This is the last chapter of the Forgotten Coast of Florida. Let’s go to St. George Island, which has quiet beaches. This is a great place to have the family or many friends. It has upscale condos, houses, and bungalows. I have a friend who has a family reunion on this island, and it is not that bad when you split the price of housing. You have a kitchen, multiple bathrooms, and bedrooms. This beach is not overrun with name-brand condos and hotels.
There are 28 miles of beach. A 6-mile trail to ride bicycles will go into St. George’s State Park. A lot of people love to ride bikes or get a scooter. If you would rather camp, this is the place for you.
Don’t forget your four-legged friend. St. George Island is pet friendly, and many accommodations allow pets. St. George is known as the friendliest beach for your four-legged friend. Many restaurants and activities will also enable your four-legged buddy.
Buccaneer Inn is the only hotel on the beach. It has been refurbished and has a private pool. There are other hotels on the island. I will leave a link.
Visit the lighthouse and walk down the pier to the beach. Bring your chairs and umbrella and do not forget the sunscreen. The beach is laid back and quiet, with families and people enjoying it. Many people enjoy jet skis at the beach to ride around and then park them while lying on the beach.
Rentals
You can rent very popular jet skis. Ride in the ocean, and you might see a dolphin or two. You can also rent bicycles, scooters, kayaks, and boats to explore the island. Go to the marshes where you can bird watch or watch the sun go down. They say you might see a pelican or snow owl. Bird watching is my favorite. I enjoy seeing the many species in different places.
Shopping
Now, what is a trip without shopping? There are many places to get that perfect souvenir or a new bathing suit. There are several art places and museums to look at. Stroll through the town and stop and have your afternoon coffee.
Restaurants
There are many places to eat. Try The Blue Parrot, which has a variety of foods to try, or Harry A’s for music on the weekend with your favorite cocktail. If you want great seafood, go to Paddy’s Raw Bar. There are many great places and music venues throughout the year. Go to the link to find out what festivals and activities they have.
Fishing
There is some of the best fishing in the bay and the ocean. Expect to catch many different species. You can rent a boat or charter.
Nature Lovers
This is an excellent place for nature lovers to explore 9 miles of unspoiled shoreline. In Early Summer, the hatchlings go into the water from their nests. Many sea turtles and birds are here.
History
The history of St. George Island goes back to the 10th Century when the Muscogee Indians inhabited the land. Then, in the 18th Century, the Europeans fought for the land. Trader John Forbes and Company were the first traders to come in and do business. Many trade posts followed after.
During the 1800s, trading companies discovered many natural resources, including crabs and oysters. This brought on the fishing trade of many companies. The Gulf in Florida is very popular for its seafood.
Navigation became complicated in the gulf between the marshland, so they built the Cape St. George Lighthouse to improve navigation. It has been destroyed three times over the centuries but rebuilt.
There is a lot of fascinating history. Follow this link. This link also has upscale rentals if you want to visit St. George. There are things to do and places to visit.
This is the end of my Summer beach series. We are going to dive into the mountain vacations. Fall is a time when everything starts to turn color. The weather is getting mild, and it is time to rent a cabin, sit by the fire, and drink hot chocolate or coffee. I will be going somewhere soon to see the leaves change. Stay tuned.
Travel Hacks for the Airplane Ride
Bring your entertainment. Download your music on your phone, download a series on your laptop, and bring a book. Bring an extra portable charger because you will need it if you have downloaded stuff.
Pack whatever you need to sleep with and have it handy—mask, pillow, blanket, etc.
Self-care products—baby wipes, face wipes, deodorant, toothbrush, brush, mints and pads for women.
Any medication you might need.
Stay hydrated. Bring hydration packs with electrolytes.
Prep your seat before you go to sleep. Put your seatbelt over your blanket so your server will not wake you. Make sure your window is closed, and your tray is up.
Most of all, be a good neighbor.
And that is a wrap for this week’s travel. If you like going on adventures and learning the history of destinations, subscribe.
This is a definite check on my bucket list! Just beautiful! Thank you so much for this informative series!