Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
ST VINCENT ISLAND & AROUND
Just a few minutes from Apalachicola but accessible only by boat lies pristine
St Vincent
Island
( 850-653-8808;
www.fws.gov/saintvincent
)
. Its pearly dunes reveal 5000-year-old
geological records, while its pine forests and wetlands teem with endangered species
such as red wolves, sea turtles, bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Fishing's permitted on
lakes except when bald eagles are nesting (generally in winter). For those sick of the high-
rises and bikini-clad crowds of the gulf beaches, it's the perfect getaway for a day of hik-
ing and solitude. To get here, hop aboard the
St Vincent Island Shuttle
( 850-229-1065;
www.stvincentisland.com
; adult/child $10/7), which can also take your bike ($20), or rent you
one of its own ($25, including boat trip). Phone for schedules and reservations.
On the mainland near Apalachicola's shrimping-boat docks, the
St Vincent National
Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center
( 850-653-8808;
www.fws.gov/saintvincent
;
479 Market St;
10am-3:30pm Mon-Thu) has interactive exhibits and information.
St George Island
Located just over a 4-mile causeway from Apalachicola's neighbor Eastpoint, this 28-mile-
long barrier island is home to white-sand beaches, bay forests, salt marshes and an inof-
fensive mix of summer homes and condos. It's a great place for shelling, kayaking, sailing
or swimming. At the end of every street on the island you'll find public beach access and,
generally, plentiful parking. St George Island State Park sits at the island's northeastern
point; Little St George Island lies southwest.
Sights & Activities
St George Island State Park
PARK
(
850-927-2111;
www.floridastateparks.org/stgeorgeisland
; vehicle $6, tent & RV sites $24;
8am-
dusk)
The island at its undeveloped best is found here, in the 9 miles of glorious beach and sand
dunes that make up this pristine park. A 2.5-mile nature trail offers exceptional birding op-
portunities and throughout the park boardwalks lead to shell-sprinkled beaches, with shal-
