Dr. Beach named St. George Island State Park the #1 Beach in the Nation for 2023!
St. George is the number one ranked beach in the 33rd annual Top 10 Beach List, produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, professor in the Department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University in Miami.
St. George Island is full of scenic areas and fun activities that will make any vacation here unforgettable. One of our island’s gems you won’t want to miss during your Collins Vacation Rentals getaway is St. George Island State Park. Serene views paired with undisturbed beaches provide the perfect backdrop for some quality time. Discover everything you need to know about the park today!
Are you thinking of a St. George Island getaway? We can help you plan your trip! Collins Vacation Rentals was founded on the island more than 40 years ago, so we are versed in all of the best spots to enjoy during your next vacation. Take a look at our Things to Do page to start planning! Whether you’re looking for more spots like St. George Island State Park or where to go out to eat, you’ll find it here.
What to See at St. George Island State Park
Explore the Incredible Landscape
St. George Island State Park is a 2,023-acre reserve on the east end of St. George Island. The park is a stunning display of the gorgeous nature our island holds. Oak forests, sandy coves, pine trees, and salt marshes are dotted along the landscape.
The pristine park is best known for its nine miles of unspoiled beaches. Long stretches of white sand and dunes overlook the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola Bay. You’ll definitely want to make it a point to visit this gorgeous area during your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals!
Discover the Native Wildlife
Countless species of wildlife call St. George Island State Park their home. You’ll see several kinds of shorebirds swimming and scavenging along the coast such as snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, and willet nest.
You can also expect to share the area with sea turtles. They nest on the island from approximately May 1 to October 31 each year!
Handicap Accessibility
St. George Island State Park keeps everyone in mind and aims to be as accessible as possible. There are beach wheelchairs available, two Beach Cruiser electric mobility devices, a floating Mobi-Chair, and three mobility mats. You can learn more on their site!
What to Do at St. George Island State Park
Relax on the Sand
Nine miles of pristine coastline at St. George Island State Park means plenty of room for spreading out on the sand. One of our favorite things about our island is that there is so much shore that the beaches are never crowded! Rent some chairs and umbrellas to bring with you, then set up here for the day.
Go For a Swim
During the warm months on the Forgotten Coast, ocean water is a welcomed relief from the hot sun. You’ll love taking a dip in the clear water when you visit St. George Island State Park! If you bring the kids, they’ll most likely spend the entire day splashing around. You won’t even have to entertain them like usual!
Cast a Line
Fishing is one of the most relaxing pastimes, and there is plenty of opportunity for it on St. George Island. If you want to cast your line in St. George Island State Park, you’ll have the opportunity to catch flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting, and sometimes even Spanish mackerel! Just make sure you have your fishing license.
Pack a Picnic
Before you make your way over to St. George Island State Park, make sure you stop at the grocery store to get some picnic necessities. At the park, you’ll have your choice of six picnic shelters, each with grills and picnic tables. They can even be reserved if you’re having a large gathering!
Search for Shells
Shells are some of the best souvenirs to take home on vacation, and St. George Island State Park is an excellent spot to look for them! Stroll the beach and look down at the sand— you are sure to find some.
Launch a Canoe or Kayak
See SGI from a different perspective when you get out on a kayak or canoe! There are two natural ramps in the park that can launch your craft into the bay.
Go on a Hike
There’s more to St. George Island State Park than just a beach! There are multiple hiking trails to enjoy here, especially when the winter weather is a little too cold to lay out. Each trailhead is marked by a kiosk so you can easily find them. The trail to Gap Point is 2.5 miles and takes you through pine flatwood forests to the bay, and the East Slough Overlook Trail will bring you across boardwalks lined with benches and information on the resources.
Go Birding
Bring your binoculars to St. George Island State Park! More than 300 species of birds have been documented here, so it’s the perfect place to go birding during your stay at Collins Vacation Rentals. Pelicans and gulls are the most common, but endangered and rare species have also been seen.
Take the Kids to the Playground
There is a community playground at the camping area that the kids will love. Even if you are not camping, all are welcome. It’s the perfect place to go if the kids have a little energy they need to get rid of.
Stargaze at Night
When you stay at Collins Vacation Rentals, you’ll notice something about our night sky. It’s filled with stars! Unlike the light pollution in the big cities and towns, our island has some of the darkest skies you have ever experienced. The Gulf of Mexico makes it so we have hardly any light pollution at all, and the closest city is more than 70 miles away. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way and faint constellations!
Experience Our Island With Collins Vacation Rentals
St. George Island State Park has something for every kind of nature lover. After you and your family explore the amazing surroundings, you’ll be ready to rest your feet at your Collins Vacation Rental.
Located throughout St. George Island, our homes come complete with everything you need to have the vacation of a lifetime. Whether you’re searching for a beachfront view or a stunning property on Apalachicola Bay, we have just what you’re searching for. Looking to bring Fido along? View our pet-friendly properties perfect for the whole family! We can’t wait to welcome you to St. George Island!
