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!

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!  

Are you tired of shoveling snow out of the driveway? Have you been daydreaming about balmy weather and days filled with sunshine? It may be time for a getaway to St. George Island! Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the only thing missing from this gorgeous island paradise is you. Trade your winter jacket and boots for shades and flip flops, and start planning your trip. Here’s what makes St. George Island one of the best January vacations in the USA!
Pristine beaches, pleasant weather, and award-winning restaurants are just a few things that make St. George Island one of the best January vacations in the USA. Make sure to check out our Things to Do page for more recommendations about the best local attractions. It’s full of great tips about things to see and do during your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals.

Why St. George Island Is One of the Best January Vacations in the USA
With sugar-white sand and crystal-clear water, The Forgotten Coast is one of the most beautiful places to visit in winter in the USA. St. George Island experiences mild weather this time of year, offering the best winter vacations for families and couples. In January, the average temperature ranges between the mid 50’s to 60’s. While it’s too cool to swim, this is the ideal time to walk, bike, or jog along the beach! Begin your day by watching a postcard-worthy sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico. Then, enjoy a stroll along the uncrowded shoreline while you comb the beach for shells. 

In addition to beautiful beaches, you’ll find tons of other fun activities to enjoy here in winter. Take a hike at the 2023-acre state park or take a bike ride along the island’s scenic 6.3-mile bike path. Are you feeling adventurous? Climb the 92 steps of the historic St. George Island Lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular views from the top! 
When you start to work up an appetite, you’ll find several amazing restaurants to tantalize your taste buds. St. George Island is especially known for our delicious seafood! Indulge in fresh shrimp, fish, crab, oysters without having to wait for a table. Then, take your time browsing the nearby boutiques and art galleries. There is so much to see and do here, and it’s all just minutes from your Collins Vacation Rental!

Plan Your Winter Getaway With Collins Vacation Rentals
After a fabulous day exploring St. George Island, come home to your Collins Vacation Rental and unwind. From beachfront homes and luxurious villas to quaint cottages, we offer a wide array of accommodation options. Select properties even feature private heated pools, bubbling hot tubs, or complimentary activities through Xplorie! Enjoy the fresh sea breezes while you read a book on the porch, or spend an evening watching movies near the fireplace. Take advantage of our low winter rates and browse our properties now!

Are you ready for a break from the ice and snow? Escape to one of the best warm winter vacations in the USA. Contact us to plan your St. George Island getaway today! 
  

It’s never too early to start making plans for winter break! If you’re searching for the best warm-weather getaway, why not plan a relaxing escape to St. George Island, FL? Come bask in the sunshine, stroll the pristine shorelines, and enjoy spending quality time with family. Here’s why our Forgotten Coast paradise is one of the best Florida winter vacations.

Once you visit, we think you’ll agree: St. George Island is one of the best Florida winter vacations. If you’re thinking about visiting our beautiful shores, make sure to take a look at our Things to Do page. It’s full of great recommendations about attractions to see during your stay with Collins Vacation Rentals!

Top 3 Things to Do in St. George Island This Winter

1. Escape to the Beach
When it comes to the best Florida beaches in January – or any time of year – no place can compare to St. George Island. In winter, the temperatures typically range from the mid 50’s to 60’s. While it may be too cool for swimming during this time of year, the weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Take a bike ride along the beach, comb the shoreline for shells, or play a game of sand football with the family. With fewer crowds and wide-open beaches, our gorgeous barrier island is one of the best winter vacation locations in Florida.

2. Explore a Lighthouse
The St. George Island Lighthouse is one attraction that you absolutely must add to your winter itinerary. In addition to being a historically significant part of the local culture, it offers some of the best views on the island. Purchase your tickets, take a tour of the lighthouse museum, and then climb the 92 steps to the top. Nothing will prepare you for the breathtaking 360-degree views of the island and the clear blue water of the Gulf!

3. Enjoy Endless Activities
The Forgotten Coast experiences great weather year-round, which is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities during any season. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing in the wintertime. On any given day, you’ll see anglers casting their lines into the Gulf for monster redfish, flounder, whiting, and more. Weather permitting, many of the local charters can also take you on an amazing offshore fishing excursion.
Are there any nature enthusiasts traveling with you? If so, they will love hiking miles of scenic trails at St. George Island State Park! Keep an eye out for native wildlife, as the park is home to more than 300 species of birds. And if you’re looking for something fun to do with the whole family, why not take a bike ride along the St. George Island Bike Path? It’s a great way to exercise while taking in the gorgeous scenery of the island. Or, rent kayaks and spend a day paddling through the area’s sparkling waterways together. The possibilities are endless!
Did you know that it’s possible to enjoy complimentary activities on St. George Island? Guests staying at select participating Collins Vacation homes can access several complimentary activities through Xplorie. These may include yoga on the beach, kayaking or SUP Eco Tours, golfing at St. Josephs  Bay Golf Course, unlimited movie rentals, or free admission to the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab. Check out our website for more details and start planning your fun-filled winter getaway!

Book Your Stay With Collins Vacation Rentals
Are you ready to experience one of the best Florida winter vacations? When it comes to lodging options along the Forgotten Coast, look no further than Collins Vacation Rentals! We offer an extensive selection of St. George Island vacation rentals, including homes with Gulf views, heated pools, beach access, and more. Many of them also feature luxury amenities such as hot tubs, patios, elevators, boat docks, full kitchens, and more. Plus, all of the best restaurants, activities, and attractions are just minutes away!

Another benefit of booking during the cooler season is our amazing Florida winter vacation deals. Collins Vacation Rentals offers seasonal specials throughout the year, as well as complimentary activities at select participating properties through Xplorie. So, what are you waiting for? Browse our properties and contact us to book your stay today. We can’t wait to welcome you!