St. George is a Florida Panhandle island bordered by Apalachicola Bay in Franklin County. It connects to the Florida mainland by bridge. According to St. George Island's website, the island has 22 miles of sandy beaches and a state park. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is 2,023 acres with the Gulf of Mexico on one side of it, and Apalachicola Bay on the other. The park has undeveloped beaches and two boat ramps providing access to access to Apalachicola Bay. There are also two natural ramps for canoes and kayaks which can be rented at the park. Additionally, according to the Florida State Parks website, St. George Island State Park has a campground with full-facility campsites, and two seperate hiking trails. Entertainment on the island includes a variety of restaurants, establishments featuring live music, art galleries, and shopping. Fishing is also a popular activity with chartered trips able to be arranged into the bay.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
1900 E. Gulf Beach Dr.
St. George Island, Florida 32328
850-927-2111
floridastateparks.org
Santa Rosa Island is a 40-mile barrier island across from Pensacola Bay in the Florida Panhandle. Santa Rosa Island is linked by bridge with the city of Gulf Breeze on Florida's mainland. The most widely known beach on Santa Rosa Island is Pensacola Beach renowned for its powdery white sand and turquoise colored water. Pensacola Beach's currents can be strong making surfing possible at times. Family-oriented entertainment around Pensacola Beach can be found along the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk. Beach shops and restaurants line the boardwalk. Leisurely entertainment can also be found at Pensacola Beach's Gulf Pier which is a good spot for fishing. Tourists visiting Pensacola Beach can choose from a wide array of accommodations. Also on Santa Rosa Island, and located nearby Pensacola Beach is Navarre Beach. Beach relaxation is the main activity at Navarre Beach with plenty of water sports to be enjoyed as well.
A third tourist location on Santa Rosa Island given its own name as an island is Okaloosa Island. The Brooks Bridge connects Okaloosa Island to the city of Ft. Walton Beach. The beach of Ft. Walton Beach is actually located on Okaloosa Island. Okaloosa Island's Ft. Walton Beach like its neighboring beaches has powdery white sand, and swimming in the waters around the beach is usually safe. Entertainment such as nightclubs can be found along the Okaloosa Island boardwalk. A park area with volleyball nets is also located near the boardwalk. Many beachfront hotels on are found on Okaloosa Island's west end. Okaloosa Island also connects with the city of Destin via the Marler Bridge. Okaloosa Island beach areas are less crowded than those of Destin.
