Category: Things to Do

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!

Spring Break only comes once a year, and it’s the perfect time to take the family on vacation.  St. George Island State Park was voted the #1 Beach in America in 2023!  You don’t have to worry about the kids missing any important school, and by the time spring rolls around, you’re all ready for some time off. Renting a beach house on St. George Island is the best spring break family beach vacation available! Here’s why.

4 Reasons Why SGI Is the Best Spring Break Family Beach Vacation

Countless Things to Do
You and the kids will never be bored on St. George Island! There are countless activities on the Forgotten Coast, and Collins Vacation Rentals is here to help you plan your trip. For a summary on all the things to do here, check out our Things to Do page. As locals in the area, we know where to go! From relaxing on the beach to fishing to kayaking to visiting historic sites, there is something for everyone.

It’s Not Crowded
One thing travelers worry about during spring break is going to a crowded area. With so many kids out of school at the same time, many hotspots are so full of people that you can’t enjoy yourself. That’s not the case with St. George Island! Our small island is not built up with big-name hotels and countless condo complexes like most of Florida, so you’ll always find a spot on the beach. Don’t fight the crowds and wait in line for every little thing you do this year!

The Option to Dine out or Stay In
Having a vacation rental for your spring break is the best of both worlds. There’s more than enough room to spread out in your home, and it gives you the option to choose to dine out or stay in. There are many great restaurants on SGI, but sometimes, it’s easier to cook up a grilled cheese or a family meal instead. Head to one of the grocery stores just moments away! If you don’t feel like cooking on vacation, the kids will love a spot like the Blue Parrot right on the beach.

Great Weather
Escape the cold this spring break when you visit St. George Island! Our temperatures will most likely be in the 70s while the kids are on break, so you won’t have to worry about snow or winter coats. This weather is perfect for exploring and enjoying outdoor activities after being cooped up all winter long.

Book Your Spring Break Getaway Today
The sooner you book your best spring break family beach vacation, the better! You know that spring break is a popular time to go on vacation, so book today in order to get your first choice of property and dates. Browse our properties to start planning your stay. You can choose based on size and location—you can easily make sure your vacation perfect. With everything from small cottages to beachfront villas, we have something to fit the size and needs of your family. We look forward to seeing you on the island this spring!

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 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!  

When you stay with Collins Vacation Rentals, we do everything we can to make sure you have the getaway of a lifetime. Staying on the gorgeous St. George Island in a beautiful beach rental is the recipe for an amazing trip, but we aim to go above and beyond during your stay. Take advantage of Xplorie, our partnership that we made with select properties to give you complimentary activities all over the island. It will take your island getaway to the next level! 

Are you ready to start planning your St. George Island getaway? Take a look at our Things to Do page for an overview of what our island offers! Our Xplorie activities are a great start, but this page includes every trusted business and activity our island offers. As St. George Island locals, we know how important it is to know where to go and what to see while you’re here, so we made this carefully curated guide to help. 

What Is Xplorie?
Xplorie is a way to make experiences on the island more accessible. As part of the booking process, you can choose complimentary activities you would like to enjoy during your stay with select properties at Collins Vacation Rentals. Each day, you can get one pass to each activity, and you can purchase more passes depending on how many people are in your party. It’s easy, complimentary, and fun! 

What Does Xplorie Offer?
Collins Vacation Rentals has worked with Xplorie to offer some of the best activities on the island! All activities are booked directly through Xplorie, and they will do the work to make sure everything is in place and ready for you to enjoy. Hello, stress-free vacation! 

Bike the Beach
Visitors love getting around our island by bike! When you book a bike rental with Island Adventures through Xplorie, you can get a free rental. Bike to breakfast from your vacation rental, or wake up early to bike the beach as the sun rises. 

Relax With Beach Yoga 
Nothing is more relaxing than yoga on a beach!  Enjoy beach yoga with Island Fit!  Breathe in the salt air as you practice yoga on the sand. Vacation is all about getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and this is the perfect way to do it. 

