Port St. Joe & Cape San Blas
The quiet east end of the coast: a sheltered bay famous for scallops, a peninsula of wild beaches, and a historic downtown on Reid Avenue.
Bay on one side, Gulf on the other
Port St. Joe sits on St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County. Across the water, the Cape San Blas peninsula curves out into the Gulf, lined with dunes and beach houses. Together they’re made for slow days: shelling, kayaking, biking, birdwatching and, in late summer, scalloping in the bay.
Gulf County’s beaches face west, so sunsets here drop right into the water. It’s a rare treat in the Panhandle.
- Best for
- Scalloping, shelling, nature lovers and quiet getaways
- Don’t miss
- Climbing the Cape San Blas Lighthouse
- First stop
- Gulf County Welcome Center, off U.S. 98 downtown
Dunes, bay and big skies
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
At the tip of the cape, with Gulf beaches on one side and St. Joseph Bay on the other. Walk the Maritime Hammock Nature Trail, or stay in a campsite or cabin.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Now in George Core Park downtown. Climb 131 steps for views over St. Joseph Bay. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday.
George Core Park beach
The town’s in-town beach, with shallow water that’s great for little kids.
Salinas Park
Two access points on the cape, one on the Gulf side and one on the bay side, both with free parking.
Bay Walk Trail
A waterfront walking trail along St. Joseph Bay, linking Jetty Park and Maddox Park.
Paved bike trail
A long, paved path along Cape San Blas for walking, jogging and easy family bike rides.
The Port St. Joe classics
Scalloping St. Joseph Bay
Snorkel the shallow seagrass for bay scallops. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the season each year, and a fishing license is required. Read our guide.
Reid Avenue
Browse local shops and mom-and-pop restaurants, and check the calendar for live music and festivals.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Learn how Port St. Joe earned its title as Florida’s “Constitution City” at this small state park museum.
Indian Pass Raw Bar
A longtime local spot that runs on the honor system. Grab a drink from the cooler, order oysters and stay for the live music.
Kayaks, chairs & cabanas
Local outfitters such as Fighting Conch Rentals rent kayaks, beach chairs, tents and cabanas.
