Located just off North Florida's Gulf Coast, the 28-mile St. George Island is one of the last inhabited yet unspoiled barrier islands in Florida – and it is a serene and pet-friendly vacation paradise. St. George Island consistently rates as one of the top beaches in the U.S., with miles of uncrowded expanses for sunning and shelling, clear Gulf waters for swimming and fishing, and pristine marshes for wildlife viewing. St. George Island is protected by low-density zoning and strict building codes. This makes St. George Island a tranquil beach community with no high rises or chain stores. Visitors can rent a quaint beach cottage, a multi-story luxury beach home, or lodge at one of the two island hotels or inns. The state park in St. George is pet-friendly. Pets are allowed in the campground, the nature trails, and on the paved surfaces throughout the park, but must be on a six-foot leash and under control of the owner. Pets are not allowed on the park beach but are allowed on the public beaches outside the parks boundaries.