Take an Eco Tour
One of our favorite parts about St. George Island is that it’s not built up like other Florida vacation destinations. Much of the land on our island remains untouched, so you can explore the beautiful landscape.  Get your kayak rental with with Journeys of SGI and enjoy the beautiful waterways of the Island.  

Enjoy Ice Cream at the Beach
Enjoy your favorite ice cream cone on the beach and the friendliest service in town!  Aunt Eby’s has great classic music, views of the Gulf and a large variety of hand dipped  ice cream.  

Art at the Beach
Creative fun for the whole family and great for all ages with Art of Glass by Island Girl.   Have fun creating your own unique glass piece and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Enjoy a Round of Golf
Golfing is an excellent vacation pastime, and Xplorie offers a free round of golf during your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals. Practice your swing among towering trees in the Florida sun at the St. Joseph Bay Golf Course.

Gulf Specimen Marine Lab

At Gulf Specimen Lab you will get a better understanding of Marine Life.  See creatures such as seahorses, emerald-eyed spiny boxfish, electric rays and red and white spotted calico crabs, just to name a few of the endless living treasures of north Florida’s coast. 

Have a Movie Night
With the help of the Xplorie movie kiosk, you can plan a movie night with the family! You can take two movies out at a time to enjoy in your Collins Vacation Rental. 

Book Your Getaway Today
Browse our vacation rentals and pick out your Xplorie activities to start planning your St. George Island getaway! Whether you’re coming with family or a group of friends, we know you’ll love our island as much as we do. Check your favorite property to see if Xplorie services are included! We look forward to seeing you!  

Your dream beach vacation is probably lounging on the sand with a drink in your hand. Once a toddler comes into the picture, it might seem like those days are over. Not on St. George Island! Collins Vacation Rentals knows how to make the best beach vacations for families with toddlers. Pack up your floaties and swimmies and head to the Gulf Coast!

Get a sneak peek into all our island offers when you take a look at our Things to Do page! Here, you will find our favorite businesses and activities in our area. Whether you are wondering about which restaurants to get some local bites at or the best spot to cast your fishing line, you’ll find it here. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our awesome staff!

How to Have the Best Beach Vacations for Families With Toddlers on SGI

Secluded Beaches
There’s nothing more stressful than having to keep an eye on your toddler at the beach. Crowded beaches are easy to get lost in and make the day unenjoyable for everyone. We can assure you that the beaches on St. George Island are the most secluded you have ever experience. With mile after mile of soft sand, there is more than enough room to spread out. The waves are never big, especially on the bayside, so you can relax knowing your toddler is in the safest beach environment possible. Consider a beachfront home so you can walk out your door onto the sand and go inside whenever your toddler gets fussy!

Close Activities
St. George Island is only 28 miles long and one mile wide at its widest point. This means that no matter where you stay, you will be close to everything! If you toddler needs a nap, you don’t have to worry about hitting heavy traffic to get back to your vacation rental. Head home within minutes, rest, then get back out and enjoy the island.

Everything You Need
St. George Island may be small, but we have everything you need to have the best beach vacations for families with toddlers. Whether you need extra diapers or realize you forgot to pack the all-important sunscreen, you can easily get it on the island. We have multiple grocery stores right here on SGI so you don’t even have to cross the bridge!

Convenience of a Vacation Rental 
The recipe for success on a vacation with a toddler is convenience. A vacation rental is your home base during your getaway. You can easily cook meals in the fully-equipped kitchen if your toddler isn’t up to going to one of the many restaurants on the island. We also have rentals with pools available; sometimes, it is much more convenient to take a dip in the pool rather than lug all your supplies to the beach.

Book Your Family Getaway Today!
Come experience one of the best beach vacations for families with toddlers when you book one of our Collins Vacation Rentals. Our properties are located all over the island so you can choose based on size and neighborhood. Whether you want to be in the gated community of the Plantation or close to town, we have one for you! Browse our rentals to start planning your stay. We look forward to seeing you!

