St. George Island is one of Florida’s last unspoiled places.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is a place where life moves slowly and the vast expanses are unspoiled by development. St. George Island’s 22 miles of uncrowded beach and laid-back atmosphere are the reasons why it is always on Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman’s (known by Dr. BeachList of best beaches in the U.S. In 2023, he praised the tranquil setting of Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park for its pristine conditions and calm atmosphere. There are also secluded spots for fishing, plenty of shelling, old-fashioned seafood shacks and a lighthouse that is worth exploring.

This tranquil community is located just two hours away from Tallahassee and one of the last remaining bastions of Old Florida. beach townsWhere everyone knows eachother. Devorah Kirkschenbaum, a local glass artist, owner of Art of Glass came from Long Island in New York 11 years before and fell for the place. I didn’t wish to leave. It’s peaceful. “There are no high-rises, no big-box shops, no crowds and nothing higher than three stories that blocks the ocean view,” said she. This place will get to you.

Best Hotels & Resorts

St. George Inn

This blue and white inn, which has been in operation since 1987, feels like it’s lost in the past, even down to the key that you receive at check-in. St. George Inn‘s twenty guest rooms are spacious and have nostalgic touches such as antique dressers with elaborate mirrors, vintage paintings, and artifacts that you might find in a fishing camp (there was an artifact shadowbox of nautical knots on my bed). The Neptune Room had a kitchenette with a Jacuzzi tub and rocking chairs outside the door. It also had a wraparound balcony. Guests with mobility issues can take advantage of a room that is ADA compliant and has a wheelchair access ramp. What is the best thing? The staff—all friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the island. The one-sheeter that they gave me was very helpful. It included information about where to eat out, rent equipment and buy groceries. The property is also one of most affordable on the island even during the peak season.

Vacation Rentals

Kirschenbaum says that vacation rentals are the majority of accommodations available on St. George Island. VRBO and Vacasa are great options, but for an experience that is more local, consider staying at Collins Vacation Rentals. Alice Collins is the president and owner of the island. She has been helping people plan vacations there since 1973. There are over 250 rental homes, ranging from luxury beach houses with seven bedrooms to Old Florida Cottages. Some of the homes have pools; others have boat docking facilities, and some are pet-friendly. Renters with mobility issues can also rent properties with elevators and ground-level entries.

What to do?

Beaches are a great place to relax.

Kirschenbaum concurs that the beach is the main attraction of St. George Island. “You must go to the beach.” She added that Dr. Beach declared it to be the best beach. There are many places to relax with a book, fish, or snorkel on the soft, ginger-colored sandy beaches. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park adds eight miles of uncrowded sand—some days, you may be the only person for miles. This secluded park offers plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and swimming. It also has kayaking, fishing, hiking and camping. Kirschenbaum enjoys “…taking a bucket to the end of sand. Your bucket will be filled with beautiful shells.”

Make some art.

This is adorable Art of Glass When you walk in, the boutique is filled with art. In the front room you will find ceramics, jewelry and fusion glass on shelves. Photography and paintings line the walls that lead to the two studios. Kirschenbaum founded Art of Glass ten years ago. Families come to classes year after year. Kirschenbaum stated, “Parents appreciate the fact that they can make something unique to their vacation destination and not just anything made anywhere else.” “Many say that it was the first time everyone sat at a round table, without any devices and actually talked to one another.” Visitors bring shells, seaglass, and other beach items. Canvas, fusion-glass, and painting are all available. Mixed media kits come with all the materials needed to create an artwork, as well as a link to video tutorials.

Go fishing

St. George Island offers a variety of fishing opportunities, whether you prefer to fish deep sea or from the shore. The waters of the barrier islands are home to a wide variety of fish species including redfish, pompano and Spanish mackerel. Other species include flounder, mahimahi and trout. Kirschenbaum said, “There is world-class fish here.” We love Fortunas Family Charters. “We always book them whenever we have family and friends in town.” The company, led by Captains Dan and Sam Fortunas offers half-day or full-day family-friendly charters for fishing, shelling and sunsets.

Cape St. George Lighthouse Museum.

