St. George Island is located about eight miles southeast of Apalachicola. It is known for its serene, natural setting and laid-back family atmosphere. The St. George Island Bridge is the connector between Apalachicola and St. George Island, and when you drive it, you’ll feel like you’re crossing the bridge to paradise!

The St. George Island Bridge is just the beginning of the beauty you’ll witness on our amazing island. There are many ways to get around and experience the stunning scenery of SGI. Discover the best ways to see and experience St. George Island and ensure that your family or friends have a memorable getaway to this island paradise! Our Things to Do page lists amazing outdoor activities, restaurants and local businesses that will keep your loved ones active as you enjoy the sights and sounds here on SGI. The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, make sure you check our Things to Do page first. It contains helpful recommendations that you can use to plan an amazing vacation!

Driving the St. George Island Bridge

The St. George Island Bridge is the most convenient and popular way to enter St. George Island. It also gives travelers the chance to experience some great scenic views. Enjoy looking out over the water as you approach the shore of SGI. As you get closer to the island, you’ll also see the town’s iconic Cape St. George light in the distance. The stretch over Apalachicola Bay, from East Point to SGI, is 4-miles long, making it the third longest bridge in the state of Florida.

When You Arrive, See Gorgeous St. George Island Up Close

The St. George Island Bridge, also known as State Road 300, ends right in the heart of St. George Island. While you’re here, you’ll experience all of the amazing sights you observed from a distance up close! Visit the St. George Island Lighthouse to learn about its history or go on a Full Moon Climb. Our beaches are loved for their natural style, and beauty of St .George Island State Park is rare. You can also head back out to the water for a dolphin tour, fishing, or kayaking while you’re here!

Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home

After you make your way to the island using the St. George Island Bridge, head to your beautiful Collins Vacation Home to relax. Our rental homes are amazing places to spend your SGI vacation. Many of the rentals are located in close proximity to some of the island’s best beaches, attractions, and activities.

Take full advantage of your beach vacation when you stay in one of our premier oceanfront properties.  Once you find your perfect vacation home, you can start the countdown to a fantastic trip! Then just arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life!

Are you dreaming of sugar-white sand and sparkling blue water? When it comes to the world’s most beautiful beaches, no place can compare to Florida’s Forgotten Coast. From Apalachicola to the pristine shores of St. George Island, this slice of paradise offers stunning natural beauty around every corner. Come dive into the Gulf, indulge in fresh seafood, and get ready for a family vacation you’ll remember for years to come. Read on to learn how you can plan the best Florida summer vacation. Then, start planning your trip!

For more recommendations about things to see and do on St. George Island, head over to our Things to Do page. It’s full of great tips about the best local restaurants, beaches, shopping, and attractions along the Forgotten Coast. Planning the ultimate Florida summer vacation has never been easier!

How to Have the Best Florida Summer Vacation on St. George Island
See for yourself why St. George Island is one of the most desirable vacation spots in Florida. You won’t high-rises, hotels, or large crowds here. Instead, you’ll discover beautiful secluded beaches and endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Get out and explore miles of scenic hiking trails, go for a family bike ride, or play in the waves. You’ll find that many of our vacation homes are just steps away from the shoreline! 

5 of the Best Summer Florida Vacation Ideas for Families

1. Hit the Beach
St. George Island is home to the best beaches in Florida — it’s no secret. Year after year, visitors are drawn to the island’s powder-soft sands and aquamarine waters. Lounge by the shoreline and soak up the sun, help the kids build sandcastles, or cool off with a refreshing swim. The island also offers watersports galore! From snorkeling and diving to boating and kayaking, there are endless ways to play in the Gulf. Rent jet skis and have a blast on the waves, embark on a paddling adventure, or take a dolphin tour with the whole family. At the end of each day, enjoy a postcard-perfect sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. 

