Port St. Joe, located along Florida’s Gulf Coast in the heart of the Forgotten Coast, is a charming small town known for its deep history, laid-back atmosphere, and beautiful waterfront views. This destination offers a mix of outdoor activities, historical landmarks, and a tranquil beach experience that appeals to visitors looking for a slower-paced coastal retreat.
The Beaches of Port St. Joe
While Port St. Joe doesn’t boast the long, continuous beaches of neighboring towns like Cape San Blas, it has beautiful coastal access along St. Joseph Bay, which provides a different kind of beach experience. The shoreline here is defined by calm, shallow waters perfect for wading, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The nearby beaches on Cape San Blas, just a short drive away, offer stunning white sand beaches and a more traditional beach experience for sunbathing, beachcombing, and surf fishing.
- WindMark Beach: Just north of Port St. Joe, WindMark Beach offers a quiet, serene stretch of sand along the bay. It’s perfect for those seeking a peaceful day near the water with opportunities for kayaking and watching wildlife.
- St. Joe Beach: Located just west of Port St. Joe along Highway 98, this beach is family-friendly and ideal for a relaxing day by the water. It’s often quieter than other popular beaches in the area and offers excellent spots for fishing, shell collecting, and walking along the shoreline.
- Indian Pass: The beaches at Indian Pass are characterized by their soft white sand and calm, clear waters. Unlike some of the more commercialized beach areas, Indian Pass offers a quieter experience where you can relax, fish, or take leisurely strolls along the shoreline. This beach is also one of only a handful of beaches in Florida where you can experience horseback riding on the beach.
The Cape San Blas Lighthouse
One of the most iconic landmarks of Port St. Joe is the Cape San Blas Lighthouse. Originally located on Cape San Blas, this historic lighthouse was moved to its current location in downtown Port St. Joe in 2014 to protect it from the encroaching Gulf waters. Today, the lighthouse stands proudly along the bay, serving as a symbol of the town’s rich maritime history.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse to the top for spectacular panoramic views of St. Joseph Bay and the surrounding area. The lighthouse keeper’s quarters, now a small museum, tell the history of the lighthouse and the people who maintained it over the years. This site is a must-visit for anyone interested in local history or maritime culture.
Historic Downtown and Marina
Downtown Port St. Joe offers a glimpse into the town’s rich past, with charming shops, restaurants, and local businesses that reflect the area’s relaxed, friendly vibe. You can stroll along Reid Avenue, where you’ll find art galleries, boutiques, and cafés. The town’s small size and friendly atmosphere make it feel inviting and easy to explore.
The Port St. Joe Marina is the heart of the waterfront area, where you’ll often see boats setting out for fishing or sailing excursions. Fishing is a major draw to the area, and the marina provides charter boat opportunities for deep-sea fishing in the Gulf or guided tours of the bay. For those looking to explore on their own, renting a kayak or paddleboard is a great way to discover the calm, shallow waters of St. Joseph Bay, where you might spot dolphins, stingrays, or sea turtles.
Outdoor Adventures
Beyond the beaches and history, Port St. Joe offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, located on Cape San Blas, offers hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and camping. The park’s unspoiled beaches and tall dunes are ideal for those seeking a more secluded beach experience.
Fishing is a big part of life in Port St. Joe, with both inshore and offshore fishing opportunities. St. Joseph Bay is well-known for its scalloping, and during the summer season, visitors flock to the area to snorkel for bay scallops in the shallow grass flats. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating in the bay are all popular activities, with abundant wildlife and marine life to observe.
For history buffs, nearby Constitution Convention Museum State Park tells the story of Florida’s first constitution, which was drafted in Port St. Joe in 1838. The park features historical exhibits and a beautiful park area ideal for picnicking and nature walks.
Why Visit Port St. Joe?
Port St. Joe is the perfect destination for those looking to experience Florida’s Forgotten Coast, where you can enjoy a mix of history, natural beauty, and quiet beaches. Whether you’re climbing the Cape San Blas Lighthouse for the view, paddling in the clear waters of St. Joseph Bay, or simply strolling through the charming downtown, Port St. Joe offers a laid-back escape with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Its proximity to Cape San Blas, the pristine beaches of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, and the historical richness make it a memorable place to visit. Unlike the more commercialized beach destinations, Port St. Joe retains an authentic Old Florida charm, making it an ideal spot for those looking to experience the Gulf Coast in its most natural and peaceful form
Exploring the Forgotten Coast
The Forgotten Coast, stretching from Mexico Beach to Apalachicola and beyond, is known for its untouched natural beauty and quaint, historic towns. Other spots in this region worth visiting are Mexico Beach, Cape San Blas, Apalachicola and St George Island. Each of these places has its own unique charm and is well worth the visit.
