Near St. George Island, the Apalachicola region boasts thousands of protected acres thriving with wildlife, including reptiles, bald eagles, sea birds, and alligators. On the eastern end of St. George Island, you’ll find acres of lush terrain where you can walk, hike, and swim.
Here are our suggestions for the top 3 outdoor activities in St. George Island, Florida.
Apalachicola Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Photo courtesy of NOAA Office of Coastal Management
Distance from Wander St. George Island: 2.4 miles
Location: 240 6th St E, St George Island, FL 32328
Hours: 6AM-10PM
Website: https://www.apalachicolareserve.com/
Visitors enter along a winding nature path and learn about local habitat types at this nature reserve. Exhibits and aquaria inside give you a sense of where they are in Florida and the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint watershed.
You can also take a coastal walk from the nature center to the shoreline, providing further opportunities to learn about and enjoy the natural setting. Visit the website to get PDF/printable brochures and maps of the area.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Photo courtesy of Journeys of St George Island
Distance from Wander St. George Island: 9.2 miles
Location: 1900 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328
Hours: 8AM-sundown daily
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-julian-g-bruce-st-george-island-state-park
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is a great destination for beachgoers and bird-watchers alike, offering stunning views of Gulf of Mexico sunsets, miles of undeveloped beaches, and ample opportunities for nature walks, tanning, and water sports. Be sure to bring cash as there is a $6 parking fee per vehicle.
Tip: The East Gulf Beach Trail is an 8.3-mile out-and-back trail located at the top of St. George Island, within the vicinity of the park. The trail is generally considered an easy route and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.
It is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Unfortunately, pups are not allowed on the trail. For more information on the hike, visit this website.
Scipio Creek Boardwalk
Photo courtesy of Florida Hikes
Distance from Wander St. George Island: 13 miles
Location: 261 Dr Frederick S Humphries St, Apalachicola, FL 32320 (closest reference point)
Directions: Follow Market Street through Apalachicola to its north end. Here you will find the entrance to the former Apalachicola nature center on the left, past the marina, the trail starts right across the street from this entrance.
Hours: 9AM-4PM daily
A spectacular view of the Apalachicola River estuary awaits you on this beautiful nature trail and boardwalk. The trail is only 0.6 miles round-trip and is mostly accessible boardwalk, aside from the small shell and rock portion at the very beginning. If you have binoculars or a camera, consider bringing them along to get a closer look at the ample wildlife that surrounds you.
Tip: Be sure to bring bug spray as the river beneath the boardwalk attracts mosquitoes.
If you don't have a place to stay yet, check out Wander St. George Island! For personalized recommendations on things to do around St. George Island, you can also text our concierge desk.
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