St. George Island is Florida’s unspoiled gem, spanning 22 miles of scenic views of the Gulf Coast. St. George Island is home to a wide array of entertainment for the whole family. From land-based exploration to water adventures, there is something for every kind of traveler to discover and enjoy.
St. George Island things to do include multiple activities and amenities for your four-legged furry best friends, such as St. George Island pet-friendly rentals, shops, recreation areas, and the Apalachicola Dog Park!
With miles of pristine white sand beaches, diverse waterways, lush natural spaces, and a wealth of culture and history, it is hard not to enjoy St. George Island. After choosing the St George Island Vacation Rental of your dreams, check out some of the amazing things to do on the island.
At Fickling Vacation Rentals, we have compiled an expansive list of activities to enjoy while on your St. George Island Beach vacation.
Museums And History
Florida’s Apalachicola region has over 900 structures on the National Register of Historic Places to preserve St. George Island’s history.
Apalachicola Maritime Museum
Originally established to preserve the rich maritime history of the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint River basin, the museum offers a range of historical tours, eco-tours, kayak trips, sunset cruises, and sailing programs. All of these activities encourage interactive learning.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum was created as a memorial to the amphibious forces who trained here from 1942 to 1946 when the camp was closed. Along with a pictorial display of the terrain and life at the camp, visitors will find a rich history and memorabilia of the regiments trained here.
John Gorrie State Museum
Apalachicola physician John Gorrie created an ice-making device in 1841 to relieve yellow fever in his patients’ quarters. These are today regarded as the groundbreaking actions that led to refrigeration and air conditioning development.
Raney House Museum
David Greenway Raney, a cotton merchant who later became a politician, finished building this Greek Revival mansion in 1838, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes. The museum is filled with 19th-century furniture, records, and relics.
Cape St. George Lighthouse
The Cape St. George Lighthouse is in the middle of St. George Island. It is currently 72 feet tall and open to the public all year round. The St. George Island Lighthouse offers sunset and full moon viewings every month.
Crooked River Lighthouse
Carrabelle’s Crooked River Lighthouse provided safe passage to fishermen and oystermen along the Gulf Coast before being decommissioned in 1995. Visit the lighthouse and take a trip down history in awe of the majestic historic structure.
Outdoor Recreation
The great majority of land in the Apalachicola area is designated for preservation under state or federal management, allowing tourists to enjoy and connect with the region’s nature.
Beaches And State Parks
St. George Island Beaches
The unspoiled white sands in St. George Island offer a striking contrast with the sparkling blue Gulf waters. The beaches are pet-friendly, welcoming the whole family, from adults to children and our furry friends.
St. George Island State Park
The beach at Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is the longest beachfront state park, with over 2,000 acres. Connect with nature while birdwatching, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and stargazing in the park.
Tate’s Hell State Forest
Tate’s Hell State Forest, often called Tate’s Hell Swamp, was formerly the center of the lumber business and was home to various ecosystems. Tate’s Hell State Forest has 35 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks that are good for canoeing, boating, and fishing.
Wildlife
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1968 as a designated National Wildlife Refuge, St. Vincent NWR works toward the protection and conservation of migratory birds across more than 12,000 acres on two islands and the mainland. On-site recreation includes fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, kayaking, and nature photography, along with plenty of hiking trails and bike paths. The refuge is a haven for endangered wildlife, such as bald eagles, red wolves, and sea turtles
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Encompassing over 246,000 acres of public lands in Apalachicola Bay, ANERR is the second-largest estuarine research reserve system in the nation, designated in 1983. Programs at the reserve focus on scientific research, natural resource management, environmental education, and stewardship for all ages.
Watersports
Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System
The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System contains 11 numbered paddling trips totaling nearly 100 miles, from long trips to out-and-back paddles. The trail network is part of the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area, covering more than 86,000 acres, which is home to the largest span of floodplain forest in the state. The trails cover marshes, creeks, and rivers adjacent to Tate’s Hell State Forest where fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities abound.