A short drive or boat ride off Florida’s panhandle, you’ll find a tropical oasis. St. George Island offers many natural wonders like Cape St. George State Reserve, Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve, and the Apalachicola National Forest. The island’s natural allure coaxes locals and tourists to celebrate its breathtaking beauty at unique local events. Throughout your stay, family-friendly events on St. George Island are an excellent way to enjoy the island, and mingle with locals! To discover all the Forgotten Coast fun, visit our Things to Do page. As you browse through all the St. George Island family activities, you’ll find that this destination has everything you need to alternate leisure with captivating island adventures!

Our Favorite Recurring Family-Friendly Events on St. George Island

Let the Moonlight be Your Guide As You Climb Up a Stupendous Lighthouse
Although you can visit Cape St. George Light during the day, seeing the lighthouse at night is even more mesmerizing. Once a month, the lighthouse association hosts a Full Moon Climb. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss. As the sun sets, you’ll ascend more than nine stories to the lighthouse’s highest lookout point. Once you reach the top, you’ll witness a spectacular sunset, the rise of the full moon, and you’ll see the island and all its surroundings illuminated by the moon’s soft glow.
Local tip: Sign-up early and reserve your spot. Space for this highly anticipated event is limited and fills up quickly.  

Find Fresh Ingredients for Your Favorite Meal at Apalachicola Farmers Market
Fresh seafood, live music, and handmade crafts are just some of the things to experience at the Apalachicola Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Let the kids dance and sing, while you sample the delicious local fare, pick fresh vegetables, and choose seafood to prepare for your next meal.

The Best Holiday Events on St. George Island
Celebrate the Season With a Holly Jolly Tree Lighting
Of course, the holiday season isn’t complete without a tree lighting! SGI jumpstarts the holiday with the Lighting of the Palms at Lighthouse Park on the first weekend of December. Santa’s lighted golf cart parade then delights spectators all over the park. Throughout the event, attendees can play games, get a picture with St. Nick, and even enjoy some Christmas carols. The highlight of the celebration comes at dusk when the palms are illuminated with hundreds of sparkling lights.    

Spread Christmas Cheer at the Holiday Fresh Market
During the holiday season, our barrier island defines the coastal Christmas spirit with the annual Holiday Fresh Market. The holiday market is set up in early December to showcase local businesses, and it’s an excellent spot for last-minute shopping. At the market, you’ll find a fantastic array of handcrafted treasures and local culture. Be sure to stop by for a dose of SGIs contagious holiday cheer, to finish your holiday shopping, or to treat yourself to a unique island souvenir.

Witness a Spectacular Show at Holiday Lights on the Harbor
If you’re spending the holidays in St. George Island, be sure to attend the Holiday Lights on the Harbor and Boat Parade of Lights in early December. Boats decorated for the season cascade down Carrabelle River and spark the Christmas spirit in the hearts of all who see the lights. This spectacular holiday show is undoubtedly one you won’t forget!

Start Planning Your Visit to St. George Island
Ready to attend all of the delightful events on SGI? Collins Vacation Rentals are located in the best areas on the island so you can be close to all the fun, and retreat to a magical island vacation home at the end of the day. Wake up refreshed and relaxed with access to everything you need for the perfect vacation on the Florida Coast. Browse our properties to find the ideal rental for you. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a getaway with friends, or a romantic trip for two, Collins Vacation Rentals promises an excellent, worry-free adventure on St. George Island. 

Check our availability and book your stay! We can’t wait to meet you.  

St. George Island is known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly fun, and laid-back coastal vibe. While you’re on vacation, you’ll want to play in the Gulf, enjoy fresh seafood, and of course, do some shopping! Our island is home to several charming boutiques and specialty stores. However, for a truly unique experience, you must visit Island Dog Beach & Surf Shop. From local art and jewelry to craft beer and beach gear, this dog-friendly shop has it all! Here’s what you’ll find when you go.

Island Dog Beach & Surf Shop is one of many amazing places to go shopping on St. George Island. For even more great recommendations, head over to our Things to Do page. It’s full of tips about the best local outlets, gift shops, and art galleries. Planning the perfect vacation has never been easier!

