Category: Things to Do

A relaxing paradise awaits on St. George Island. Pristine beaches, swaying palms, and blue skies make it one of the most beautiful islands off of Florida’s coast. To experience the area to its fullest, you’ll want to hit the beach and get out on the water. Island Adventures on St. George Island can help!

Island Adventures on St. George Island has everything you need to enjoy beautiful beaches and outdoor fun in style during your trip to the Forgotten Coast. Interested in finding even more St. George Island activities for your family? Our Things to Do page lists all of the best companies and activities that the island has to offer. In addition to outdoor excursions, it also contains a range of restaurants and local businesses that your family will love!

Upgrade Your Beach Day
When you’re on vacation, you don’t want to have to worry about packing up your beach items and lugging them to your vacation rental. Luckily for you, Island Adventures on St. George Island has everything you need for you and your family to enjoy all the beautiful beaches here! You can rent chairs, umbrellas, or packages including both. For those who need a different way to access our shores, there is also a beach wheelchair for rent.

See the Island
Island Adventures on St. George Island offers a few fun ways to get around the island. Whether it’s for sightseeing, exercise, or transportation, bike rentals are one of our favorite offerings. There’s nothing like riding around the beach! The bikes can be delivered straight to your door for you to use your entire stay. They also offer two or four-person surreys for a different way to explore! Plus, they rent out golf carts the entire family can pile onto! Make sure to check out their rental page to see all the goodies they offer.

Island Adventures on St. George Island Souvenirs
In addition to covering your beach rental needs, Island Adventures on St. George Island also offers a range of gifts and souvenirs. Whether you are looking to pick something up to remember your trip by or a gift for a loved one back home, you are sure to find it here! With everything from resort wear to a stuffed animal for the kids, there is something for everyone at this beach shop.

Experience Island Life at a Collins Vacation Home
Using a resource like Island Adventures on St. George Island will take your getaway to the next level. The convenience of getting your beach supplies delivered right to your Collins Vacation Home can’t be beat! Plus, our homes come fully stocked with all of the amenities you need to have a vacation you’ll never forget. We even have rental homes right on the beach, so that you can take full advantage of our location on the stunning Forgotten Coast. With over 200 properties to choose from, we know we have the perfect one for you!
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!

One of the best parts about renting a home from Collins Vacation Rentals is the seclusion you’ll experience on the island. Once you cross over the bridge, there’s no reason to cross it again until you leave, giving you the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are even grocery stores near St. George Island, FL, just in case you want to cook in your own kitchen or are looking for some snacks for the beach! Here is all you need to know about them.

If you’re planning a vacation to St. George Island, you might need a little help planning your trip. Our company has been on the island for more than 40 years, so we know the ins and outs of the area! Take a look at our Things to Do page for a handpicked list of local businesses and activities you won’t want to miss during your stay like grocery stores near St. George Island, FL. Whether you are looking for family fun or a romantic date night, we have recommendations for you!

These are the Best Grocery Stores near St. George Island, FL
Piggly Wiggly Xpress
St. George Island is home to one of the South’s classic grocery stores, a Piggly Wiggly. Located right when you get off the bridge onto the island, it can easily be your first stop to pick up anything you have forgotten to pack! You never know when a family member might forget a toothbrush or that incredibly important bottle of sunscreen. The goal of this shop is to have anything you might need on the island so you don’t have to worry about leaving and looking elsewhere. Plus, they have a variety of food and drink so you’ll never have to go off the island to restock.

Sparks & Sons’ Island Grocery
SGI Fresh Market is the newest grocery store on St. George Island. It’s a great spot to visit if you’re looking to do some grocery shopping during your stay. Get some frozen foods for easy meals and snacks after the beach, stock up on pantry items, and pick out some selections from their butcher area to grill. They even have an area of fresh produce! However, one of our favorite items they have available is fresh, local shrimp. Yum!

Sometimes It’s Hotter Seasoning Company 
Sometimes It’s Hotter Seasoning Company is not technically a grocery store, but you’ll definitely want to make a stop here if you like wine! This is primarily a spice company, but we recommend browsing their wine selection then purchasing one of their baguettes or cheese and crackers to enjoy on the beach. There’s nothing better than enjoying a glass with your sweetheart on your porch overlooking the ocean!