2. Tour the St. George Island Lighthouse
If there’s one thing that must be on your Florida summer itinerary, this is it! The St. George Island Lighthouse is a famous landmark of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Purchase your tickets inside a replica of the original Keeper’s House. Explore the lighthouse museum. Then, climb 92 steps to the top of the lighthouse to see panoramic vistas of the island. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

3. Cast a Line into the Gulf
Are you interested in doing some fishing while on vacation? You’ve come to the right place! St. George Island is one of the best angling destinations in the country! From the Gulf of Mexico to Apalachicola Bay, these waters are teeming with colorful fish. Flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting and Spanish mackerel are just some of the species you can catch. Make sure to visit some of these popular St. George Island fishing holes during your getaway!

4. Grab a Scoop of Ice Cream
On a hot summer day, nothing sounds better than a giant scoop of ice cream! When you’re ready to take a break from the sun and surf, stop into Aunt Eby’s. This local ice-cream shop offers some of the biggest (and tastiest) scoops on the island!

5. Explore Historic Apalachicola
With beautiful beaches, delicious dining options, and charming coastal shops, St. George Island has everything you need for a fabulous Florida summer vacation. However, if you’d like to venture off the island for a day, we recommend checking out Apalachicola. Just over the St. George Island Bridge, this charming town is home to interesting museums and beautiful state parks. 
Take a step back in time at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn about Forgotten Coast history and culture. Next, take a stroll through Chapman Botanical Gardens and admire the gorgeous flora and fauna. When you start to work up an appetite, stop into the Owl Cafe for fresh Apalachicola Bay oysters, gourmet cuisine, and fine spirits. Then, head back home to the island and unwind in your comfortable Collins Vacation Rental.

Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Rental
Whether you’re joining us for spring break or an unforgettable summer getaway, you’ll never forget your stay along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Experience your family vacation to the fullest when you book your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals. We offer a wide range of gorgeous vacation rentals on St. George Island, FL. Whether your family prefers to stay in a beachfront property, a home with a heated pool, or a pet-friendly rental, we are sure to have the ideal accommodation for your stay. 
Guests staying at select, participating Collins Vacation Homes can also access complimentary activities through Xplorie. These may include yoga on the beach, kayaking or stand up paddleboarding adventures, bike rentals, golfing at St. James Bay Golf Club, unlimited movie rentals, or free admission to the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. Don’t wait to start planning your getaway!
View our properties and contact us to reserve your desired Florida summer vacation dates now. We’ll see you soon!

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Looking for a place to gather a large group of people without any disruptions? The Forgotten Coast is the answer you’ve been searching for! We know all the best things to do for big groups on St. George Island, from exploring the outdoors to savoring the best food in town. On our Things to Do page, you’ll find many more team-building activities to add to your itinerary, and your whole group will have a blast! So, whether you’re planning a family reunion, a company retreat, or any other large group encounter, a get-together on St. George Island will be unforgettable. 

Try These Exciting Things to Do for Big Groups on St. George Island

Explore the Island’s Coolest Spots
With lovely white sand and twinkling blue water, St. George Island State Park is one of the best places on the island. The park offers plenty of spots for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, and more. The 2,000-acre park is the perfect place to get your crew together and search the shoreline for seashells, splash around in the Gulf, or try to spot Dolphins leaping in the distance. 
Another spot you’ll have to visit is the St. George Island Lighthouse. Your group will love climbing to the top of the lighthouse for remarkable views of our gorgeous barrier island. Plus, whenever there is a full moon, the lighthouse opens its doors for a special full moon climb. Visitors from far and near love taking advantage of this rare occasion. 

Dine at the Best Restaurants on SGI 
It’s no secret that cooking while you’re on vacation can be a bit of a struggle, especially when there are a lot of people to feed. Instead of trying to cook a huge meal that will please everyone, we suggest trying out the island’s local restaurants. Our eateries take pride in serving fresh seafood and providing an outstanding atmosphere with live music and relaxing coastal vibes.

