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People come to St. George Island to see its stunning beaches, enjoy the outdoors, and relax under the Florida sun. Visitors can spend hours gazing out  over the ocean as they enjoy making memories with their family. The only thing that could make a trip to the Forgotten Coast any better would be to be accompanied by man’s best friend. Luckily for you, that dream can come true! SGI is home to pet friendly Florida beaches, and many of our Collins Vacation Rentals are pet friendly, too!

Now that you know your furry friend is welcome on our pet friendly Florida beaches, it’s time to start planning your trip! Our Things to Do page has everything you need to begin outlining your SGI getaway! Find local attractions, great restaurants, shopping venues, and more. Whether you are looking for fun excursions or romantic date nights, our island has it all.

4 of the Best Pet Friendly Florida Beaches
1. Unit Four Beach
You can find the gorgeous Unit Four Beach on the bay side of St. George Island. This is one of the most secluded of the pet friendly Florida beaches. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy walking this beach with their four-legged friend. Many come here for the birding opportunities; you are likely to see feathered creatures like willet, plover, heron, diving osprey, and marauding eagles. If you are planning on bringing your dog on your walk through nature, just make sure your pet is on a leash and you pick up after them!

2. Carrabelle Beach 
Located on the mainland, Carrabelle Beach is just a quick drive from St. George Island. This popular dog-friendly beach is protected from winds and heavy seas by Dog Island, so it will be calm every time you visit. On certain weekends and holidays, this popular beach can get crowded. However, once you make your way down the coast, you will find plenty of open sand! Whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, see some wildlife, or find a peaceful place to walk your dog, Carrabelle Beach is one of the best pet friendly Florida beaches.

3. Dog Island
If you and your four-legged friend are up to it, you can go explore the beaches of Dog Island. This secluded island takes a bit of work to access; it can only be reached by boat, ferry, or plane. Once you’re there, you and your pet will enjoy this private escape for hours on end. If you choose to go to Dog Island, make sure to bring any supplies you might need with you; there are no stores or facilities on the island.

4. St. George Island Public Beaches
St. George Island is exceptionally pet friendly, with dogs allowed on both the beach and the bay side for most of the island. Miles of soft sand and a laid-back atmosphere mean your dogs will experience their own vacation when visiting St. George Island. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, per the July 2017 Franklin County Animal Control Ordinance. Many of our businesses welcome dogs and their companions, and you will find water bowls and maybe even the offer of a T-R-E-A-T or two are you and your furry friends explore the area. Dogs are restricted in some areas of the State Park on the eastern end of the island. You may view detailed information about this on the State Park website. Dogs must also be leashed at all times in St. George Plantation, the private community at the western end of the island.

Other Ways to Enjoy The Forgotten Coast With Your Furry Friend
After you’re done exploring these pet friendly Florida beaches, experience some other things you can do on St. George Island with your furry friend! Many restaurants here will let dogs hang out on their outdoor patios with you as you dine. Some of our favorite pet friendly restaurants include The Blue Parrot and Harry A’s!

Collins Vacation Rentals Offers Pet Friendly Homes
When you and your four-legged family members come to St. George Island to enjoy the nearby pet friendly Florida beaches, we’ll be glad to welcome you at one of our Collins Vacation Homes. We offer a variety of pet friendly rentals within a short drive from all the pet friendly Florida beaches, restaurants, and attractions our island oasis has to offer. Your pet deserves a little luxury just as much as you do, so we will make sure you both have a vacation you remember for a lifetime! When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all of the details for you and your best friend. Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

The C-Quarters Marina is located on the east end of the Florida Panhandle. It’s a beautiful, full-service marina with 67 boat slips for your convenience when visiting Carrabelle, FL. This gorgeous coastal city has a history as a quaint fishing town where people have always been genuine and friendly. These simple, timeless roots come across clearly when you visit the C-Quarters Marina. Come dock, charter a boat, or stop in for a tournament to enjoy the enduring beauty and atmosphere of this gem of the Forgotten Coast!

