St.George Island is located on the Gulf of Mexico south and west of Tallahassee. Early in the island’s estimated 5,000 years of existence, pre-Columbian native peoples visited St. George Island at least seasonally to collect oysters and seafood. Remnant middens, or trash mounds, contain evidence of shellfish harvests, fishing and pottery-making. Checked and incised ceramics, stone gaming pieces and a grinding stone have been recovered from sites within the park.

Sand dunes are 'living' examples of how land moves. The majestic, historic sand dunes migrate toward the mainland, covering and changing the landscape over time. Stumps from large trees can be found in the surf, giving further evidence of the shifting barrier island.

Turpentine harvesting and cattle raising were historic practices on St. George Island. The park has the oldest stand of slash pine found on a barrier island and most of the old pine trees show evidence of harvesting for turpentine. Slashes were made on the trees, causing them to produce resin in an attempt to heal themselves. Containers called Herty cups were hung on the trees to collect the resin that was used to make turpentine.