What You’ll Find at Island Dog Beach & Surf Shop
From the moment you step inside Island Dog Beach & Surf Shop, you will feel welcomed. This retail gift and apparel shop is known for their friendly service, quality selection, and dog-friendly atmosphere. The store has a wide range of unique items, including local works of art, coastal jewelry, apparel, beach gear, souvenirs, gifts, and pet products. Some examples of the brands you’ll find here include Reef flip flops, KAVU, Scout, 4Ocean, Tidewater sandals, Puppie Love, Sea Dog, and Buddy by the Sea. The shop also carries a great selection of craft beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages – perfect for a hot summer day! If you opt for beer, they even offer the option to create your own custom 6-pack.
Another thing that we love about this shop is that dogs are welcome too, so feel free to bring Fido. Did you forget to pack a leash or toys while getting ready for vacation? No worries! Island Dog Beach & Surf Shop also offers pet essentials such as leashes, toys, dog clothing, collars, and even gourmet dog treats. Your four-legged friends will thank you!

Are you looking for more great shopping and pet-friendly attractions on St. George Island? Check out our blog for recommendations!

Book a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental on St. George Island Today!
St. George Island is known as a pet-friendly destination, so there’s no reason you have to leave your pups behind while you’re visiting us. And when it comes to the best dog-friendly rentals on the island, look no further than Collins Vacation Rentals! We offer a wide range of gorgeous properties, many of which are just steps from the Gulf. Choose from homes with private pools, beautiful Gulf views, or beach access. If you’re planning to bring your dog, A Great Escape would be an excellent choice for your getaway. This beachfront home features four bedrooms, sun decks, beautiful furnishings, and complimentary activities included with your reservation. Plus, it’s just a short walk away from nature trails at the State Park!

Come experience all that our island paradise has to offer. Browse all Collins Vacation Rentals and book your vacation on St. George Island today. We can’t wait to welcome you!

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So, you’ve been dreaming about sun-kissed beaches and blue skies, but Mother Nature has other plans? Don’t let a little rain ruin your day at the beach! There are so many fun rainy day activities on St. George Island that the whole family will enjoy. Find unique treasures at the local boutiques and galleries, dive into local history, or explore the island’s lighthouse. Read on to discover the best ways to cure those rainy day blues!

For even more great recommendations about St. George Island rainy day activities, head over to our Things to Do page. It’s full of great tips about the best indoor attractions, dining, shopping, events, and more.

How to Enjoy a Rain Day on St. George Island

1. Tour the Cape St. George Lighthouse
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do during your Forgotten Coast getaway, this is it! The historic Cape St. George Lighthouse is an iconic attraction of the island. Here, you’ll discover a museum, gift shop, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. 92 steps and a small ladder will take you all the way to the top, where you’ll be greeted with some of the most breathtaking vistas you’ve ever seen. You’ll need to purchase tickets to climb the lighthouse, but admission to the museum and gift shop are free.

2. Go on a Shopping Spree
A rainy day is a perfect time to browse the coastal shops and galleries on St. George Island. Take your time browsing for apparel and coastal home decor at Seaside Cotton Boutique.  Stylish clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories are just a few of the treasures awaiting you here. Are you searching for gifts or souvenirs? Check out Two Gulls for Mermaids. This unique shop features one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find elsewhere! And if you’re looking for resort wear, jewelry, accessories, or watersport rentals, head over to Island Outfitters.
After a fabulous day of shopping, stop by Aunt Ebby’s for a big scoop (or two!) of ice cream. This popular dessert shop is just steps away from Island Outfitters.

3. Explore Florida’s Forgotten Coast Museums
If you have any history-buffs traveling with you, they will love touring the local museums! Dive into Forgotten Coast history at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, where you’ll discover the coastal heritage of the Florida Gulf. Next, take a step back in time to the 19th century at the Raney House Museum. Learn all about the family of cotton merchants who occupied the home during the Antebellum South. Finally, visit the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum and find out what life was like for the soldiers who trained and served here during WWII.