As you get ready to enjoy a trip to the gorgeous C-Quarters Marina, make sure to take a look at our Things to Do page. It’s a wonderful way to learn about all that St. George and the Forgotten Coast have to offer. Full of the information you need, it includes local attractions, great restaurants, shopping venues, and more! It contains everything you need to plan an amazing vacation to beautiful St. George!

C-Quarters Marina Fishing Charters
There are fishing charter services to suit every need at C-Quarters Marina. When you contact one of them, you can expect a customized experience based on your requests. For general information about the charter services available, call the marina at 850-697-8400. You can also contact several of the charters directly:

Renegade Charters (Captain Scott Luke): 850-251-0784
Sideline Fishing Charters (Tim Edwards): 850-251-9705
Seawolf Charters (Randy Jossey): 850-508-2819

C-Quarters Marina Tournaments
Get into the spirit of friendly competition when you visit the C-Quarters Marina for one of their amazing fishing tournaments! The marina generally sponsors two major tournaments a year, The Kingfish Shootout and a Youth Fishing Tournament. Both are long-standing Carrabelle traditions, having been held for 11 and 12 years, respectively. Proceeds benefit The Leukemia Research Foundation, and to date, over $805,000 have been raised.
The Youth Fishing Tournament is an event for those 16 years old or younger. Participants come from across the Southeast to try out their skills amongst their peers in a fun, competitive environment. Registration is required on site, and there is no fee to participate. If you have a young fishing enthusiast in your midst, make sure to bring them to C-Quarters Marina for the next tournament!

C-Quarters Marina: Convenience and Serenity on the Water
C-Quarters Marina has everything you need to enjoy a day out on the water. It can accommodate boats up to 53’ long with a 20’ beam. It has diesel and non-ethanol fuel at-the-ready for your convenience. There are also showers and a laundromat on site. Finally, the C-Quarters Marina features a store that is stocked with bait, tackle, ice, hunting supplies and various other necessities for your fishing trip. It’s open seven days a week from 7 am to 7 pm. (Winter hours are different, and are announced in November.)

Come Relax at a Gorgeous Collins Vacation Home
After a full day of fishing, boating, or just enjoying the water at the C-Quarters Marina, come put your feet up surrounded by the luxury of a Collins Vacation Home. Our homes are just a short drive from the marina and filled with the top-tier amenities you need to guarantee the vacation you deserve. With easy access to restaurants, beaches, and more, our rentals are beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. When you stay with us on St. George Island, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve taken care of all of the details. Arrive, relax, and enjoy the island life! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

St. George Island Beach is known as one of the most beautiful destination beaches in the United States. Even so, the beach has remained pure. Natural beauty is the premier attraction here; the pristine white sands and gorgeous sunsets are enough to keep beach lovers coming back time and again. Join them for a trip to this serene ocean setting on your next vacation!

When you schedule your day trip to St. George Island beach, make sure you check out our Things to Do page for more fun activities on and near our amazing island. It’s full of the information you need, including restaurants to visit for a great meal, where to find the best shopping, exciting outdoor adventures, and more! It contains everything you need to plan a beautiful trip to lovely St. George!

Enjoying Sun and Sand at St. George Island Beach
Take the opportunity to enjoy St. George Island beach to the fullest. Plan a day to lounge, enjoy the stunning scenery and soak up a little sun. A casual stroll along the beach is the perfect way to release stress and take in the beauty of the island. Seashell collectors will revel in the variety of shells available – oysters, scallops, arks, cockles, and carditas are easy to find. The shells of Florida fighting conch, lightning whelks, and olives occasionally wash up on the shore as well.

After a day of relaxing in the water, strolling the shore and shelling, stay for an amazing sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Watch the stars to end your night – the lack of ambient light means you can see almost every one in the sky on a clear night. It’s a beautiful way to end a peaceful day on one of the most gorgeous unblemished beaches in the country.

