ST. GEORGE ISLAND
Where
Encompassing 22 miles of serene beaches, St. George Island offers sandy wonderlands like St. George Island Lighthouse Park and Regatta Park. But none outshine Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, located at 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island FL 32328.
Vibe
Under-the-radar beach paradise with convenient amenities and no crowds.
Beloved by beachgoers, bird-watchers and anglers, St, George Island State Park promises extravagant Gulf of America sunsets and unsurpassed stargazing. Often ranked among the top ten beaches in the United States, this hidden gem is only a party spot for dolphins and birds. St. George Island is where to go to fish with your kids on an empty beach; camp under the stars; and reconnect with nature and loved ones.
See, feel
Pull over at any beach access in the park, stroll down a sandy path or boardwalk, and prepare to be awed. Stretching across nine miles, the shoreline is staged against a backdrop you rarely see: nothing but rolling dunes, sea oats, and sky-- and sometimes, the bay on the other side of the shore.
Its white, shell-strewn sand fades to a latte-hue by the water, which is so clear you can see your toes through it. The bottom softly slopes, inviting little ones and timid swimmers to take a dip.
The surf is usually gentle, but winds, tides and offshore systems can occasionally cause conditions to be rough.
On or near the beach
St. George’s beach, ideal for swimming, relaxing, shelling and birding, is only part of the fun the park offers. Fishing, camping, stargazing, boating, hiking, paddling, running, boating and wildlife viewing are some of the park’s other activities. *The campground is currently closed for renovations, so check the official park page for the latest status before planning an overnight stay.
Accessibility
Dedicated to making the park welcoming to all visitors, St. George Island Park delivers accessible amenities that include all facilities like restrooms and showers; three beach wheelchairs; two beach cruiser electric mobility devices (OPDMD); a floating Mobi-Chair; mobility mats at the #1 and #8 beach access points and at the East Slough and Sugar Hill Beach use areas; one mobility mat at the East End special use area; six accessible campsites; nature trails; and observation platform for birding and stargazing. Please inquire at the ranger station about wheelchair availability.
Facilities
St. George Island Park facilities include restrooms; showers; two natural boat ramps accessing Apalachicola Bay; campgrounds; a canoe/kayak launch; two interpretive exhibits; picnic pavilions and grills; a playground; recycling baskets; and campgrounds.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk. Visitors are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach.
Parking
There are two large beach use areas with facilities offering ample parking, as well as a number of small pull-off parking areas with beach access along the length of the beach. Parking is included with admission.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ST. GEORGE ISLAND STATE PARK
Q. Where is St. George Island State Park?
A. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park occupies the eastern end of St. George Island, a barrier island in Franklin County along the Panhandle's "Forgotten Coast." The park encompasses approximately 1,962 acres and boasts about nine miles of largely undeveloped Gulf beach and quiet bay shoreline.
It sits east of the developed town of St. George Island, so it feels remote and natural once you pass the park gate.
Q. How do I get there?
A. From U.S. 98 at Eastpoint, cross the Bryant Patton Bridge (State Road 300) over Apalachicola Bay to the island, then turn east and follow Gulf Beach Drive through the town to the park entrance.
The park is at 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive; see the official park page for a map and directions.
Q. What are the hours and fees?
A. The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year, and charges a per-vehicle entrance fee.
Check the current amount on the park's hours and fees page.
Q. Are there lifeguards?
A. No. St. George Island State Park has no lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk.
The Gulf here is often gentle, but conditions vary and rip currents are possible, so check conditions and watch for posted warning flags before entering the water.
Q. What amenities are there?
A. The park has restrooms and bathhouses with showers, picnic pavilions and grills, a playground, an observation platform, two boat ramps on the bay side, and a canoe and kayak launch. See the experiences and amenities page for details.
There are no concessions on the beach, so bring water and supplies.
Q. Can I camp there?
A. The park has a developed campground with hookups plus primitive and youth/group camping, reserved through the Florida State Parks reservation system.
Note that the campground is currently closed for renovations, so check the official park page for the latest status before planning an overnight stay.
Q. What can I do at the park?
A. With nine miles of natural shoreline, popular activities include swimming, shelling, surf and bay fishing, kayaking and canoeing on the calm bay side, hiking (such as the Gap Point Trail), birding and stargazing.
See the experiences and amenities page for trail and launch information.
Q. Is the shelling good?
A. Yes, the park's quiet, undeveloped beaches are a favorite for shelling and beachcombing.
Please note that live shells must be returned to the water; collect only empty shells.
Q. Are the beaches accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
A. The park offers beach wheelchairs and beach mobility mats at access points, along with accessible campsites. Beach wheelchairs are free and first-come, first-served.
Inquire at the ranger station on arrival, and it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability. See the experiences and amenities page.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. Leashed pets are welcome in designated areas, including the campground, paved surfaces and nature trails, but not on the swimming beach or in buildings. Keep pets on a six-foot leash and clean up after them.
Confirm current pet rules on the official park page.
Q. When is the best time to visit?
A. The park is open year-round, and spring and fall tend to bring the mildest, most comfortable weather. Summer is warm and humid with the warmest water.
Whenever you go, check the forecast and current conditions first.
Q. Where can I eat, and what's nearby?
A. There is no dining inside the park, but the town of St. George Island, just west of the gate, has restaurants and shops.
The mainland towns of Apalachicola and Carrabelle, a short drive away via the causeway, offer more dining, lodging and Forgotten Coast sightseeing. Here are area places to eat and drink.