4. Tour Apalachicola
If you’re looking for the best things to do near St. George Island, spend a day in historic Apalachicola. Just a stone’s throw from our island paradise, the mainland offers plenty of rainy day activities. See the beautiful antebellum homes in downtown’s historic district, sample delicious craft beer at Oyster City Brewing Company, or catch the latest play at the Dixie Theatre. Check out our blog to learn about more fun Apalachicola activities.

5. Stay Cozy in Your Collins Vacation Rental
Sometimes the best way to spend a rainy day is enjoying your St. George Island vacation rental! Sip your coffee on the porch and watch as the summer storms roll in over the Gulf. Bring a puzzle or deck of cards and challenge the family to a game of Poker, Blackjack, or Crazy Eights. Or, relax on the sofa, pop some popcorn, and have a family movie day. Participating Collins Vacation Rentals offer unlimited complimentary movie rentals every day of your stay. Choose from the latest releases, award-winning films, or family favorites. Order food delivery from your favorite restaurants and you never even have to leave your vacation rental!

Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Rental
Don’t let a little rain ruin your vacation! When planning your getaway, consider a Collins Vacation Rental with a heated pool or hot tub. That way, your family can still enjoy swimming even if it starts to rain. We offer an extensive selection of vacation rentals on St. George Island, including pet-friendly accommodations, beachfront properties, and homes with breathtaking Gulf views.

Select participating Collins Vacation Rentals even offer complimentary activities through Xplorie! Activities may include yoga on the beach, kayaking or SUP Eco tours, bike rentals, golfing at St. Joe Bay Golf Course, ice cream at Aunt Eby’s, unlimited movie rentals, or free admission to the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning the vacation you deserve and contact us to book your stay today! We can’t wait to welcome you!

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With a rich and fascinating past, St. George Island is a prime destination for history-lovers! Visitors return year after year to explore the pristine beaches, historic lighthouses, and world-class museums. However, the true beauty of the island lies in the customs, traditions, and beliefs that have been passed down for generations. Are you interested in learning more about our local history? Here are the best ways to discover St. George Island folklore!

St. George Island folklore is just the beginning of what you’ll find along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Our island paradise is also home to award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, eclectic art galleries, and renowned historic sites. Head over to our Things to Do page for more tips about things to see and do during your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals. It’s full of recommendations about the best attractions to see during your vacation!

How to Learn About St. George Island Folklore
1. Explore a Historic Lighthouse
The St. George Island lighthouse is a time-honored treasure and a beloved symbol of the local community. If there is one attraction you must see during your visit, this is it! Originally built in 1833 on the western tip of the island, the very first lighthouse was damaged by storms in 1846. It was rebuilt on the southern cape of St. George Island, and destroyed again just 3 years later. The third lighthouse, completed in 1852, was much stronger than its predecessors. Built to last, it served as a beacon of light, granting ships safe passage through the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2005.

Because the St.George Island lighthouse was so important to the community, it was rebuilt again, piece by piece. Volunteers cleaned the old mortar off of more than 20,000 of the original bricks so that they could be used in the reconstruction. At a whopping 72-feet, the current lighthouse stands tall in the center of the island. Come see this iconic symbol for yourself and climb the 92 steps to the top. Once you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the island! Afterward, take some time to browse the Lighthouse Museum and gift shop next door.

2. Take a Ghost Walk
Perhaps you’re interested in learning about haunted St. George Island folklore? Experience all the thrills and chills when you take an Apalachicola ghost walk! Held annually in the spring and fall by the Apalachicola Historic Society, these chilling cemetery walks are sure to give you goosebumps. The ghost tours are led by local history enthusiasts dressed in costume, portraying figures from eras past who are now buried at Chestnut Street Cemetery. Take a step back in time as your local guide tells you about life in Apalachicola in the 1800s. You may even spot a ghost or two!