Excellent Fishing at St. George Island Beach
Fishing is one of the most highly ranked pastimes on St. George Island beach, and for good reason. The catch here can be amazing; the most common fishes to catch are whiting, trout and redfish. When the water is warm (typically 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), you may also see speckled trout, pompano, bluefish and Spanish mackerel. If you want to take your haul home for dinner, there are several local bait and tackle shops that may agree to clean your catch!

Watch for Sea Turtles and More at St. George Island Beach
While on the beach, you may encounter a few friendly creatures, including our famed sea turtles! Nesting occurs over the summer months, and hatchlings make their way out of their shells during the last weeks October. Be aware of hatchling crawls around this time. If you see an area marked with four stakes and yellow tape, it’s alerting you to the presence of a turtle’s nest. Steer clear of that area to ensure that the tiny turtles can make their way to the sea unharmed.

There are also a number of other animals that you may see on St. George Island beach. Sponges and starfish sometimes wash up on the beach, and dolphins can often be spotted from the shore. The shorebirds are also fun to watch. Gulls, sandpipers, and great blue herons are just a few types of feathered creatures you’ll spy flying around the beach.

Continue the Relaxation at a Collins Vacation Home

When the sun goes down and you’re ready to move indoors, keep your day of simple, natural luxury going at a Collins Vacation Home. Complete with amazing amenities and located just a short distance from St. George Island beach, our homes are not only gorgeous but ideally located for your trip. When you stay with us on beautiful St. George, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve combed through all of the details to make sure you have an amazing time. Spend your day on the beach in complete peace of mind! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

Tee up at St. James Bay Golf Course for a great game in an atmosphere that you won’t soon forget! Located in nearby Carrabelle, Florida, St. James Bay is open to the public and perfect for improving your game. Rated the #10 golf course in Florida, a game here is an opportunity that no golfer should miss!

When you make it through the 18-hole championship course at St. James Bay Golf Course and are ready to head out for another fun day, check out our Things to Do page. It’s full of information about St. George island, including sporting activities, outdoor adventures, local restaurants, and more! It contains all of the information you need to plan an amazing trip to beautiful St. George!

Enjoy the St. James Bay Golf Course Green
St. James Bay Golf Course is known for its scenic atmosphere and tranquil setting. Designer Robert Walker took great care to develop a course in alignment with the natural surroundings, working with Audubon International to complete the task.
A great course for golfers of all levels, St. James Bay is wonderful for challenging yourself to get to the next level of your game. Water hazards and wetlands grace every hole, requiring you to use both strategy and skill throughout the course. If you really want to upgrade your game, schedule some private instruction with their resident PGA Golf Pro. Either way, you’ll come away from St. James Bay Golf Course with new and improved techniques that you can take back home with you!

St. James Bay Golf Course Tee Times
St. James Bay Golf Course is closed every Monday, along with the associated Pro Shop and restaurant. Any other day, the staff at St. James Bay can recommend a tee time for you or your group. Call the Golf Shop at 850-697-9606 for more information. Or, you can just stop by and see if there is another golfer ready for a game. Just keep in mind the dress code. Golfers are required to wear a collared shirt, and the course doesn’t allow denim of any kind.

St. James Bay Golf Course Pro Shop
Find something for yourself or for your golf buddies when you visit the St. James Bay Golf Course Pro Shop. Featuring top brands and apparel, it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs that will be useful long after you return home from your amazing St. George Island vacation. Quality clubs are also available for rental at the Pro Shop.

Come Drop Your Clubs and Relax at a Collins Vacation Home
After you uplevel your golf game at St. James Bay Golf Course, come put your feet up at an amazing Collins Vacation Home. Complete with amazing amenities and located just a short distance from St. James Bay Golf, our homes are not only gorgeous but ideally located for your St. George Island trip. When you stay with us on beautiful St. George, you can rest easy knowing that your needs will be met and exceeded. Have fun golfing, relaxing and exploring our beautiful island without worrying about the details! Contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you start planning your next trip to St. George Island!