Book Your Stay Today
It’s time to start planning your stay at Collins Vacation Rentals! Browse through our gorgeous homes based on size and location. Whether you are looking to be in the gated community of St. George Island Plantation or closer to town, we have a property for you! The best part about our island is that no matter where you are, you will be close to town, all the grocery stores near St. George Island, FL, and moments from the beach. We look forward to seeing you on SGI!

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!

If you’re looking for a close getaway from Tallahassee, you’re in luck! Tallahassee residents love to vacation on St. George Island. Located just under two hours from the city, SGI is a beautiful, easily accessible respite from everyday life. Sandy shores are the perfect cure for the hustle and bustle of everyday life, so hop in your car and make the drive from Tallahassee to St. George Island!

If you’re planning a trip from Tallahassee to St. George Island, we can help! Start creating your itinerary with our Things to Do page . We have carefully curated a list of local suggestions so you have the tools to make your vacation the best it can possibly be. Here, you will find outdoor activities, restaurants, and local businesses that will keep your loved ones active as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the island.

Getting From Tallahassee to St. George Island
Getting to your vacation destination can be a nightmare, but when you’re coming from Tallahassee, it’s easy! The Big Bend Scenic Byway from Tallahassee to St. George Island is full of natural wonders that are well-worth the stops you’ll make to take it all in. During your travels, you’ll get to see everything from towering pines to seagrass beds and marshes all in one trip! On your journey, keep an eye out for several types of plants and wildlife. You never know what you’ll come across!

3 Reasons Tallahassee to St. George Island Is the Best Trip

You Get to See the Best of Old Florida
The Big Bend drive from Tallahassee to St. George Island is a history lover’s dream. The region has gone through several transitions since the 1800s, including developing a hard-working farm culture, housing cowboys and trappers, and participating in several wars. The area’s storied past is now marked by preserved sites such as a North Florida pioneer farm and Fort Braden. You’ll have the opportunity to see these and many other sites on your drive to SGI!

An Escape From the City
The vibe on our island is the complete opposite from city life. When you’re here, you’ll find yourself operating on island time. The fast pace of Tallahassee is nowhere to be found! Instead, you get to relax on the beach, indulge in cocktails as the sun sets, and have some quality family time in your vacation rental. With beach chair rentals readily available and great restaurants right on the island, it’s impossible not to relax while you’re here!

Something for Everyone
Whether you’re coming with your sweetheart or taking the entire family, there is something for everyone on St. George Island. Popular spots like the St. George Island Lighthouse cater to people of all ages, and the older crowd loves the nightlife . Our island is small and secluded, but you’ll never run out of things to do during your vacation.

Book Your Getaway Today
When you make the drive from Tallahassee to St. George Island, unpack and unwind at a beautiful Collins Vacation Home. Our gorgeous rentals are amazing places to spend your trip to SGI. Browse our properties to start planning your getaway! Take full advantage of your beach vacation when you stay in one of our premier oceanfront properties, or opt for a peaceful place a few minutes away from the Gulf. We look forward to seeing you!

The Big Bend Scenic Byway stretches from Tallahassee, FL all the way to gorgeous St. George Island, and then loops back again. The drive is about two days long, and makes a fun road trip for families or groups of friends. Along the way, there are all types of natural wonders that are well-worth stopping to see. When you take the drive you’ll have plenty of opportunity to experience the best of “The Bend.” It’s the place where Florida`s Gulf Coast begins to curve westward, leading to the beautiful region of the panhandle.

After the first leg of your road trip on the Big Bend Scenic Byway, take some time to rest, relax and explore the awesome scenery of SGI. Discover the best ways to see St. George Island and make amazing memories during your time on 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 the island. 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!

