🏝️ Welcome to St. George Island

St. George Island and nearby Apalachicola make up one of Florida’s last truly untouched coastal regions — a place where the beaches are quiet, the seafood is fresh, and the sunsets feel like they were painted just for you. Whether you’re here to unwind, explore, or eat your weight in oysters, this guide gives you everything you need to enjoy your stay.

🌊 What Makes St. George Island Special

• Miles of uncrowded white‑sand beaches

• Family‑friendly, pet‑friendly, and bike‑friendly

• No high‑rises, no traffic, no noise — just nature

• Dark skies perfect for stargazing

• Laid‑back restaurants and local shops

SGI is the kind of place where you leave your shoes at the door and your worries in the car.

🐬 Things to Do on St. George Island

Beach Time

The Gulf is the star of the show. Swim, sunbathe, hunt for shells, or walk for miles without crowds.

Climb the Cape St. George Lighthouse

A must‑do for first‑time visitors. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and visit the lighthouse museum. The view from the top is unforgettable.

St. George Island Lighthouse

Explore the State Park

St. George Island State Park offers pristine dunes, nature trails, birdwatching, and some of the best fishing on the island. The beach at St. GEorge Island State Park was rated #1 (best in the nation) by Dr. Beach.

Dr. Julian G Bruce St. George Island State Park

Rent Bikes, Kayaks, or Paddleboards

The island is flat and easy to explore. Paddle the bay, cruise the bike path, or drift along the shoreline.

The path that runs the length of the island, parallel to Gulf Beach Dr, makes biking, walking and running fun, easy and safe.

Rent a Golf Cart

Cruise the island in style and come and go to the St. George Island Cottage in a golf cart.

Preferred vendor:
SGI Golf Carts - Ride like a local 

Star Gaze

St. George Island has minimal development.  The dark skies are ideal for star gazing and watching celestial events.

Fishing & Boating

Inshore, offshore, surf fishing — SGI is a fisherman’s paradise. Charters are available year‑round.

• Book a fish charter: bay or golf
  Tide Life Charters - Bay or Gulf
  Fish King Charters - Gulf

• Book a sunset or dolphin cruise!
  Fortunas Family Charters

Relax and Unwind

Take advantage of your time off and chill!

Visit the Apalachicola  National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR)

Just across the bridge on the right is the ANERR, a bastion of displays, history, eco systems, education programs and activities. This is a great destination for all visitors.

ANERR

🦪 Things to Do in Apalachicola (15 minutes away)

Apalachicola is a charming historic town known for oysters, boutique shops, and maritime culture.

Stroll the Historic District

Brick streets, old Florida architecture, and locally owned shops.

Eat Fresh Seafood

Apalachicola Bay oysters are famous for a reason. Restaurants serve them raw, baked, grilled, or in stews.

Visit the Orman House and John Gorrie State Parks

Learn about the area’s fishing and boat‑building heritage.
Orman House Historic State Park

John Gorrie Museum State Park

Enjoy Local Events

Seafood festivals, art walks, farmers markets, and seasonal celebrations happen throughout the year.

🍽️ Where to Eat

On St. George Island

• Paddy’s Raw Bar – Oysters, live music, and a fun atmosphere
• The Sand Bar - Family friendly, great food
• Blue Parrot – Beachfront dining with seafood and cocktails
• BJs Pizza - Pizza and sandwiches
• The Beach Pit – BBQ + seafood combo
  
• Mango Mikes - American
• Weber’s Little Donut Shop 
• Island Expresso - Coffee, baked goods, grab n go foods
• Food Trucks:
  • BigFish SGI - Seafood
  • El Corozal - Honduran
  • Portside Pizza - pizza
  • Captains Corner - smash burgers and fried seafood
  • Crave - Donuts
  • Mellow Mullet - Snow Cones

See more detail at:
Where to Eat on St. George Island

In Apalachicola

• Up the Creek Raw Bar – Casual, waterfront, great oysters
• The Owl Café – Upscale Southern coastal cuisine
• Up to No good Tavern - Seafood and more
• The Station - Seafood
• Halfshell Dockside
• Tamara's On the Go - Food truck with chef inspired offerings
• Hong Kong Bistro - Chinese Food

In Eastpoint

• Red Pirate - American
• 98 Eats - Tavern
• Mangia - Italian
• Lynn's Quality Oysters - Local oysters, shrimp and gumbo
• Pollywogs - Ribs, burgers 
• Eastpoint Beer and Pizza
• Family Coastal - Seafood
• Fat Daddy's - Smokehouse and grill

🎣 Local Events to Enjoy

The Forgotten Coast hosts charming, community‑driven events all year long:

Annual Events:

• Apalachicola Oyster Cookoff - January
• Butts and Clucks BBQ Contest - January
• SGI Shrimp Fest - February
• St. George Island Chili Cook-Off - March
• Eastpoint Rib Cook-Off for EVFD - March
• Forgotten Coast Plein Air - March
• SGI Brewfest - April
• Blue Parrot Mullet Toss - June
• Independence Day Festivals - July
• Fins up on the Forgotten Coast - September
• Porchfest Apalachicola - October
• Forgotten Coast Freedom Festival Air Show - November
• Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola - November

Periodic Events:

• Monthly: Full Moon Lighthouse Climbs (St. George Island and Carrabelle Lighthouses)
• Bi-Weekly: Farmers Markets in Apalachicola, Carrabelle, and Port St. Joe
• Every few weeks: Island Market on St. George Island

These events are relaxed, friendly, and full of local flavor.

🌅 Best Spots for Sunsets & Sunrises

• Sunrise: The State Park or the east end of the island

• Sunset: The western beaches or the bridge overlook

• Bonus: On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible from the beach

🛒 Where to Shop for Essentials

• Piggly Wiggly Express on SGI 
• Piggly Wiggly in Apalachicola

• Island Outfitters – Fishing gear, apparel, rentals

🏡 Enjoy Your Stay at SGI Cottage

St. George Island Cottage is designed to be a peaceful retreat — cozy, comfortable, and steps from everything that makes SGI special. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a quiet escape, we want you to feel right at home.