3. Visit a Local Museum 
Of course, one of the best ways to immerse yourself into St. George Island history is by visiting a local museum. Dive into the culture of the Forgotten Coast at the Apalachicola Maritime Museum, where you’ll learn all about our coastal heritage. Browse the engaging exhibits, attend a class or workshop, or take an educational riverboat tour along the Apalachicola Waterfront. Or, journey back in time to the 19th century when you visit the Raney House Museum. Discover what life was like for the home’s original inhabitants during the antebellum South.
Next, stop by the John Gorrie Museum. Learn all about Dr. Gorrie and how he helped pioneer the invention of air conditioning and refrigeration. Take your time observing a replica of Gorrie’s ice-making machine, among other interesting artifacts. Finally, no trip to the Forgotten Coast is complete without stopping by the Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum. A vital piece of Franklin County history, it honors the heritage of the men who trained and served at Camp Gordon Johnston during WWII. It’s one of the best things to do during your stay on St. George Island!

Book Your Stay in a Collins Vacation Rental
If you’re searching for accommodations on St. George Island, we invite you to stay in a Collins Vacation Rental. Our St. George Island, Florida, vacation rentals feature the privacy and comfort you desire. With top-notch amenities and plush furnishings, you’re guaranteed a relaxing stay every time. Whether you’re searching for a pet-friendly rental, a home with a heated pool, or an intimate beachfront villa, we are sure to have the ideal property for your stay. Plus, all of the best attractions, museums, beaches, and nature trails are just minutes away! Browse all properties and contact us to start planning your getaway to St. George Island today. We look forward to seeing you soon!

You’re ready to go on vacation, but you’re still in the planning stages. Where do I go? What do I pack? If you’re heading to a tropical spot like St. George Island (we hope you are!), use our summer vacation packing list to get rid of some of that pre-trip planning anxiety. Plus, St. George Island has a handful of stores that are stocked with anything you might have forgotten.

You have your summer vacation packing list, so now start planning all the things to do. If you’re staying on St. George Island, we made it easy! We created our Things to Do page so you’ll have easy access to all of the best activities and businesses on our island. Whether you’re looking for the perfect restaurant for a date night or something the kids will enjoy, you’ll find it here.

Here’s Your Summer Vacation Packing List
We’ve broken down your summer vacation packing list into different categories so you can decide which suits you!

Packing Your Main Suitcase
Of course, when it comes to packing, we immediately think of how much we can fit in our suitcase. Keep it minimal– don’t forget that our Collins Vacation Rentals all come with washers and dryers! Here’s what to put in your suitcase:

Shorts and pants
Shirts, t-shirts, a nice shirt or two for dinner, and tank tops
Dresses/ skirts
Sleepwear
Socks and shoes (We recommend flip flops, sandals, and sneakers.)
Don’t forget the basics (like underwear)!
A sweater that you can layer over your outfits
Bathing suits (We recommend more than one.)
Cover-ups
Clothes you can explore in

Toiletries 

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Soap, facewash, shampoo, and conditioner
Makeup
Hairbrush and comb
Styling product
Razors and shave gel
Flatiron or curling iron (Many of our rentals have hair dryers, but you are welcome to bring your own.)
Lip balm
After sun gel or aloe vera
Lotion
Scissors, nail clippers, and tweezers

Accessories

Sun hat or baseball cap for the beach
Jewelry (Packing jewelry can be a challenge, but putting a necklace through a straw and keeping your jewelry in a silk bag will keep it safe.)
Sunglasses
Belts
Hair ties and accessories

Beach and Pool Gear 
You can pack your own beach gear, but many guests of Collins Vacation Rentals opt to buy or rent their gear here. This way, you don’t have to lug your beach chairs all the way here, and you can get them delivered right to your vacation rental! Island Adventures is one of our favorite places to rent gear from.

Beach chairs
Umbrellas
Sunscreen (You can never have too much of this stuff!)
A beach bag
A good book
Floaties and beach toys
Beach towels
A reusable water bottle

Book Your Summer Getaway Today
Now that you have our summer vacation packing list, it’s time to book your actual summer vacation! St. George Island is one of a kind– our small island has stood the test of time. Our beaches are never crowded, our seafood is fresh, and our island is welcoming. Book your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals to see for yourself. We can’t wait to host you!