Saint George Island State Park(Dr. Julian G Bruce Saint George Island State Park, St George Island, St George Island State Park, St. George Island)

Located on St. George Island, Saint George Island State Park – which is also known as Dr. Julian G. Bruce St George Island Park – is a state park that has multiple unnamed white sand beaches that are situated along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Apalachicola Bay. One of the beaches in Saint George Island State Park is ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States by Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is also known as Mr. Beach. Although 

Saint George Island State Park does not have lifeguards, it has many other amenities including a boat ramp, a fishing pier, a canoe/kayak launch, a playground, a campground, shower stations, and picnic pavilions. Rental facilities for water sporting equipment are also available in the state park. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches in Saint George Island State Park. 

Saint George Island State Park offers many fun activities including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking, sunbathing, beachcombing, and camping. Kayaking and canoeing are popular in Apalachicola Bay near this state park. During the summer months, visitors can also spot sea turtles, least tern, and willets around the beaches in Saint George State Park as these creatures use these beaches as nesting spots. Saint George Island State Park also has scrub vegetation and pine forests which visitors can explore via nature trails. The park is also home to various birds and animals including red-cockaded woodpeckers, bald eagles, and blue five-lined skinks. 

Getting to the Saint George Island State Park is easy - it is located at 1900 East Gulf Beach Driveway. The beach is easily accessible from the parking lot at the main entrance of the park which has a $6 entry fee.

There are many attractions within 45 minute-drive of Saint George Island State Park. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that conducts research, education, administration, and coastal training programs. The reserve’s visitor center gives an educational experience to visitors by depicting the unique connections among local Floridian habitats. Interesting exhibits here include a replica oyster boat, detailed maps of the Apalachicola watershed, a mural depicting the features of local ecosystems, and three giant tanks filled with native fish, shellfish, and reptiles. There is also a discovery room that has fossils and preserved marine animals available for detailed exploration. St. George Island Lighthouse is 72 feet tall and was built in 1833. The lighthouse collapsed in 2005 and was reopened for visitors in 2008 after its reconstruction. There is also a gift shop and small museum in the lighthouse’s vicinity that depicts its history. If you are looking for another attraction near Saint George Island State Park, Crooked River Light – which is also known as Carrabelle Light – is the tallest lighthouse in a region named the Forgotten Coast and is 103-foot high. There is also a keeper’s house museum and a gift shop near the lighthouse. The museum exhibits the original clock, a barometer, a glass fire grenade, pages from the keeper's watch book, money, and specimens of beacons.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants near Saint George Island State Park. Blue Parrot Ocean Front Cafe has an ocean view and is known for its seafood which includes delicious cocktail claws, popcorn shrimp, fresh fried oysters, snow crab, and fresh Mahi. Beach Pit offers Texas-style barbecued dishes and seafood including fried crab claws, sirloin steak, grilled tuna steak, and fried oysters. Red Pirate Family Grill & Oyster Bar provides an outdoor seating option and is known for its American cuisine and seafood including coconut shrimp, hamburgers, steak, fried scallops, and stuffed crab. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant near Saint George Island State Park, Mango Mike's serves amazing fish tacos, Rockefeller oysters, and shrimp.

If you are looking for a hotel near Saint George Island State Park, there are many great nearby options. If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Carrabelle Beach RV Resort is 40 minutes away by car and offers many amenities including a pool, a bar, a game room, and a fitness center. A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Gibson Inn is 32 minutes away and offers a bar, a casual restaurant, private patios, and a complimentary breakfast. Another moderately priced option is the 3-Star Best Western Apalach Inn which has a pool, laundry services, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast. If you are looking for another good and affordable hotel near Saint George Island State Park, the modestly priced 2-Star Apalachicola Bay Inn offers an outdoor pool and barbeque facilities.