The SGI Recreational Path is a paved walking, jogging, and bicycling (skateboard, rollerblade, etc.) path that goes from the beginning of The Plantation on the west end of the island to the State Park at the east end of the island. It is roughly six miles from end to end. Walking, biking, etc. on Gorrie Drive (the street closest to the beach) is also very nice, with limited traffic.
***Just a word of advice: when you are on the path, always look out for cars that are crossing the path at road intersections and especially where the path intersects driveways. There are quite a few low-visibility spots, especially for the cars crossing the path. And conversely, please look out for pedestrians and bikers on the path when you are driving. (Thanks!)
Golf carts are NOT allowed on the Path.
If you have any questions about the Path or Golf cart usage on the island, click here.
The St. George Island Lighthouse is in the middle of the developed part of the island. You can't miss it when you're first coming onto the island. The lighthouse is almost exactly a mile from The Palms, so it is a good reference if you take a walk on the beach or jog on the Path. Honestly, we've never climbed up in the lighthouse, but it looks like fun. It is $5 to climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse for ages 7 and up. There is a gift shop and museum at the lighthouse and a playground and basketball court nearby.
The State Park, formally called Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park, lies on the eastern end of SGI and takes up almost half the length of the island. There is a small entrance fee ($6 for a car with up to 8 people) to enter the park that is valid for the whole day. Going to the state park is worth it just to see what the island looks like without development.
There is a paved road that goes about 4.5 miles into the park, then a walking trail that goes about 4 miles to the end of the island. You can ride your bike on this trail, but be prepared to dismount and push your bike at least twenty times due to deep sand covering the trail. I would not suggest taking dogs on this trail due to the insane amount of sand spurs. I would also suggest wearing closed-toe shoes for the same reason. But, getting to the end of the island is really cool. You get to see both the bay and the Gulf, plus a view of Dog Island.
There is another trail across the park road from the first of two large parking areas. These two large parking areas have bathrooms and picnic pavilions. This trail begins on a boardwalk through the trees, taking you to the East Slough. You can continue the trail around the east end of the slough for about a mile until it reaches another trail that goes eastward to the camping grounds and westward around the other side of the slough, towards the primitive camping grounds. This is mainly sandy, but fine for dogs. There are fitness stations spread out along this trail that are kind of fun it you're looking for some extra exercise.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach in the state park, though you can have them on-leash on the trails.
There is a boat ramp in the park that is roughly .7 miles from the entrance to the park ($8-$10 launch fee).
Fishing Charters - We have not taken a fishing charter, so I can't honestly give you any suggestions, but here are some links to charter companies.
Apalachicola Chamber of Commerce fishing links
Boat Rentals - We have only done this once, and it was fun. We got a pontoon boat in Eastpoint and took it out in the bay to both ends of the island. If you are not familiar with driving a boat, this may not be something you want to do, though it is not that difficult. The bay is quite shallow in a lot of areas, so you have to be aware of the depth (there is a depth-finder) at all times so you don't get stuck or damage the propeller.
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve - We have not been to this, but it looks like fun for anyone who is interested in wildlife.
Apalachicola and Carrabelle - Apalachicola is about fifteen minutes to the west and Carrabelle is about thirty minutes to the east. There is much more to do in Apalachicola, though don't be expecting too much. There are a lot of good restaurants, little stores and antique places. I particularly like Hole in the Wall on Avenue D. It's a great place to get a beer and some oysters while other people are looking at things you can't understand, like antiques.
The Old St. George Bridge - When you're driving across the bridge to the island, you will notice a section of old bridge on the mainland side of the bay and a section of old bridge on the island side. These are what is left of the original bridge that was built in the 1960s. It's not the most exciting thing in the world, but it's kind of fun to ride your bike on or jog on or just people-watch.
The Space Arcade - Have not been inside. Looks like a 90s arcade from the pictures. If the kids are into nostalgia, they'll probably like it. Maybe save it for a rainy day.