St. George Island has an abundance of outdoor activities to make your next family trip amazing! When you’re trying to choose the right excursion for your family, visit Journeys of St. George Island. It’s the perfect adventure tour company to help plan your daily treks across our stunning island. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are always ready to help you get the most out of your next trip to the Forgotten Coast!

Before you grab your sunglasses and head over to Journeys of St. George Island, make sure you check out our Things to Do page! It’s filled with fun ideas and local outings sure to excite everyone in your family!

Witness the Natural Beauty of the Forgotten Coast with Journeys of St. George Island
Journeys of St. George Island has everything you need to explore the natural, unblemished landscapes of St. George. Whether you prefer to sightsee by land or by water, the staff at Journeys will get you equipped for your day outdoors.
For those who want to see the island from the water, there are several options available. See the sunset and watch for dolphins on a guided powerboat tour, or sail over the Apalachicola Bay. If kayaking is more your speed, not to worry! Take a tour with an experienced professional, or have rentals delivered to the door of your Collins Vacation Home.

Those who prefer to look out onto the water from the shore can rent a golf cart to traverse St. George without leaving a heavy carbon footprint. Explore the natural beauty of the island, or visit boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. All golf carts are equipped with all-terrain tires for easy travel across beautiful St. George Island.

Sunset and Dolphin Cruises are  perfect for the whole family.  Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Apalachicola Bay.  Watch the dolphins frolic in the waves created by the waves created by the powerboats and learn interesting facts along the way.  This fun adventure  gives children an appreciation of nature, and indulges them in a few hours of unforgettable fun! Make sure your kids don’t miss out on these awesome excursions. Take them to Journeys of St. George Island the next time you visit!

Come Relax at a Collins Vacation Home 
After you and your little ones have done a day of exploring with Journeys of St. George Island, come back to one of our gorgeous vacation homes to rest. All Collins Vacation Rentals are complete with the amenities you need to have a peaceful, carefree evening after a day of trekking across our beautiful landscape. Located throughout the island, all of our rentals are near some of the best activities, restaurants, and views available in St. George. Many are just steps away from the beautiful white sand beaches for which the island is known. Let us help you choose the perfect vacation home for you and your family – contact us today! We are looking forward to helping you plan a family trip everyone will love!
Get even more out of your trip to St. George Island. Check out our specials!

A short drive or boat ride off Florida’s panhandle, St. George Island offers a secluded retreat for you and your family from the hustle and bustle of other tourist destinations in Florida. Natural beauty and wonder surround this barrier island with access to state reserves such as Cape St. George State Reserve, Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve, and Apalachicola National Forest. With all the natural allure, the island coaxes locals and tourists outdoors to appreciate its breathtaking beauty, temperate climate, and sunny beaches. In addition to all of the incredible outdoor activities to enjoy, here are a few of our favorite family-friendly events you can experience during your stay.

A trip to St. George Island can be both relaxing and exciting. With so many activities available, you can alternate lazy days with adventurous excursions, as well as shopping, dining and more. Visit our Things to Do page for insider info on local activities and events!

Top 5 Family-Friendly Events on St. George Island

1. First Day Hike
Start your New Year off island style. The annual First Day Hike allows you and your family to explore the area’s natural surroundings while learning more about St. George Island’s landscape and local sea creatures. The hike lasts about 1.5 hours and ends at the East Slough Overlook Platform. Don’t forget to take your camera to capture the amazing flora and fauna as well as a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico!

2. Apalachicola Farmers Market
Delicious food, 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 and pick up fresh vegetables and seafood to prepare for dinner at your vacation rental.

