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There are more than 250 miles of beaches stretching from Alligator Point to Apalachicola. This is our list of the ten best.
and an entertaining walk for nature lovers. The only facility is a picnic table and the parking is minimal, but that's how most folks like this hidden gem.
the shallows most times of the year with regular appearances by jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel and whiting. You'll want to wear foot coverings during your walk here, and insect repellant may be handy during the warm months. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the natural inhabitants of St. George Island.
St. George Island State Park This is an outstanding venue for birding that covers several types of habitat. The fresh-water pools may provide secretive rails and diving kingfishers. A stroll down the beaches lined with shallow oyster bars may yield willet, plovers, herons, diving osprey and marauding eagles. This is a great place to walk your dog but be sure to keep your pet on a leash and pick up after them. This beach connects to some of the most productive shallow-water oyster bars in a bay famous for them and that makes for great fishing in close. Redfish and trout prowl
St. George Island State Park beach, located at the far east end on St. George Island, was ranked in the Top 10 by Dr. Beach. At nine miles in length, this is the longest beach front state park in Florida. And you have a lot of choices how to enjoy it. There are two large beach use areas with ample parking, picnic pavilions, beach house facilities, grills and boardwalks. This beach is renowned for its soft, white sand, gentle surf and softly-sloping bottom that makes for easy beach enjoyment for the whole family. If you would like more privacy there's plenty of
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beach that is easy to get to. A number of small pull-off parking areas provide boardwalk access all along the length of the beach. Fishing is a common activity with spring bringing locally famous runs of pompano and Spanish mackerel, while the fall months bring redfish and speckled trout. Pets are allowed on leashes in parking lots but not on the beaches. Alcohol is not allowed in the park. There is an entrance fee and please observe the speed limit rules as they are enforced. When you bring the family to St. George Island State Park you'll find Florida beaches the way they used to be.
East End Fishing Beach St. George Island State Park, East End fishing beach. This special use area of the state park is located through a locked gate that requires a special permit (issued at the main gate) and an extra fee. There is a five mile drive to the east end of the island and a parking area. The East End beach is for fishing only. This is one of the most popular fishing areas on the Forgotten Coast and it is as beautiful as it is productive. The deep currents that run through East Pass, which separates St. George Island from Dog Island, bring bait and bait eaters in great schools. Continued on page 28
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