The combination of good food, better company, and a beautiful picnic locale is hard to beat. And St George Island’s public beach is ideally suited to helping you achieve at least one out of the three.
One of Florida’s last barrier islands to be simultaneously unspoiled and inhabited, St George Island along the gulf coast is ideal for picnicking. It’s remote, pet-friendly and its scenery is remarkable, making it a perfect spot for your next beach vacation.
What to Eat
Unsurprisingly, what you bring on a picnic is a matter of taste. But some foods work better than others in a picnic hamper.
As a rule, if you’re hoping to enjoy your St George Island picnic, simple foods work best. We recommend:
- Cut up vegetables
- Salads
- Sandwiches
If you’re hoping for a more exotic meal worthy of the Franklin Country surroundings, these picnic recipes should inspire you.
In contrast, we recommend avoiding:
- Mayonnaise
- Raw fish dishes
- Hard, dense cheeses
Where to Go
If you’re looking for a picnic spot on St George Island, you have various places to choose from.
St George Island State Park
The St George Island St Park, sometimes called Dr. Julian G Bruce St George Island State Park, is the perfect spot for families seeking a quiet day out. It features spectacular sand dunes, and its gulf coast beaches are markedly quieter than other popular beach rental spots.
You can make a day of an excursion to St George Island State Park by partaking in various activities, including:
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
St George Island State Park also features a range of accessible beachfront picnic shelters that ably cater to the needs of the picnicking family. These picnic spots feature grills, restrooms, and tables. They are also proximate to parking space for up to 40 vehicles. Additionally, they meet the ADA accessibility standards, ensuring visitors of all abilities can enjoy this idyllic Franklin country picnicking spot.
Additionally, Dog Island protects a nearby beach from inclement weather, making this part of St George Island’s state park well-suited for families and young children when open.
St George Island Public Beach
St George Island Public Beach is another favorite picnicking spot. Like the park, it’s pet-friendly, meaning the whole family can enjoy the white sand and coastal shore.
You can access it by driving over the Bryant Patton Bridge with its view of the spectacular Apalachicola Bay. From there, it’s a short drive to well-placed parking and a family-friendly beach on a beautiful piece of forgotten coast.
There are several covered picnic pavilions, enabling your picnic to go ahead whatever the weather. Additionally, many nearby attractions, such as the Cape St George Lighthouse and a ball court, should keep younger children active and engaged all day.
Carrabelle
Finally, Carrabelle, often the gateway to the gulf, makes a lovely getaway for a picnic for the whole family. If you time your picnic excursion right, you may even spot nesting sea turtles over lunch.
What to Bring
Picnic have individual needs and requirements based on the foods you opt to pack. But as you prepare for your St George Island Beach picnic, here are some other things to consider carrying with you for maximum enjoyment.
Cutting Boards
Even if you prepare your food in advance, cutting boards are a valuable picnic asset. They’re doubly useful if you can’t find a vacant picnic table or pavilion because they offer somewhere sturdy to rest your picnic crockery and alleviate spillages.
Water
If you’re packing for a picnic, water is a must. The combination of savory foods and outdoor activity inevitably combine to dehydrate you, making water more important than ever. If you can, try and keep it cool. If that’s not possible, prioritize packing enough water to get your whole family through the day.
Hand Wipes or Napkins
No matter how careful you are, food is liable to spill or crumble, making napkins and serviettes a picnic must. Alternatively, wet wipes are an excellent cure for perennially sticky fingers. Luckily, if you forget, it’s a short trip down to the water to rinse your hands.
Conclusion
St George Island Beach is an ideal place for a picnic. Pet-friendly and child-friendly, it’s a part of Franklin County that the whole family can enjoy.
From white sands to boardwalk excursions or boating trips, you’ll find there’s something for everyone on this bit of the forgotten coast.
To make the most of your St George Island Beach picnic, remember to think carefully about what foods you bring with you, as well as any additional accessories. Cutting boards make excellent improvised tables, and napkins are a must.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do on your St George Island Beach picnic, the most important thing is that you enjoy it. So pack well, plan ahead, and relax.
