If you are a beach lover who doesn’t care for the crowds but love beautiful shorelines, St.

George Island provides the perfect utopia. This 22-mile barrier island proudly boasts some of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Florida. No high rises, low-density beach environment and a laid-back attitude all equal miles of uncrowded beaches for sunning and shelling, clear Gulf waters for swimming and excellent fishing, pristine marshes for wildlife viewing. Rent your own private beach home on our unspoiled pristine shoreline through one of our local realty companies. Choose from a small quaint beach cottage or a multi-story luxury beach home, or stay at one of the Island hotels or inns. The Island is also very pet friendly. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the beaches and cats and dogs are allowed in many of the rental homes.

St. George Island State Park occupies the far eastern end of the island where you will find nine miles of undeveloped shoreline, majestic dunes, bay forest, sandy coves and salt marshes. The park has a series of hiking trails, boardwalks and observation platforms. Bird watching is popular activity here. You might encounter one of the many migratory birds that use the island as a stopover on their way south or north. We have even had rare appearances by a flamingo and a snowy owl!

Sail or powerboats are available for rent, or rent a kayak and explore the remote bays and inlets where you might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle over head or a dolphin swimming in the surf. Or rent a bike and ride the paved bike trail or head down to the state park for off road trails.

If you want to catch fish or crabs, come to St. George where even the novice fisherman can bring home a fanciful treat for the evening meal. If you’ve made up your mind that you are truly on vacation and cooking is not on the agenda, St. George eateries serve only the freshest local seafood. Enjoy oysters surfside or dine on the bay watching the sunset. After dark the Island nightclubs offer live music, billiards, darts and other games. If that is not your thing, you can recline on the beach and watch the moonrise over the Gulf or take the kids and watch the sand crabs scramble from hole to hole.

Don’t forget to visit the great shops on St. George Island that carry everything from beach gear, clothing, gifts and books to gourmet treats, original artwork and jewelry. As an additional treat, stop off for a refreshing fresh fruit smoothie, a cup of gourmet coffee or some ice cream.