12 Incredibly Fun Things to Do at St George Island State Park
If you’re looking for a little strip of paradise, look no further than St George Island State Park. Here, sugary white sands stretch for miles alongside the perfect blue waters of the gulf.
But there’s more to do at St George Island State Park than just lounging on the beach. (Although it’s hard to beat that!) Here’s just a sampling of the fun you can find at Florida’s sunniest state park!
What’s St George Island State Park All About?
If you’ve never been to St George Island State Park, you might be wondering what you can expect when you get there. Or maybe you’re thinking, “It’s a
From gallivanting in the glorious daytime sunshine to picturesque nighttime stargazing, there’s no end of things to do at St George Island State Park, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
This barrier island fronting the historic Apalachicola Bay has perfect blue waters on the gulf side of the island. Miles of white sands stretch out into the horizon, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a pod of dolphins!
On the bayside, you’ll find lush, healthy marshes full of schools of saltwater fish and swaths of wading birds, providing an ideal setting for birdwatchers, anglers, photographers, and explorers.
1. Bicycling
With 4 miles of paved road along the park’s main road and a 5-mile stabilized path winding along the east of the island, your hardest task will be choosing which bike trail to tackle first. There are also 3.5 miles of nature trails perfect for bike riding if you’re into a slightly more rugged, naturalistic experience (and a great view of the island). Just make sure you wear your helmet!
2. Birdwatching
St George Island State Park is one of the best places to see local Florida birds undisturbed and in their natural habitats. Over 300 species have been spotted making the park their home, including some endangered or threatened species.
Take a stroll down a nature trail where bald eagles and red-cockaded woodpeckers roost in the canopy of the trees. In the summer months, stake out the shorelines where seabirds like the least tern, snowy plover, black skimmer, and willet make their nests, and be sure to watch out for gulls and brown pelicans along the beach at St. George Island.
Some of the other popular spots for birdwatching are:
- The main park drive, which offers a vista of lively, picturesque coastal grasslands
- The observation platform that overlooks the relic dune ecosystem
- The group camping area near the maritime hammock
3. Fishing
This park is an angler’s paradise. Small, offshore boats can be used around the island for surf or bay fishing. You can expect to catch some flounder, sea trout, redfish, pompano, Spanish mackerel, whiting, and more!
4. Geocaching
World explorers have hidden geocache spots all over the park! Check geocaching.com for the most up-to-date information, then get ready to adventure into the wilderness to track them down!
5. Watch the Sunset
You probably don’t consider watching the sunset to be an activity in and of itself, but in the Gulf of Mexico, sunsets are nature’s number one stage show. (Definitely spectacular enough to earn a spot on your list of things to do!) Find a great lookout point, then set aside at least one evening to sit back with a cool glass of lemonade and drink in the beauty of breathtaking colors as the sun sinks into the gulf.
6. A Casual Day at the Beach
The miles of pristine beach on this barrier island are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and all your favorite beach day activities. In the summer months, sea turtles and shorebirds like the snowy plover, willet, least tern, and black skimmer make their nests in the park and along the shore, creating ideal conditions for shelling and beachcombing.
7. Water Sports
If you’re into spending your days out on the water, St George Island State Park has the water sports opportunities you’re looking for. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the ranger station, and conditions are perfect for boating and paddling.
8. Stargazing
St George Island State Park has the best stargazing in the Panhandle, thanks in part to the fact that it’s free of light pollution – the closest metropolitan areas are over 70 miles away!
This is the perfect chance to see the glittering stars and shimmering planets of our galaxy in all of their incomprehensible brilliance. Observe the wispy purple and white glow of the Milky Way above over the white sand dunes, try to find your favorite constellations, and wish on a shooting star or two.
9. Hiking
Eager to break a sweat? Head to one of the nature trails that wind through the pine forests and scrub areas, giving you a front-row seat to Florida’s gorgeous nature while getting your heart pumping at the same time. A 2.5-mile trail to Gap Point starts in the campground and meanders through the pine flatwood forest, stretching all the way to the bay.
Another mile-long East Slough Overlook Trail features boardwalks, resting benches, and informational resources. This may be a better option if you’re looking for a more leisurely trip, as this particular trail puts more emphasis on seeing nature and less emphasis on getting in a serious workout.
10. Camping
This huge barrier island state park is home to 60 campsites that are all set with water hookups, electricity, and a dump station nearby. Six of these sites have walkways and concrete pads. The campsites are just a quarter of a mile from the beach and the gulf, so you’re just a short little stroll away from your favorite beachfront activities!
The park also provides two restrooms with hot showers, a playground, and a nature trail that meanders from the campground through the pine forests and scrub. It’s the perfect way to feel like you’re getting out into nature while staying close to some of your favorite attractions in the park. These sites are perfect for hammock and RV camping as well.
If you’re into a more rugged carry-in, carry-out camping experience, head up to Gap Point. The two sites here accommodate 12 people each (enough for a full party).
11. Picnicking
In the park, you’ll find six large pavilions right on the beach. Each one has grills for cooking, several picnic tables to sit at, and restrooms nearby. Reserve a pavilion or try your luck with the first-come, first-served system – just make sure to come ready with plenty of burgers, hot dogs, and s’mores!
12. Nature Study
No matter what else you have planned for your trip to St George Island State Park, make sure you bring a camera (or your notebook and pencils). If you’re a nature lover or a creative type, you’ll want to stop often to record the beauty all around you. We recommend finding a perfect outlook and creating something beautiful by drawing inspiration from what you see.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you visit a
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Photo: Rachel Kramer via Flickr
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