3. Full Moon Climb
While you can visit the Cape St. George Light during the day, the monthly Full Moon Climb is one experience you won’t want to miss. Ascend to the lighthouse’s highest lookout point, which is over 9 stories high, for spectacular views of the sunset and the full moon. Light refreshments are served.

4. Holiday Market
During the holiday season, our barrier island defines the coastal Christmas lifestyle with the Holiday Fresh Market. This annual market, held in early December in front of the Dixie Theater, showcases local businesses offering an array of handcrafted gifts for loved ones.

5. 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 the Carrabelle River and illuminate the Christmas spirit in the hearts of all who see it.

Start Planning Your Visit to St. George Island
Ready to visit? Collins Vacation Rentals is here to help with your family’s vacation needs. Take a few minutes to browse our properties. You’re sure to find one that suits your needs, whether you’re planning a family reunion, a getaway with friends or a romantic trip for two. What’s more, our local, knowledgeable staff can assist you with recommending local restaurants, shopping around the island, and experiencing all St. George Island has to offer.

You may automatically think summer when you think of St. George Island, but the holiday season is a great time for visiting!
The air is cooler in the winter on SGI–we typically experience that perfect “sweater weather” for most of the season–but not so cold that heavy coats and scarves are a necessity. The day time is perfect for hikes and strolls on the beach, and our roomy rentals offer the perfect place to gather the whole family for holiday meals.

Read a book on the porch while taking in the salty air, and spend the evening with family near the fireplace. SGI will make your holiday season unforgettable!

Best of all, you’ll take advantage of our great low rates!
 

Florida’s Forgotten Coast is world-famous for its Apalachicola oysters – it’s no secret. If you’re a fan of the seafood delicacy, you won’t want to miss the annual Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off! Held each January at Riverfront Park, the festival features all the oysters you can eat, as well as other delicious cuisine, live music, kids activities, a 5.5K run and more. Come see what it’s all about and start making your plans to attend now!!

The Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off is one of many fun things to see and do along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Make sure to check out our Things to Do page for recommendations about other local events, happenings, and activities. It’s full of great tips to help you plan your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals.

What to Expect at the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off

All the proceeds from the event will go to the Apalachicola Volunteer Fire Department, so it’s for a great cause. And, there is no entry fee for the Cook-Off! Here is a look at some of the exciting events taking place during the event:

The Silent Auction: On Friday night, you can preview a variety of unique oyster-related items at the festival. Then, return on Saturday and bid on your favorites at the silent auction. This year, there will also be a buy-it-now option. We recommend arriving early to snag all your favorite items!

The Fun Run: Would you like to work up a healthy appetite? Join in on the 5.5K fun run, also affectionately known as the “Half Shell Hustle” on Saturday morning. Everyone gets a T-shirt and medals will be awarded to the winners.

The Food: The food is what you’re here for, right? Plan to spend all day at the Cook-Off and fill up on delicious cuisine. In addition to dining on oysters every possible way you can imagine, you’ll also be able to enjoy shrimp, smoked mullet, hot dogs, hamburgers, local beer and more.

The Oyster Cook-Off: The main event is the Oyster Cook-Off. If you have a recipe you believe is a ringer, feel free to enter! It’s all in fun and if you land in the top three, you’ll walk away with a trophy and some serious bragging rights! To enter the contest, make sure to register your recipe.

Entertainment: From kid’s activities to live music and dancing, the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off offers fun for the entire family. Bring a chair to sit back and watch all of the fun, or join in the festivities! Check out the festival’s website to see a complete schedule of events.

Book Your Stay With Collins Vacation Rentals
If you’re searching for accommodations near the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off, we invite you to book your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals! We offer a wide array of family-friendly vacation rentals on St. George Island. Known for its uncrowded shorelines and beautiful beaches, our island is just minutes from Apalachicola and the festival. From beachfront cottages and condos to duplexes and spacious luxury homes, we are sure to have the ideal lodging option for your stay. So, what are you waiting for? Browse our rentals and contact us to book your stay today! We can’t wait to welcome you!