Island Is the Best Getaway From Orlando

1. You’ll Never Run out of Things to Do
Whether you’re looking to spend day after day relaxing on the sand or want to get out and have an adventure, St. George Island has something for everyone. Cast your line off the famous Fishing Pier, paddleboard through the bay, or relax with some beach yoga. If you want to get an inside look at all our island has to offer, take a peek at our Things to Do page! We even partnered with Xplorie to bring complimentary activities to our guests.

2. A Break From City Life

There’s nothing better than falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the sand and waking up to gorgeous views of the sun glistening on the ocean. With barely any traffic and more than enough room to spread out, our island is a breath of fresh air.

3. A Short Drive Away

If you’re looking for a reasonable getaway from Orlando, you’ll want something within driving distance.  St. George Island is just over five hours away!  With barely any traffic and more than enough room to spread out, our island is a breath of fresh air.

4. Reconnect With Family and Friends

St. George Island is an amazing place to reconnect with family and friends. Our small island is free of distractions and full of activities you can enjoy together. Our Collins Vacation Rentals are the perfect place to have a family game night or a nice meal together. Grill outside as the sun sets over the water or spend the day laying out by your private pool. No matter what you do, you can do it together!

5. An Easy Getaway

When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to have to worry about a thing. When you rent with us at Collins Vacation Rentals, you don’t have to! Our properties come with everything you need, and you can even have things like beach chairs and bikes delivered to the home to use while you are there. Plus, everything from grocery stores to restaurants is right on the island, so you don’t have to worry about driving for miles for something you need.

Book Your Getaway From Orlando Today
You deserve a vacation! Come to the uncrowded beaches of St. George Island to relax with your toes in the sand. We have more than 200 rentals to choose from, so we know we have the perfect property for you. Our homes are spread out across the entire island and come in all different sizes, so you can search based on your desired criteria. Browse our vacation rentals to stay planning your getaway from Orlando today! We look forward to seeing you!