This is hard to miss lighthouse and museum Kirschenbaum recommends that you plan a trip to the Cape St. George Light, which is right in town. Cape St. George Light was built and rebuilt several times due to erosion of the beach and storm surges since 1833. It finally collapsed in the Gulf of Mexico, in 2005. The reconstructed lighthouse, which was built using original plans taken from the National Archives of Washington, D.C., was opened to the public three years later. A replica of original keeper’s home opened in 2011, and contains a museum full of artifacts which tell the history of this landmark. Kirschenbaum says that every full moon residents and visitors climb the lighthouse to watch the moon rise and the sun set. They also raise a toast to cider.

Best Restaurants

Paddy’s Raw Bar

You will find it here if you are looking for a Florida Old-time atmosphere. Paddy’s Raw Bar delivers. The garage doors are still there, as well as picnic tables and bar seating. Customers have painted a collection of signs with places near and far on them. They line the poles and walls in the back yard, along with license plates and island memorabilia. Live music creates a lively atmosphere. Kirschenbaum is a fan of the ahi-tuna bowl. However, she added that “you have to try oysters when you visit.” All of the seafood is straight from the boats. I can attest to the great local beer selection on tap, and the delicious salad of Gulf shrimp cooked perfectly with just the right amount of dill. Paddy’s also participates in many fundraisers for the town and has spearheaded the Pink Out where they matched a donation for a new mammogram machine. Franklin Needs This year is the first time that we will be able to see this.

Blue Parrot

It’s hard to beat the close proximity to the beach; Blue Parrot It is the only restaurant on the beach for miles. It was originally a hot dog and beer stand that opened in 1987. Since then, it has grown to be a popular oceanfront restaurant for both visitors and locals. Above the wall-towall windows are family photos, while a palapa-topped bar is located on the sand. Kirschenbaum is always ordering the Reuben. “We are from New York. We know good Reubens. And this is a really good Reuben.” Sit on the deck with a frozen Rum Runner in your hand and the hushpuppies, on a sunny summer day, and it will feel like you’re on vacation. You can also get meaty grouper sandwich, smoked ton dip and Sand Blaster which is a tangy mandarin daiquiri topped with sweet blackberry and 151.

Weber’s Little Donut Shop

Lines snaking up and down the street at 5 am are a good sign Weber’s Little Donut Shop This is a must see. Kirschenbaum waxes lyrical about the coconut donut but claims that all varieties are delicious. She also offers this tip: To skip the queue, you can win a raffle ticket for the front of the line at local charity events.

Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream

Opening in 1993 Aunt Ebby’s It was the first place where I took my son to get an ice-cream cone. They still serve hand-dipped cones, sundaes and milkshakes that I remember from thirty years ago. It’s hard to miss the two-story bright-pink house with turquoise and lime-green accents, located one block away from the beach. Once inside, you can find delicious cold drinks and a photo wall of previous customers.

The Best Time to Visit

The fall and winter are the best seasons to visit St. George Island because of the temperate weather and the lower humidity. “The 4th of July parade The biggest and wettest water battle ever! The trucks are equipped with baby-pools for refilling the super soakers. People can refill their water at stations located around town. It’s a blast,” said Kirschenbaum. She loves the Chili Cook-Off held in March every year,  “During the pandemic, we set up the stations at houses and in front of businesses, like a chili crawl. This model was kept. We kept that model.

The hurricane season lasts from June until November. Storms are most common in August or September when the oceans are warm. You can save money on your flights and accommodations during this time.

How to get There

There’s no getting around it—St. George Island is a remote island. Tallahassee International Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (Panama City) and Tallahassee International Airport are the closest commercial airports. The two airports are about a 2-hour drive apart, but both have rental car agencies located on-site. The only way to enter or leave the island for those who are within driving distance is via the 4.1 mile Bryant Patton Memorial Bridge, also known as the St. George Island Bridge. This bridge can be reached by turning off Highway 98 at Eastpoint.

How to Get Around

St. George Island has a walkable town square where hotels, restaurants and attractions are located. There is a pedestrian-friendly town square where you can find hotels, restaurants and attractions like the lighthouse. Kirschenbaum suggested renting a golf cart, golf scooter or bicycle to explore the island if you don’t want to park your vehicle.