St George Island is consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the United States, and one of the best places to vacation. I can see why!
We went in May (the week before Mother’s Day) which is the slow season anyway, but everyone and everything on the island is so calm and laid-back.
Located just off North Florida’s Gulf Coast, the 28-mile St. George Island is one of the last inhabited yet unspoiled barrier islands in Florida.
I posted a few pictures already here, but I still have a ton to share! And I wanted to make sure I mentioned the awesome nature center they have there!
We stayed in a townhouse with a view of the gulf, on the eastern end of St. George Island, right before the State Park.
Just before you cross the 4-mile bridge to SGI, there’s a nature center research reserve on the left that is a must see! I’m so glad we went to check it out!
It was completely free! They have indoor and outdoor exhibits and lots of fun facts about the area.
The tanks are completely open on top, but you aren’t supposed to pet the fish, duh.
But there is a room in center of the building that is full of animal displays and real animal bones that you can touch!
It was very hands-on and educational, kind of like a school field trip. There were even preserved animals, like sharks and turtles, in specimen jars.
Natalie said “This is the best day ever!” every single day we were there. And each day was better than the next.
But after the trip was over and the excitement had worn off, Natalie said her favorite part of the whole trip was visiting the nature center.
Haley said her favorite part of the trip was playing at the beach.
They both love the water, but Haley especially loves playing in the sand and building sandcastles.
We rented a kayak for a few days while we were there. My husband wanted one for shark fishing at night. (Yes, it’s as safe as it sounds.)
Haley couldn’t wait to go for a ride, and Natalie was terrified, but they were both ready to sail around the world in this tiny thing after about five minutes on the water.
I had never been on a kayak in the ocean before. We took it to SGI State Park, and my husband and I spent some time fishing in the bay without any kiddos.
We stayed one whole week, Sunday to Sunday. Total, we spent about $3,000. That was everything including our travel expenses, renting the townhouse, food for all 6 people, renting a kayak, souvenir shopping, and fishing supplies.
This picture of Natalie sitting is the very last picture I took before we headed back home. She wasn’t ready to leave!
It sounds like such an awesome trip you guys had. Our family would LOVE it there.
Wow. It looks like a beautiful place for a trip. I haven’t ever heard of St. George Island before. Looks like a lovely, and beautiful place to visit!
St. George is really gorgeous. I’d love to spend a couple of weeks there with the family.
It looks like you has a great time. I am a Florida native and I have never been to St George Island. I think it is time for a family trip.
Wow that just looks so peaceful. Visiting the nature center and going kayaking would be so nice. Usually I’m in busy areas when I go to Florida.
Looks like a great trip! I can’t wait to visit the beach this summer.
St. George Island looks so peaceful and relaxing, while still having enough to do to keep the kids entertained. I am definitely going to research it more as a possible vacation spot for our family!
What beautiful images of St. George Island. I can’t wait to have some fun in the sun in FL in the coming weeks.
Shark fishing? That one is new to me! I’m not sure I’m brave enough for that, but building sandcastles sounds absolutely perfect!
St. George Island looks like the perfect combination of things to do and yet peaceful enough to relax. Thanks for the great photos.
St. George Island looks like a great place to getaway with family and relax. The kids look like they had a blast too!
that looks like a gorgeous spot. I need a trip to the beach soon, it’s been a long winter
I love the picture of your daughter sitting not ready to leave. I am need of a vacation.
What a beautiful beach and area! Would love a break to get to the beach 🙂
This looks like such a fun trip! your pics are amazing!
This looks like a great location for a vacation. We are always looking for new places to visit.
This looks like such a fun place to visit, I am glad you had a great family time there! The pictures are gorgeous!
What a wonderful trip. It looks like you all had a ball. That sunset is amazing!!
I will be there next month for two week I’m so excited!!!
One of my favorite places in the world! Have a blast!