2 Best Sights in St. George Island, The Panhandle

On the east end of the island are 9 miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes—the longest beachfront of any Florida state park. On the Gulf side, there's plenty of room to spread out and make a day of it sunning, swimming, picnicking, and watching shorebirds dart about as you walk at the waterline. Sandy coves, salt marshes, oak forests, and pines provide shelter for many birds, including bald eagles and ospreys on the bay side. Pavilions throughout the park offer spotless restrooms and plentiful parking. Boaters are welcome, as are campers, but the sites fill up quickly, so you'll need to reserve one in advance. Amenities: parking; showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

As you descend into St. George Island after crossing the bridge, you can't miss the 72-foot-tall St. George Lighthouse. It has a long and storied history—felled by hurricanes and beach erosion and rebuilt several times. After its last collapse in 2005, concerned citizens picked up the pieces (literally) and rebuilt it on its current site along with a museum and a gift shop. Those who climb the 92 spiral stairs and a ladder the top are rewarded with a fabulous view. Special climbs are set for full moons. The museum includes a beautiful reproduction of the lighthouse's Fresnel lens.