Best Beaches in Florida: St. George Island

St. George Island is a notable 28-mile barrier island, revered for its untouched beauty and historical significance to early explorers.

April 27, 2024

Catherine Walters,

Photos by Roberto Gonzalez

St. George Island is a notable 28-mile barrier island, revered for its untouched beauty and historical significance to early explorers. The island is home to 22 miles of tranquil, pet-friendly beaches, well-loved for sunning and shelling, swimming and fishing, and wildlife viewing. Ranked among the top beaches in the U.S., the island’s serene landscapes provide visitors with a perfect retreat from the bustling city life.

The main draw of the island is undoubtedly its beautiful beaches, starting with the easily accessible St. George Island Public Beach. Visitors arrive at the beach via Island Drive, crossing the scenic five-mile long Bryant Patton Bridge with stunning views of Apalachicola Bay. Upon reaching the island, a quick turn right and then left leads to convenient parking spaces.

The public beach offers numerous amenities including bathhouse facilities, covered pavilions for picnics, a playground, and a ball court. The historic Cape St. George Lighthouse and Lighthouse Keeper’s House in the nearby Lighthouse Park also attract many visitors.

Cape St. George Lighthouse

Further east, the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park beach, a top-ranked beach by Dr. Beach, stretches for nine miles. It is Florida’s second-longest beachfront state park, offering large beach areas with ample parking, picnic pavilions, beach house facilities, grills, and boardwalks. The beach is famous for its soft, white sand and gentle surf, perfect for a relaxing day out. For those desiring more privacy, there are numerous small parking areas providing access along the length of the beach.

Fishing enthusiasts often frequent the area, and while pets are permitted in certain areas, they are not allowed on the beaches. Alcohol is also prohibited in the park. An entrance fee applies and speed limits are enforced for visitor safety. The park enhances wheelchair accessibility to the water with four mobility mats and offers standard beach and floating wheelchairs, available upon inquiry at the Ranger Station.