Last Updated on October 4, 2023
Visiting St. George Island State Park is a must for your next Florida vacation. With a fabulous beach, authentic Florida nature, and great seafood nearby, you’re sure to find a must-visit Florida State Park.
St. George Island State Park Visitor’s Guide
Overall, most Florida beaches are beautiful – with sand, water, and waves. Simple enough. However, a really good beach is one that is undeveloped, spacious, and wide open.
Florida’s best-kept secret beaches are the ones located within or near state parks or preserves and almost always surrounded by beautiful nature – pine forests, scrub, mangroves, and oak hammocks. In many Florida parks, you can find beaches and “real” Florida in one package.
So that leaves seafood. When you’re spending a day at the beach, you’ll more than likely work up an appetite and get hungry for fresh seafood. After all, if you’re looking at the ocean or Gulf, you’re also watching fish swim and fishermen catch tonight’s dinner.
St. George Island State Park
On Florida’s Panhandle, south of Apalachicola and East Pointe lies St. George Island. St. George is a vacation destination and fairly typical of popular barrier islands with the usual amenities – accommodations, restaurants, and shops. But on the east end, you’ll find the lesser-discovered, delightful St. George Island State Park.
St. George Island State Park can be summed up in just one word: Pristine.
What can you see at the park?
To start, there are nine miles of lovely beaches. Add to that camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and biking and you’ve got a lot of fun in one place. It’s not only spectacular, with towering sand dunes amidst untouched Florida, it’s also just minutes away from great seafood.
On the north side of the island is Apalachicola Bay where some of the world’s finest oysters are harvested, providing area restaurants with the daily “catch”. On that same north side, you’ll find great fishing and camping. You’ll be captivated with sugary white towering sand dunes, fallen oak trees, and an array of the untouched natural beauty of Florida that is becoming harder to find.
On the south side is the Gulf of Mexico with non-stop beaches and plenty of room to take long walks, with only a few people to share it. The gentle waves of the Gulf of Mexico make it soothing and relaxing while you discover miles of sand and water. The park amenities are some of the best anywhere – providing extra clean bathrooms, showers, and walkways to the sandy shores.
Where to eat near St. George Island State Park
After a spectacular day of sunning, swimming and adventuring, you have certainly earned a good meal. Now you can head to the other end of the island for seafood.
It’s safe to say most St. George restaurants, or those in Apalachicola and Eastpointe (across the bridge), will have fresh oysters – on the half shell, steamed, grilled, or in chowder. Fresh shrimp is another great local choice, and there’s plenty of good fish on the menus too. So expect fresh.
Paddy’s Raw Bar
Paddy’s Raw Bar is located 7 miles from the park and features a variety of local favorites.
If you visit Paddy’s Raw Bar, consider their famous shrimp and grits. It’s a favorite for visitors and locals alike.
The menu also features items such as seafood boils, sloppy joes, and oysters. You are sure to find something that is the perfect addition to your beach vacation.
TIPS:
- Open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 12 AM.
- There are daily specials and live music.
- This restaurant offers beer options as well as wine.
More Places to Eat
- The Beach Pit – 49 W Pine Ave St. George Island, FL 32328
- BJ’s Pizza and Subs – 105 W Gulf Beach Dr Eastpoint, FL 32328
- Weber’s Little Donut Shop – 65 W Gorrie Dr Saint George Island, FL 32328
- Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe – 68 W Gorrie Dr St. George Island, FL 32328
St. George Island State Park will become one of your favorite destinations. There’s so much to do and it’s all enjoyable – even if you do nothing but sit on the beach, letting the salt water, the sounds of the gulls, and the warmth of the sun take you to a place of true serenity. No matter what your interest is, authentic Florida – beaches, nature, and seafood – will keep you coming back.
Where to Stay Near St. George Island State Park
Spending a day at St. George Island State Park can be amazing but it can leave you wanting to rest nearby instead of taking a long drive home. Staying near the park can allow you to spend multiple days there and really enjoy the area.
Apalachicola Riverwood Suites
Located just 19 miles from the park is the famous Apalachicola Riverwood Suites.
The historic Baltimore Building has been renovated to be a more comfortable place to stay and rest for a while on your next vacation.
Each suite is newly renovated and ready to welcome you to your home away from home. Rest a while before heading back to the park for your next adventure.
Enjoy a relaxing Florida evening on the beautiful back patio complete with a calming water feature.
More places to stay near the park:
- Coombs House Inn & Suites – 80 6th St, Apalachicola, FL 32320
- St. George Inn – 135 Franklin Blvd, St. George Island, FL 32328
- Sportsman’s Lodge – 99 N Bayshore Dr, Eastpoint, FL 32328
- Consulate Suites – 76 Water St, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Places to Shop Near St. George Island State Park
While in the area, it may be time to sneak away for some great local shops. Find specialty-themed shops that are unique to the area not far from the park.
The Grady Market
Located just 19 miles from the park is the sweetest shop filled with items you are sure to love.
This shop has a variety of items available to you. You can find items such as local shirts, specialty items, and local goods.
This is also a fantastic location to buy items such as scrunchies and clothes for your trip over to the park.
More places to shop near the park
- Piggly Wiggly – 244 Franklin Blvd, St. George Island, FL 32328 (One of Florida’s few Piggly Wiggly stores)
- Island Outfitters – 235 East Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, Florida 32328
- The Tin Shed – 170 Water St Apalachicola, FL 32320
- La Robe Boutique – 87 Market St Apalachicola, FL 32320
- Forgotten Coast Outfitters – 94 Market St Apalachicola, FL 32320
Things to Do at St. George Island State Park
Spending a day at the park can be the best way to relax. Here are a few of the things you can expect to do while at the park.
Things to Do Near St. George Island State Park
While you are in the area, you can have some incredible experiences out at the park. If you are looking for more to do, make sure to visit some of the things to do listed below.
St. George Island Lighthouse and Museum
Take a trip back in time with a visit to the St. George Island Lighthouse and Museum. See a bit of history come to life while enjoying stunning views of this amazing area.
Business hours will depend on the season.
March 1 – Oct 31; The Lighthouse, Museum, and Gift Shop will be observing Regular Hours until November 1.
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday – Noon to 5 p.m.
- Thursday – Closed
Nov. 1 – Feb. 28; Winter Hours are in effect from November 1 through the end of February
- Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday – Noon to 5 p.m.
- Thursday – Closed
More things to do near the park:
- Enjoy a dog beach with your 4-legged-friend.
- Charter a boat.
- Rent Kayaks and go kayaking.
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We have made St George Island are yearly vacation for 4 years now and love the beach, sun, birds, the town and friendly people. See you again this May.
Camping reservations are very hard to get…..consider yourself lucky if you aquire one