What You’ll See On the Big Bend Scenic Byway
The Big Bend Scenic Byway showcases the natural diversity of the Florida Panhandle. See towering pines, marshes and seagrass beds, beautiful white sand beaches, and more! In addition to the variety of scenery, you’ll be able to see several different kinds of animals as well. White-tail deer, otter, hogs, turkeys, black bear, and alligator are just a sample of what may come across your path. Much of the road winds through unfenced public land, so you may even see some of them up close! (This is one of the reasons it’s important to obey the speed limit. Also, remember that feeding the wildlife is prohibited!)

Stops to Make Along the Big Bend
If you have time to veer slightly off the trail of the Big Bend Scenic Byway, you’ll be able to enjoy even more great attractions in the region. The Apalachicola Maritime Museum offers interpretive displays, activities, and classes to help immerse you in the culture and history of Florida’s “Forgotten Coast.” The St. George Island Lighthouse is another point of interest, standing as a symbol of the island – the original was completed in 1833. Finally, anglers will love the St. George Island Fishing Pier. Take a break and relax on the pier until the tug on your line says it’s time for dinner!

Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
Have more than a weekend to spare? Why not extend your road trip along the Big Bend Scenic Byway and make it a real vacation? After you make the drive from Tallahassee to St. George Island, unpack and unwind at a beautiful Collins Vacation Home. Our stunning rentals are comfortable, full of amenities and conveniently located on SGI. Many of the homes can be found in close proximity to some of the island’s best beaches, attractions, and activities.

Take full advantage of your Florida Gulf vacation when you stay in one of our premier oceanfront properties, or opt for a peaceful place a few minutes away from the Gulf. 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!

St. George Island has everything you need for a great coastal vacation at any time of year. With excellent fishing, beautiful beaches, and plenty of ways to enjoy the water, a trip here is always unforgettable. However, if you’re looking to plan a vacation around an extra special occasion, these St. George Island events are a great place to start. The following are a few fun ways to immerse yourself in the culture of the region. Take a look, and enjoy a celebration on SGI!

Mingle with locals and have some fun at any of these St. George Island events during your next trip to the Forgotten Coast. Are you looking for even more Forgotten Coast events and activities for your family? Our Things to Do page lists all of the best functions that the island has to offer. In addition to outdoor activities, it contains a range of restaurants and local businesses that your family will love! The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, don’t forget to check our Things to Do page. It has everything you need to plan a fantastic vacation!

Have Fun All Year Long at These St. George Island Events!
Find Your Favorite Brew at St. George Island Brewfest 
Brews, beaches, and benefits for the animals! Everything about the St. George Island Brewfest is perfect for beer and animal lovers. The event  features a broad selection of craft beers and innovative food! If that isn’t enough, all proceeds from the event benefit the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Head over to Paddy’s Raw Bar and Journeys of SGI to join in on this unforgettable event!

Jam out to the Best Music at Rock by the Sea  
Come to Harry A’s to participate in Rock By The Sea. This annual charity music festival is one of the best St. George Island events for lovers of good tunes and live entertainment. For several days, Rock By The Sea  features a variety of bands and artists, while raising funds to support a great cause.

Delight Your Inner Foodie at the Florida Seafood Festival 
What better place to unite seafood lovers than the Apalachicola River? You’ll thoroughly enjoy spending time at the annual Florida Seafood Festival. Gather under the shady oaks of Apalachicola’s Battery Park to see the blue crab races and the parade. Then, enjoy arts and crafts, live entertainment, and, of course, seafood!

Bask in the Moonlight at These Full Moon Climbs
Ready to climb the coolest lighthouses on the Forgotten Coast? Stop by the Crooked River Lighthouse or the Cape St. George Island Lighthouse for a unique moonlit experience. From the Crooked River Lighthouse you’ll enjoy the gorgeous sight of the St. George sound, Carrabelle Beach, and Dog Island. Full Moon climbs are family-friendly and take place several times throughout the year. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity!

Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
After a fun day at one of these St. George Island events, enjoy your evening at a Collins vacation home. You deserve a fantastic place to retreat to during your vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. Request one of our rental guides to see the full range of options available for your next St. George Island getaway.
Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island vibes! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

Looking for a way to add an intriguing educational component to your trip? Visit the John Gorrie Museum! Historians, curious travelers, and collectors of fun facts will love exploring this unique piece of Apalachicola history.

