Florida's known for it's barrier islands, especially the serene 22 mile long St. George Island that's situated in the Gulf of Mexico. St. George Island is just off the shores of Eastpoint, Florida, in Franklin County. This island is riddled with beaches, all of which welcome you and Fido with open paws!
Not only is St. George Island known for its’ unforgettable views of the Gulf, but it’s also home to over 28 miles of pristine shoreline. The amount of beach access available to you and your pup means you won’t need to be worrying about crowding! Not to mention the whole Island prides itself for being pet friendly, so you won’t have an issue walking along the beaches or taking a dip in the water. You can even check out the many pet friendly local shops and business where you’ll find welcoming hosts, treats and even water bowls.
During your walks, be mindful of the wildlife, especially if you see a sea turtle! St. George Island is nesting place for many species of turtles including Loggerheads, Leatherback and Green Turtles. If you’re lucky you may spot one, but be sure to keep your distance!
Along the shoreline, you and your pooch will be greeted with boaters of all kinds, including sailors, kayaks and canoes. If you don’t have a boat but want to hit the waves, you can rent one from one of the many rental shops on the Island. Two public boat launches make it easy for you to access the water. .
If you’d rather stay onshore, you can take part in a variety of outdoor activities including shelling, swimming and fishing. Other amenities you will find at the St. George Island Public beach include a bathhouse, shaded picnic areas and a playground. The main entrance to the public beach is accessible as soon as you cross Bryant Patton Bridge to get on the island. After coming to your first stop sign, take a right and on the left hand side you will see a parking lot.Â
With very few areas being out of bounds for pups, you and pooch are free to explore almost the whole Island. You can even check out the St. George Island State Park, which has it’s own beach that's also dog friendly along the east side of the island.Â
The next time you’re in and around Franklin County, Florida, come and visit St. George Island for a pawsitive experience, you won’t forget!Â