One section is a strip of public beach, homes available for rent during spring and summer, businesses, restaurants and bars. Another section is a private and exclusive multi-million dollar housing community right on the Gulf of Mexico which is gated and contains its own airstrip.
The St. George Island State Park takes up the eastern nine miles of the island. Undeveloped beaches go on for miles and contribute to numerous activities. You can sunbathe, swim, have access for small boats at two natural boat ramps, kayak or fish for Spanish mackerel, grouper, flounder, snapper, sea trout, scallops, oysters and other seafood. You can also hike, camp at 60 campsites with full facilities, study nature including sea turtles or bird watch. Picnic at six shelters equipped with tables and grills. You will also find annual events such as a Coastal Cleanup in September, a 5K Run and an Oyster Festival in October, and other fun times.
The popular lighthouse right on the beach is new and was rebuilt by hard-working volunteers in 2008 using the cleaned bricks from the original lighthouse that was built in 1852 and fell into the Gulf of Mexico in 2005. There are 92 wooden steps that are fairly easy to climb, but it is more challenging to climb a ladder with 10 steps to the lookout point in order to see a fabulous view from the top, which is an enclosed glass area with a view that covers 360 degrees. The gift shop/museum has pictures of the old lighthouse, several videos to watch about the history, and a chance to buy an original brick paver and beautiful local jewelry. There is a playground right outside for the children in a little park with grills and picnic tables.
You can visit the nearby historic district of the town of Apalachicola with its renovated 150-year-old homes, small boutiques and antique shops. The town is also famous for its oysters, so take a break and sample those.
