Beaches
St. George State Park
St. George is a favorite destination for beachgoers, birdwatchers, year-round fishing, spectacular Gulf sunsets and the best stargazing in the Panhandle. Miles of undeveloped beaches on this barrier island provide the perfect setting for the park, which offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, hiking, camping and nature study. On the Gulf side of the island, enjoy perfect blue waters, miles of sugary white sands, and perhaps even catch sight of a pod of dolphins. On the bay side, healthy marshes are home to wading birds and abundant saltwater fish. Nature trails thread through vast scrubs and pine forests, where red cockaded woodpeckers and bald eagles linger in the canopy and brilliantly blue five-lined skinks dart through the undergrowth. Few parks offer better opportunities for shelling and beachcombing. The shoreline is active during the summer months when sea turtles and shore birds such as the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, and willet lay their nests within the park.
Alligator Point Beach
This beach is on the far east end of Franklin County. Turn off U.S. Highway 98 onto Alligator Point Road and follow it, curving around to the right. This is a long white-sand beach that many locals would probably just as soon stay undiscovered. But it's too pretty to stay hidden. This beach is locally renowned for fishing with spring, summer and fall bringing Trout, Redfish, Pompano and even runs of Tarpon. There are no public facilities and public access is limited to a few areas with minimal parking. If you want a long beach with soft sand and nature to view, try discovering Alligator Point Beach.
ST. GEORGE ISLAND PUBLIC BEACH
The public beach on St. George Island is easy to find. From Island Drive, the only access to the island, Go over the five-mile long Bryant Patton Bridge with a gorgeous view of Apalachicola Bay. When you get to the island stop sign, turn right and then left into convenient island parking. The public beach is not only easy to find but there are bath house facilities, covered pavilions for picnics, a playground and ball court for the younger generations. The Cape St. George Lighthouse and lighthouse Keeper's House are also located in nearby Lighthouse Park.
Dog Island Beach
This beach requires boat access and then a hike. Your efforts are rewarded with a unique beach that is high energy, low density and absolutely sparkling. There are no public facilities or stores on Dog Island. If you want it, bring it with you. This is a beach for the adventurous. It takes an effort but it is a very rewarding effort. Dog Island beaches are known for the pristine white sand, good shelling, crabbing and shore fishing, and as a superior beach-picnic and recreational boating base.