If you’ve ever planned a beach vacation with teenagers, you know the balancing act of finding the right location. Throw the fur kids into the mix and your options are a little more limited. You want calm, not boring. Pet-friendly, not chaotic. Walkable, but not packed. And if you’re anything like us, you want wifi, but not too much wifi.
Check out St. George Island, Florida—a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico along what’s known as “Florida’s Forgotten Coast.”
There are no high-rises on SGI. No massive crowds. Just 28 miles of white sand beaches, salty breezes, and a vibe so chill even our teens approve. (I feel more peaceful just thinking about it.)
After years of visiting, SGI has become our go-to beach spot.
Why We Chose St. George Island
It’s peaceful but not boring. There’s no bumper-to-bumper traffic and no chain restaurants (except a Subway!). No thumping beach clubs at midnight. But there’s enough to do to keep teens from getting antsy and enough open space for dogs to explore.
Dogs are allowed on the beach. This alone makes SGI a unicorn. Most Florida beaches ban dogs completely, but here they’re welcome—on-leash—almost everywhere. Being able to take our dogs saves us the expense of boarding them, and they get to join in on the fun.
It’s made for families. Whether that means kids, teens, chosen family, or the kind with fur, SGI is built for connection. Most of the available lodging is houses, not hotels, so the volume of people who can be on the beaches is limited. You’ll never (or rarely) have trouble finding a spot to set up your chairs and soak up the sun.
What to Do on St. George Island with Teens and Dogs
Hit the Beach (Obviously)
This is the main event. Wide, walkable, pet-friendly beaches with soft white sand and gentle waves that keep our kids (and dogs) occupied for hours. Which means I get to read for hours (mostly uninterrupted).
Stargazing
After the sun sets, houses are asked to turn off any lights facing the beach and cover beach-facing windows to help sea turtle hatchlings find their way to the ocean. The lack of light pollution results in near-perfect stargazing. (The first time I ever saw a shooting star was during my first visit to SGI.)
You can also take a night walk along the beach to hunt for ghost crabs. Just bring a red-light flashlight so you don’t blind the crabs (or your kids).
Bike the Island
SGI is flat and bike-friendly, with miles of paved trails. If you don’t want to travel with your own bikes, rentals are available locally, and some houses may have bikes included. Teens can explore independently without major safety concerns, and it’s a good way to burn off energy after a lazy beach day.
Climb the Lighthouse
The reconstructed Cape St. George Lighthouse is right in the center of the island. The climb is quick, the view is great, and there’s a small museum and gift shop at the bottom. Worth the stop—especially if you want a little history with your sunburn, but it’s Florida in the summer and that’s exercise, so it’s a toasty adventure.
Grab Some Fresh Seafood (and other great places to eat)
Our top picks:
- Blue Parrot Oceanfront Café – Right on the beach with a dog-friendly patio. The fried shrimp basket hit the spot and the Sand Blaster is a drink so strong it has its own t-shirt.
- Bonus: Check out their Live Beach Cam for a taste of St. George Island when you can’t be there in person.
- Red Pirate Family Grill and Oyster Bar – Laid-back and locally loved. You can take in a game of mini-golf while you wait for a table or after your meal.
- BJ’s Pizza and Subs – When you’re tired of seafood (who even are you?) and want some great pizza, BJ’s has you covered. I grab one of their salads when I feel like maybe I need to eat a vegetable.
- Aunt Ebby’s – Aunt Ebby’s has been on SGI for over 30 years and serves up giant ice cream cones, milkshakes, and sundaes. We go to Ebby’s at least three times a visit for a nightly sweet treat after a long day on the beach.
Where to Stay on SGI (with Teens Who Needs Space and Dogs)
Vacation rentals are the name of the game here. Most houses are 3 to 5 bedrooms, and many come with pet-friendly amenities like fenced yards, screened porches, and outdoor showers.
When booking, we look for:
- Pet-friendly policies (some homes limit size or number of dogs)
- Close proximity to the beach (less whining from all species)
- Separate spaces for the teens (after all that time together, they need some time apart)
Final Thoughts
St. George Island always gives us exactly the break we need, right when we need it. Our dogs get to run. Our teens get off their phones for a while. We get to breathe.
If you’re looking for a beach destination where your whole crew—fur babies and teens included—can relax, SGI might just be your spot.
FAQ: St. George Island Travel with Teens and Pets
Yes! SGI is one of the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida. Dogs are allowed on the beach and should be kept on a leash. Many vacation rentals, restaurants, and public areas are pet-welcoming.
No, SGI beaches are not (supposed to be) leash-free. However, it’s not uncommon for well-behaved dogs to be off-leash periodically. Many vacation rentals have fenced yards. Please remember to clean up after your pets, whether they’re on a leash or not.
Yes—many do! Our favorites are Blue Parrot (beachfront patio) and The Station (in Apalachicola). You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating options where dogs are welcome.
Absolutely. The island is small, safe, and bike-friendly, making it ideal for older kids and teens who want a little freedom. There are paved bike paths, local shops, and ice cream stops they can explore solo or in pairs.
There’s a small store on the island that looks like it’s in a gas station, which works for basics. For full grocery runs, most people drive to Apalachicola (20 min) or Eastpoint (15 min). We typically bring things from home and supplement with fresh meat and produce once we’re there.
Spring and fall are ideal—warm weather, fewer bugs, and smaller crowds. Summer is still great but it can be hot and buggy. (Noseeums are no fun.) August to October are considered hurricane season, so there’s always the risk that your trip will be canceled or rescheduled. No matter when you visit, pack bug spray and lots of sunscreen.
Most vacation rentals include Wi-Fi, but cell service can be spotty depending on your carrier. It’s generally reliable enough for everyone to stay connected (but not too connected).
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