No matter the size of your group, these local restaurants would love to host you: 
The Beach Pit 
Mango Mike’s
Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café
Paddy’s Raw Bar
BJ’s Pizza and Subs

Local tip: Call the restaurant ahead of time, so they will be ready to accommodate your group when you arrive. 

Discover the History of the Gulf Coast 

Just over the St. George Island Bridge, you’ll find the charming coastal cities of Apalachicola and Eastpoint. Here your group can check out several museums, where they’ll learn about the Forgotten Coast’s fascinating history and culture. Two of our favorites are the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve, Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum, and the Apalachicola Maritime Museum. 

Stay Together at a Collins Vacation Home 
What better way to spend your group retreat than all together in an oceanfront beach house? Our beautiful vacation homes offer plenty of space for everyone in your group and sleep up to 17 guests. Plus, our peaceful beaches are perfect for hosting group activities, and our private pools are great for late-night swims. Trust us, when you stay with us, everyone in your group will beg to return to the Forgotten Coast.

Check our availability and book your stay now!  

The Big Peach, City of Trees, Hotlanta, The A – Atlanta, Georgia is a city with many names, millions of people, and innumerable things going on at any given moment. The fast-paced lifestyle of the Empire City of The South can be exhilarating, but every now and then even the most thoroughbred ATL native may need a little break. Luckily, the trip from Atlanta to St. George Island is an easy drive. It can be done in about 5.5 hours, and SGI is under 350 miles from the buzzing Georgia city. There are also a few interesting things to see along the way.

Make the drive from Atlanta to St. George Island and experience a whole new lifestyle on SGI! The perfect mix of laid-back island life and fun activity, St. George Island, Florida is a vacation destination the whole family will love. Make amazing memories and explore the best of the Forgotten Coast when you visit our Things to Do page. It lists entertaining attractions, great restaurants, and local businesses that will keep your loved ones engaged as you enjoy your vacation together. The next time you find yourself planning a trip to St. George Island, make sure you check our Things to Do page first. It contains everything you need to have great time bonding during your family vacation!

Atlanta to St. George Island: The Route
The quickest way from Atlanta to St. George Island by car is via US 27 South. The trip is about 339 miles from the heart of the city to arrival on SGI. The drive sticks closely to the Georgia-Alabama border, but you’ll stay in Georgia until you cross into the Florida Panhandle. Except for a few mild curves, it heads almost due South to the Gulf of Mexico.

Atlanta to St. George Island: What You’ll See Along the Way
On the drive from Atlanta to St. George Island, there are a few sights to look out for along the way. About half of the way through your Georgia state drive, you’ll pass through the town of Cusseta. If you’re looking for a place to stop and stretch your legs, take a quick jaunt around their charming downtown area.

Once you pass the Florida line, it won’t be long until the road takes you through Apalachicola National Forest. It’s the largest U.S. National Forest in the state of Florida, and the only one in the Panhandle. Finally, the St. George Island Bridge provides some amazing views of the water, the oyster fishermen, and the St. George Lighthouse.

Find the Perfect Vacation Home to Enjoy SGI
Once you make the trip from Atlanta to St. George Island, prepare to revel in the laid back lifestyle. A Collins Vacation Home is the perfect place to kick back and breathe easy. All of our gorgeous rentals are complete with everything you’ll want for a great vacation. Many of the homes are located in close proximity to some of the island’s best beaches, attractions, and activities.
Find the best place for your family and maximize your next vacation.  Once you find your Collins vacation home, you can start the countdown to a fantastic trip! Then just arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life!

We know how challenging planning a family get together can be! With so many conflicting schedules to keep in mind and destinations to decide on, taking on a vacation like this can be a lot of work. Collins Vacation Rentals is here to help! St. George Island has everything you need for people of all ages, so check out our family reunion beach vacation rentals to get planning!

When you reserve one of these amazing family reunion beach vacation rentals, you’ll be at a great location to experience all the fun on SGI! The perfect mix of laid-back island life and fun activity, St. George Island, Florida, is a place your family will want to come again and again. To take a quick peek at everyone our island oasis has to offer, browse through our Things to Do page. With a list of trusted businesses, it’s a great tool to plan your trip!