Start planning your trip to the John Gorrie Museum today! After you pencil it in to your vacation schedule, find even more amazing vacation activities for you and your family. Our Things to Do page lists all of the best that the St. George Island – the premier destination on the Forgotten Coast – has to offer. In addition to outdoor activities, it also contains a range of restaurants and local businesses that your family will love! The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, don’t forget to check our Things to Do page first. It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation!

History of the John Gorrie Museum
The John Gorrie Museum is named for John Gorrie, a physician who moved to this area in the early 1800s. His influence was felt throughout Apalachicola in many ways. During his life in the town, he served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director, in addition to treating patients.

On top of all of these achievements, John Gorrie also became an inventor. In a quest to assist his patients suffering from yellow fever, he designed a machine to help cool their rooms. This development made him an early pioneer of air conditioning and refrigeration and eventually earned him a U.S. patent.

Visiting the John Gorrie Museum State Park
To find out more about Dr. Gorrie, his many achievements, and his contributions to The Forgotten Coast, visit the John Gorrie Museum State Park. The park includes several interpretive exhibits, including a replica of Gorrie’s original ice machine and displays about the history of Apalachicola. There are also spaces for picnicking at the site.
The address of the John Gorrie Museum State Park is 46 6th Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday through Monday. (It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.) The admission fee is $2 per person; children 5 and under are free.

Rent one of the Best Vacation Rentals on the Forgotten Coast
When you spend your days exploring the John Gorrie Museum and other fun historical sites, spend your nights at a Collins Vacation Home. Our homes come fully stocked with all of the amenities you need to have a vacation you’ll never forget. We even have rental homes right on the beach, so that you can take full advantage of our location on the stunning Forgotten Coast. Our Fall and Winter Specials are a great way to experience all that the area has to offer, without the seasonal crowds!

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!

History lovers will find that the Forgotten Coast has much to offer. There are plenty of museums and historical sites to visit and learn about. One of them is the Raney House Museum. Prepare to be whisked back in time to the 19th Century when you visit!

Start planning your trip to the Raney House Museum today! After you pencil it into your vacation schedule, find even more amazing vacation activities for you and your family. Our Things to Do page lists all of the best that the St. George Island – the premier destination on the Forgotten Coast – has to offer. In addition to outdoor activities, it also contains a range of restaurants and local businesses that your family will love! The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, don’t forget to check our Things to Do page first. It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation!

History of the Raney House Museum
The Raney House Museum was once a family home. It was completed in 1838 by David Greenway Raney. Mr. Raney was a prosperous cotton merchant during a time when the trade was especially lucrative in Florida – the three decades right before the Civil War. He also served two terms as mayor of Apalachicola.

The history of the Raney family is a storied one. It includes the tales of three of David and Harriet Raney’s sons, who fought in war. After the conflict, members of the family continued to live in the home until 1914. In 1973, the City of Apalachicola purchased the structure and turned it into the Raney House Museum, which features furniture documents, and artifacts from the 19th Century. The museum is operated by the Apalachicola Area Historical Society.

Visiting the Raney House Museum
The Raney House Museum is located at 128 Market Street at the corner of Avenue F in historic downtown Apalachicola. It is open to the public from 1 pm to 4 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 10 am to 4 pm Friday and Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

You can contact the Raney House Museum at (850) 653-1700.

Rent One of the Best Vacation Rentals on the Forgotten Coast
When you spend your days exploring the Raney House Museum and other fun historical sites, spend your nights at a Collins Vacation Home. Our homes come fully stocked with all of the amenities you need to have a vacation you’ll never forget. We even have rental homes right on the beach, so that you can take full advantage of our location on the stunning Forgotten Coast. Our Fall and Winter Specials are a great way to experience all that the area has to offer, without the seasonal crowds!

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!

St. George Island is a great place for adults to retreat for some much-needed relaxation, but there are many reasons that kids love it, too! One of the sights that your little maritime enthusiasts will love is the Cape St. George Light. Take your children to see the lighthouse tower and corresponding museum the next time you vacation on SGI!

