Yes. Had some friends who just stayed there recently and loved it. We are really looking forward to it. Looks very laid back, which is what we like. Tybee is our favorite place and this gives me that sort of vibe.
Fantastic. My mom and step-dad had a house there when I was growing up so we’ve spent a lot of time there. Man, 30 years ago…it wasn’t laid back it was damn near deserted. If you went down in October you could go out on the beach at Noon, look both ways, and not see another person for half a mile in either direction.
They’ve really done a nice job of developing it over the years while still maintaining its charm and not being overly touristy.
Couple of ideas if you’re interested, take ‘em or leave ‘em:
1) Not sure where you’re staying, but avoid the public beach that’s right by the light house and Blue Parrot (basically where the road dumps you off at after crossing the bridge). A lot of day trippers from Tallahassee and Wakulla go there so it can be crowded in the summer time. Hopefully you’re staying in a house or condo that’s a mile or two to the left or right of blue parrot.
2) If not, it’s worth it to go down to the state park at the end of the island. Just gorgeous down there. It’s a few bucks per car to enter but you get restrooms, plenty of hiking trails, and long stretches of isolated white sand. If you don’t want to pay the fee, go to 300 ocean mile, which is a condo complex adjacent to the state park. Find a visitors spot and then take their boardwalk down to the beach. But don’t park in someone’s unit spot, they will not be pleased.
3) Apalachicola is across the bay and it’s well worth the 15 minute drive. The food there is very good. MUCH better than what’s on SGI. Owl Cafe is our favorite, but there are several good places. There’s a good brewery too, Oyster City Brewery. And after dinner you can go get some homemade gelato from a store in the main square. Go over at like 4 and do a little exploring in the boutiques and what not. Eat dinner at 615, gelato after and back to SGI around 830. It’s a nice evening out.
4) If you’re really feeling adventurous, Cape San Blas is a barrier island about 45-60 min drive to the west. It’s along a stretch called the “Forgotten Coast” which is aptly named. It’s even more laid back and small beach town vibe than SGI. Also, it’s unique in that the barrier island faces west, so the sunsets are spectacular. It melts right into the sea. The currents and wind come from a slight different direction too, so the water is typically clearer than SGI and there are 15-20 foot sand dunes you can admire the sunset from. There’s some good mom and pop restaurants over there too and a state park that has been named as a top 10 beach in the country. Cape San Blas might be my favorite beach in Florida.