Apalachicola River Blueway
The Apalachicola River Blueway flows 107 miles from the Jim Woodruff Dam near the Georgia border at Chattahoochee to the John Gorrie Bridge at Apalachicola. A thriving hub of biodiversity, it is a popular choice for boating, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Side streams, sandbars, swamps, and cypress forests create pathways full of challenges and natural wonder that is best left to more experienced paddlers. The Apalachicola River Blueway connects with the Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System in the lower estuary and includes portions of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Fishing
Apalachicola Bay is renowned for its thriving waters that cement its importance in the fishing industry, especially when it comes to oysters. Home to more than 100 species of fish, the bay waters are easily some of the most productive in Florida. Add to this our convenient access to the stunning gulf waters and you have a genuine sportsman’s paradise! Bay fishing tends to yield trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead and black drum all year long, with Spanish mackerel, pompano, tripletail, bluefish, ladyfish and sharks peaking from March through November.
Kayak fishing is a great option for bay anglers, but charters are available as well. Pier fishing and surf fishing are at their best on the north side of the island at the pier, where whiting, flounder and redfish are biting year-round, and trout, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel and sharks grow in abundance during the summer. Head offshore to aim for the big game! Here, you’ll find Red snapper, grouper, amberjack, cobia, jack crevalle, kingfish, mahi-mahi, and (during the summer) tarpon.
Charters, Tours, And Outfitters
Looking for someone to point out the best fishing spots, lead you to the most popular points of interest, or fill you in on the area’s hidden gems? There’s nothing like a local pro to make sure you don’t miss a beat! Even if you want to lead your expedition, local outfitters are ready to offer tips and all the necessary gear for a safe and fun journey.
- Forgotten Coast Flyers – 14 Apalachee St, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Scenic air tours over the Forgotten Coast - Forgotten Coast Fly Company – 123 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Full-service fly fishing shop and charter tours - Bay View Charters – 423 N Sawyer Street, Saint George Island, FL 32328
Fishing charters, dolphin excursions, shelling trips, and sunset cruises - Salty Charters Florida – Apalachicola & Saint George Island
Dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, fishing charters, and eco-river tours - Book Me A Charter – 462 US-98, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Inshore and deep sea fishing charters and sightseeing tours - Robinson Brothers Guide Service – 44 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Inshore fishing charters, bay trips, eco tours, shelling excursions, and sightseeing - Backwater Guide Service – 301 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Saltwater and freshwater fishing charters, and eco-tours as well as, shelling trips across the bay - Southern Salinity® Guide Service – 323 Cook Street, Saint George Island, FL 32328
Photography tours, fishing charters, and custom trips - Apalachicola Airboat Excursions – 118 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Airboat tours, fishing excursions, and sunset cruises - Apalachicola Airboat Adventures -1 Bay Avenue, Apalachicola, FL 32320
The oldest and most established airboat tour company on the Forgotten Coast - Lady Katerina River Cruises – 1116 West Pine Avenue, Saint George Island, FL 32328
Cruise of fish the Forgotten Coast in a pontoon boat - Island Fit – Stand Up Paddleboard & Yoga – Saint George Island
Beach yoga and standup paddleboard experiences - Journeys of St. George Island – 240 3rd Street E, Eastpoint, FL 32328
Equipment rentals, fishing charters, boat tours, guided kayak and stand up paddleboard trips - Island Outfitters – 235 E Gulf Beach Drive, Saint George Island, FL 32328
Equipment rentals, charters, and pro shop
Boutiques And Art Galleries
Treasure hunters love the beach, and not just for the discoveries that await in the sand! There’s something special about the unique items you’ll find in island boutiques and art galleries! From antiques and home decor to original handmade gifts and beach gear, the retailers and artisans of our tropical paradise have plenty of spoils to choose from!