The Cape St. George Light is a favorite attraction among visitors to SGI and the Forgotten Coast. Interested in finding even more good times near St. George Island? Our Things to Do page lists all of the best that the area has to offer. In addition to restaurants and bars, it also contains a range of outdoor activities and local businesses that your friends or family will love! The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, don’t forget to check our Things to Do page first. It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation!

Here’s Why Your Kids Will Love the Cape St. George Light
A Cool History
The Cape St. George Light has a storied past. It stretches almost 200 years – the first incarnation of the light was erected in 1833! It’s seen war, storms, and tons of Florida Gulf Coast history. Take your kids to the museum right beside the tower to learn more about the light and the Forgotten Coast.

A Great Climb and Awesome Views
The best part about visiting the Cape St. George Light is climbing the tower. As long as your children are at least 40-inches tall, you can take them on the journey up the 92-step spiral staircase and an 8-rung ladder to get some of the best views on SGI! Kids love making it all the way to the top; it’s much better than climbing the walls at home!

Fun Souvenirs
When you’re ready to leave, don’t forget to stop by the gift shop first! Pick up some cool souvenirs for the family to take home, including t-shirts, books, jewelry, and more. It’s the perfect way to remember the amazing time you had climbing the Cape St. George Light!
Rent one of the Best Vacation Rentals on the Forgotten Coast

After you take your kids out for a day at the Cape St. George Light, come enjoy the rest of your evening at a Collins Vacation Home. Our homes come fully stocked with all of the amenities you need to have a vacation you’ll never forget. We even have rental homes right on the beach, so that you can take full advantage of our location on the stunning Forgotten Coast. You deserve an amazing place to get away during your vacation, and our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. Request one of our rental guides today to see the full range of options available for your next St. George Island getaway.

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!

There’s so much to do on your trip to the Florida coast. For starters, you can relax on the sandy beaches, bike under the Florida sun, and try out some local cuisine. One of our favorite things to do here is to take a fishing trip. Imagine yourself out on the open water, fishing rods in hand! Out of all the offshore spots to cast a line, one of the best is the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico. The underwater structure of this tower creates a prime habitat for fish! With so many opportunities for a great catch during your stay at one of our Collins Vacation Rentals, you absolutely have to get out on the water and cast a line.

Fishing at the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico is just one of the many things you should plan to do while staying at one of our St. George Island properties. After your day out on the water, head back to the island and take some time to explore the sights and sounds of the area. For ideas on island activities, explore our Things to Do page. Find everything from outdoor activities to some of our favorite restaurants. Let Collins Vacation Rentals make planning easier by giving you helpful recommendations that you can use to have an unforgettable vacation!

What is the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico?
The Department of Defense maintains 5 towers spread along the Forgotten Coast. While their full purpose is unknown, they are mainly used for training exercises. The towers create the ideal habitat for fish to live underneath, as they have been designed as artificial coral reefs. These ocean fortresses are easy to find as long as you have the coordinates; you can find the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico at 25 02.0’N, 82 22.0’W. Dock your boat at this tower, then enjoy your day of fishing!

Fishing Tips for the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico
You have very little chance of catching fish without knowing where they are! Luckily for you, we know that the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico is a treasure trove of underwater creatures. Fish usually flock to this tower in the spring as the waters warm up. Some of the most effective methods for success in this area are chumming and live bait. Your best bet is to start your day off by catching live bait, then use it throughout the day. If you’re not an experienced fisherman, you can always go through a fishing charter like Island Charters. They’ll have everything you need to have a successful fishing excursion!

Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
After your day of fishing at the S Tower in the Gulf of Mexico, come back and relax at your luxurious Collins Vacation Home. Our gorgeous rentals have all the amenities you’ll need to have a perfect island getaway. Choose from multiple locations to create your perfect stay; we have everything from oceanfront to bay view homes just waiting for you to come make some memories.

It’s time to start planning your trip to St. George Island! Contact us anytime; we’d be happy to help you with your next steps. Come enjoy the island life!