Florida's Underrated Island Offers A Fun Coastal Getaway With Panoramic Views

When it comes to islands, Florida certainly has no shortage to choose from. There are so many, in fact, that the options can get dizzying. From the iconic Key West, home to iconic sunset-viewing spots, to Sanibel Island, a beautiful and serene shelling destination, the Sunshine State's islands act as a magnet for both travelers in the U.S. and abroad — and now, you can add St. George Island to the list of enticing off-shore destinations.

Situated near the port town of Apalachicola, famous for its oysters, on the Florida Panhandle, St. George Island is a gorgeous stretch of whitesand beaches and palm trees surrounded by picture-perfect azure waters. Unlike other spots in the area, this 22-mile-long barrier island has maintained its natural feel, with no high-rises or mega-resorts. This makes it one of the area's most ideal outdoor destinations, with miles of bike paths and plenty of wildlife spotting, excellent fishing, and some of the best kayaking and canoeing in the state.

St. George Island is also a remarkably pet-friendly destination, with all of its beaches open to dogs, as well as restaurants and other local businesses that welcome your four-legged companions. It's also home to a lighthouse, with a museum and gift shop attached, which add to its attraction as a perfect destination for the whole family.

Stretching out like a thin noodle just a couple of miles from the mainland, St. George Island is part of what's known as Florida's "Forgotten Coast" — a stretch of shoreline along the panhandle that has seen relatively little development. This means nature is the star of the show in this part of the state, and St. George Island delivers this deeply.

While the island has several great beaches to choose from, the stretches of sand at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park offers some of the best opportunities for sunbathing, shelling, beachcombing, fishing, kayaking, and more. The park boasts shoreline on both the gulf and bay sides, each offering a different perspective of the unique ecosystems surrounding St. George Island. Keep your eyes open for birds — including wading species, bald eagles, and woodpeckers — and if you're lucky, you may even catch sight of a pod of dolphins cruising through the gulf.

The island is also ideal for bicycling, with 17 miles of paved paths which are also great for walking. In addition, there are plenty of back roads begging for two-wheeled exploration. These take you along the shoreline and through the forests covering the thin interior of this one-mile-wide sandy rise. You can rent mountain bikes at several places on the island, including Island Outfitters and the Jolly Roger Beach Shop.

St. George Island is also an ideal destination for paddle sports, especially kayaking. The island offers everything from calm, shimmering turquoise waters to sand bars, hidden coves and inlets, and loads of wildlife — including sea turtles. The island is also part of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, a breathtaking 1,515-mile water route known as "the CT" for short.

Anglers will find no shortage of opportunities on and around St. George Island, as the surrounding waters are bursting with fish. Cast a line from the shore, piers, or flats, or head out onto the water in pursuit of species such as sea bass, mahi-mahi, amberjack, snapper, cobia, sheepshead, speckled trout, redfish, and one of Florida's most prized gamefish, grouper.

While you're on St. George Island, a visit to Cape St. George Light is almost a requirement. Originally built in 1833, the lighthouse was destroyed by waves and beach erosion several times before being reconstructed in 2009 at its current location. Make sure to climb the 92 steps to the top and take in the breathtaking views of the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico (renamed the Gulf of America in 2025 by U.S. President Donald Trump) spread out before you. In addition to the lighthouse itself, there is also a gift shop, along with a small museum telling the story of this remarkable piece of northern Florida history. Getting there is also easy, as St. George Island is a little over a 90-minute drive from Tallahassee International Airport.