Top 3 Reasons You Need an SGI Family Reunion Beach Vacation Rental
Fun for All Ages
Whether you are 2, 22, or 82 years old, you’ll have a great time on St. George Island. No matter what your age is, you can’t help but love the beach. Our island has mile after mile of sand, so you will have more than enough room to spread out! Start the day with a walk on the beach or bike trail with your family before setting up your beach chair rentals to have some fun in the sun. Older relatives love to catch some rays while the children splash around in the ocean! Plus, there are countless other family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as climbing to the top of the St. George Island Lighthouse, paddle boarding, fishing, and more.

Less Crowded
Admit it: some of the fun gets taken away when you’re constantly waiting in line and fighting crowds on vacation. St. George Island is not your typical Florida destination! When you visit us, you’ll see how the Gulf Coast once was many years ago. The natural beauty is still here, and the views are not ruined by big-name hotels and condo complexes.

Everything You Need
From grocery stores right on the island to some amazing restaurants, everything you could possibly need is located within a few square miles from your family reunion beach vacation rental. If you have anything particular in mind, just give us a call at Collins Vacation Rentals! We are happy to help.

Finding the Perfect Family Reunion Beach Vacation Rental
Are you ready to book your family reunion beach vacation rental? Collins Vacation Rentals has tons of options for you! With more than 250 properties to choose from, we are sure you’ll find the perfect beach house. Browse our vacation rentals to start planning your stay. Our properties vary in size and location, so we know we can accommodate the whole family. Or, there is always the option to rent a few houses in the same neighborhood so members of the family can have some privacy. Your family reunion beach vacation rental awaits!

St. George Island is one of the most calm and serene spots in all of Florida. However, for one day out of the year, the island turns competitive. The St. George Island Chili Cook-Off is one of the most anticipated events of the season. Every spring, locals and visitors come together to cook chili and enjoy events to raise money for charity. Book your stay at Collins Vacation Rentals to experience it for yourself!

If you’re thinking about heading to our island for the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off, take a look at our Things to Do page . Here, you will find everything you need to know about the things to do and see on the Forgotten Coast. Whether you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for date night or family-friendly activities for the kids, you can get our recommendations here.

 
About the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off
Every year, more than 5,000 people gather on St. George Island for the event. Not only is there a chili cook-off, there is also a 5K, Miss Chili Pepper and Mr. Hot Sauce contests, golf tournament, salsa contest, and an auction.

Where Do the Proceeds Go?
Proceeds of the St. George Island Chili Cook Off benefit our amazing Volunteer Fire Department. This contest was started to benefit the fire department from the very beginning and continues to do so to this day.

Can I Participate in Events?
Yes! As long as you register in time and pay a small fee, events at the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off are open to the public. We urge our guests at Collins Vacation Rentals to participate! Entry fees are usually about $5 for food competitions, and you might take home a prize. No matter what, you’ll get to go home with fond memories of competing in one of the most treasured events on the island. You might even get a chance to win Mister Hot Sauce or Miss Chili Pepper if you try out!
If you don’t want to participate, attendees have a great time watching all the events. You can try chilis and watch the contests. Check out the schedule to see when everything is, then plan your time around that.

The Official Chili Cook-Off
The official chili cook-off portion of the event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society. Their rules and regulations apply to the cook-off. It is $40 for ICS members and $90 for non-members, and winners get a cash prize. If this cook-off is too intense for you, you are always welcome to participate in the crockpot chili contest! ICS rules do not apply, and the entry fee is only $5.

Book Your Vacation Today
If you’re looking to attend the St. George Island Chili Cook-Off, book your stay at Collins Vacation Rentals! We have properties across the entire island, so we know we have one for you. Browse our rentals based on size and location, then book your stay. From beachfront homes to cozy cottages, our company has curated some of the best properties on the island for you to enjoy. We look forward to seeing you!