posted by admin on Jan 20
St. George Island- Floridas Best Kept Secret
I visited and camped at St. George Island in March of 2007 and what I found was simply amazing. I have visited all coasts in Florida including the Keys and what I enjoyed at St. George Island, and St. George Island State Park was something akin to going back in time before sky-rise condominiums, and out of control waterfront developments. St. George is a 28-mile barrier island with some of the most beautiful and serene beaches on the Gulf Coast. It is one of the last inhabited, yet unspoiled, barrier islands that exist in Florida. When you pull into St. George Island State Park you quickly realize the dramatic difference of the ocean views unspoiled by development. We drove down miles of beach before reaching our destination at the St. George Campground. This State Park is renowned for its open beaches which are very popular for surf fishing and shelling, clear Gulf waters provide for swimming and excellent fishing, pristine marshes for wildlife viewing. In fact the campground contains inter-dunal ponds which served as habitat to a couple of alligators that we seen each day of our stay. This area is also known as one of the worlds largest Oyster estuaries. I was very impressed with the park staff, park facilities, and campground. A sunrise or sunset bike ride down the beach is highly recommended as well as purchasing fresh seafood from the many local seafood vendors who set up shop in refrigerated trailers at intersections in town. One of the best nights of our stay was grilling out at one of the ocean-side pavilions (built after Hurricane Andrew) with a spectacular view of the Gulf. On the menu were fresh Grouper, oysters, and lyonaised red potatoes. Even more amazing we were the only ones on the beach as far as the eye could see with temperatures in the mid 70’s at sunset. It was truly a special moment that we called “priceless”. If camping is what you had in mind …
St George Island has plenty of luxury beachfront homes for rent, or you can stay at one of the islands hotels or inns. Pets and their responsible owners are always welcome at St. George beaches.
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Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
1900 E. Gulf Beach Dr.
St. George Island, Florida 32328
Phone: 850-927-2111
Fax: Contact Park for Number
February 18th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.