Overview of St. George Island State Park

Nothing says summer quite like a day spent sunbathing and splashing on the beach. If your definition of a perfect beach includes powdery white sand, calm water, family-friendly amenities, and abundant wildlife, then it’s time to start planning a trip to Florida’s St. George Island State Park. The 1,962-acre park, part of St. George barrier island off the coast of the Sunshine State, has been named the best in the U.S. by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, commonly known as Dr. Beach, in his yearly ranking of America’s best beaches.

“St. George State Park boasts some of the finest, whitest sand in the world,” Leatherman stated. “The park has nine miles of unobstructed, pristine beach with crystal clear and clean turquoise water.”

This region, known as the “Forgotten Coast” of Florida, encompasses beautiful and less commercialized coastal destinations southwest of Tallahassee. St. George Island offers a tranquil retreat, with approximately 1,000 permanent residents and minimal large-scale developments.

Amenities and Attractions

The island features several family-owned bars and restaurants that serve the freshest local seafood, including the popular Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café. Patrons can enjoy unparalleled views of the ocean and the iconic lighthouse. Additionally, the island is home to various grocery stores and independent boutiques, creating a charming local atmosphere. Although St. George experienced significant damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018, the area’s beaches have since flourished.

Due to the park’s undeveloped nature and minimal light pollution, many visitors extend their stay into the night to experience some of the best stargazing opportunities in the region. During daylight hours, the park buzzes with vacationers enjoying activities such as beachcombing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and sunbathing. Outdoor enthusiasts may also reserve one of 60 campsites located in family-friendly campgrounds equipped with playgrounds, electrical outlets, and shared shower and restroom facilities. A scenic 2.5-mile nature trail allows visitors to traverse picturesque pine forests and native coastal scrub areas.

Accessibility and Entrance Fees

The park welcomes guests year-round and operates daily from 8 a.m. Entrance fees are reasonable, starting at $2 for pedestrians and increasing to $6 per vehicle. However, it’s essential to note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so visitors should exercise caution.

This is Dr. Beach’s 33rd annual ranking of the best beaches across the nation, a comprehensive evaluation considering over 50 criteria such as water and sand quality, safety, and beach management.

This year’s rankings saw the second position going to Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oahu, Hawaii, while Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York rounded out the top three.

For further details on Dr. Beach’s complete list of best beaches, visit drbeach.org.