St. George Island
Just off the Florida Panhandle, in the northern Gulf of Mexico, lies miles of immaculate white-sand beaches and unobstructed views of the ocean. St. George Island consistently rates as one of the top beaches in the US, with miles of uncrowded, clear Gulf waters for swimming, fishing, and shelling. Wildlife viewing is abundant on the 28-mile long barrier island, surrounded by the Gulf and Apalachicola Bay.
St. George is set apart from other Florida beach towns due to its lack of hustle and bustle. It’s a rarity these days to find a completely unspoiled beach. For a more exclusive getaway, reserve a quaint beach cottage, a multi-story luxury beach home, or lodge at one of the two island hotels or inns. Fishing and touring the island by bicycle, scooter or golf cart seem to be the preferred activities of visitors to St. George.
If you are an oyster lover, this is your place! Oysters from Apalachicola Bay are known to be some of the best money can buy. Visitors seeking a tranquil sanctuary not obstructed by towering condos and hotels, find St. George’s natural beauty just about perfect.
Fernandina Beach
The northernmost city of Amelia Island and the Florida Atlantic coast, Fernandina Beach offers visitors 13 miles of pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and clear, calm waters. In addition to its picturesque beaches, Fernandina Beach has a historic and charming downtown area with chic boutiques and fine dining. Visitors to the island can enjoy upscale resorts with world-class golf courses and spas, or relax at one of the many charming B&Bs.
Each year, thousands of people are drawn to the island for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. The popular event includes music, parades, contests, pageants, and of course, scrumptious shrimp cooked every way imaginable. In addition, the weekend also brings hundreds of antique exhibitors and fine arts dealers as well as a Kids Zone full of activities for the entire family.
Fernandina Beach offers a uniquely Floridian experience, which is why it has consistently been among Florida’s highest-ranked island destinations.
Dunedin
Dunedin, Florida might just be the perfect small town. Add in a handful of gorgeous beaches, and you’ve got the ideal summer vacation. Located on Florida’s west coast, less than an hour from Tampa, Dunedin is home to two of the most pristine beaches in the state, Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands.
Honeymoon Island lies just over the Dunedin Causeway, and guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, snorkeling, and shelling along its scenic beaches. Accessible by ferry, Caladesi Island is one of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Their white sand beaches make swimming and sunbathing even more enjoyable, and have earned the island multiple “Best Beach” awards.
As for things to do, Dunedin might be a small town, but it has big city amenities. Visitors can stop in for live Jazz at the historic Fenway Hotel, visit Florida’s oldest microbrewery, Dunedin Brewery, or come visit during Dunedin’s ever-popular Mardi Gras celebration.
Day-to-day during the summer season, you’ll find locals and tourists alike strolling downtown while enjoying a homemade ice cream cone, shopping in unique stores, or sitting under a shade tree at one of many parks watching the day go by. The town of Dunedin is truly a charming escape with so much to offer its visitors.