- Live Oak Gallery – 156 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Fine art inspired by nature – working studio space - On the Waterfront Gallery – 117 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Plein air oils, acrylics, pastels, prints, photography, jewelry, sculpture, furniture, home decor, gifts - Art of Glass Gallery – 47 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Fused glass artwork, from jewelry to home decor - Sea Oats Art Gallery – 128 E Pine Avenue, Eastpoint, FL 32328
The largest collection of art along the Forgotten Coast, showcasing regional artists and workshops. - River’s Edge Art Gallery – 59 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Handmade art and original paintings with an emphasis on local wildlife and landscapes - Apalachicola Center for History, Culture & Art – 86 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
5,000 square foot facility housed in an 1830s cotton warehouse featuring a gallery, studio, and lecture hall - Rio Carrabelle – 102 St. James Avenue, Carrabelle, FL 32322
Art gallery, photo studio, and live music venue housed in a historic two story building in downtown Carrabelle - Frost Pottery Garden – 101 US HWY 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328
Imported pottery, exotic plants, fountains, birdbaths, metal art, handmade jewelry, candles, apparel, and more - Riverlily – 78 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Bath and beauty collections from all over the world - Marilyn Brogan Jewelry – 236 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Custom-designed fine jewelry - Deep Southern Boutique – 77 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Modern, classic southern fashion and one-of-a-kind jewelry - Apalachicola Sponge Company – 14 Avenue D, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Goat’s milk soaps, natural sea sponges, bath bombs, and tupelo honey - Bee Inspired Too – 56 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Handmade and imported goods including cards and invitations, home decor, jewelry, and apparel - SGI Trading Company – 101 Franklin Blvd, Eastpoint, FL 32328
Beach supplies and island souvenirs - Oysterbones – 115 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
The perfect beach shop for pets and their owners, carrying apparel, toys, treats, and more - Seaside Cotton – 112 Franklin Blvd #103, St George Island, FL 32328
Name brand women’s apparel and fashion boutique - The Tin Shed – 170 Water Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
A staple of Apalachicola, specializing in nautical antiques, collectibles, and gifts - SGI Threads – 127 Commerce Street, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Curated collection of vintage-inspired classic beach apparel
Dining
Fickling Vacation Rentals ensures you experience the best of St George Island Dining. Select from a range of restaurants from beachfront eateries that give a scenic view of the Gulf waters. From seafood to finely prepared home meals, Florida has it all. Find your delight at Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe, Paddy’s Raw Bar, Aunt Ebby’s Ice Cream, and more!
Day Trips
Our little island paradise is in perfect reach of some fantastic destinations worthy of a day trip excursion. Within a two-hour drive to either the east or west, you can reach our state capital of Tallahassee or the ever-popular Panama City Beach, respectively. There are a number of popular and lesser-known destinations within easy access to St. George Island. A few of our favorite day trips are highlighted below, but if you’re looking for more ideas, we’ve got you covered!
Apalachicola National Forest
The Apalachicola National Forest is the only National Forest in the Florida Panhandle and the largest one in the state, with nearly 900 square miles of forests, swamps, rivers, and lakes.
Swim in the crystal clear waters of Camel Lake, bask on the white sand shores of Silver and Wright Lakes, or cruise hundreds of miles of waterways on a kayak or canoe excursion. Landlubbers can journey across more than 80 miles of hiking trails with plenty of sights along the way, including Fort Gadsden Historic Site on the east bank of the Apalachicola River.
Tallahassee
Head north on the Big Bend Scenic Byway for a beautiful journey with a significant destination. Tallahassee is the capital city of The Sunshine State and a place where remarkable history meets modern entertainment. History buffs will appreciate tours of the Florida State Capitol, Tallahassee Museum, Mission San Luis, and Museum of Florida History for exhibits showcasing everything from the arrival of Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513, to the current day-to-day governing of the nation’s 27th state.
Families are sure to love the amusement options in Tallahassee, which range from indoor attractions and theaters to assorted shops and restaurants.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach has been a favorite destination for generations. Families, teens, couples, and seniors can all find a reason to love this famed Gulf Coast beach town and its charmingly unique coastal culture. The city is a bustling version of a Florida beach town, with increased tourist development and family-friendly attractions like Shipwreck Island Waterpark, ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory, Gulf World Marine Park, and the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum. It’s also a popular location for golf, watersports, dining, and beachcombing!