Cape San Blas, located in the Florida Panhandle in the forgotten coast, is one of the most serene and unspoiled destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for its pristine beaches, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere, the cape offers a perfect retreat for anyone seeking a quiet, peaceful coastal getaway.
The Natural Beauty
From the moment you drive down the narrow peninsula, you’re surrounded by raw, untouched beauty. On one side of Cape San Blas is the Gulf of Mexico, with its calm, emerald waters and soft white sand, while on the other is St. Joseph Bay, known for its shallow waters teeming with marine life. The contrast between the two sides of the cape is striking and makes it feel like you’re in the heart of nature. The beaches here are not commercialized at all. You won’t find high-rise condos or crowded tourist spots. Instead, there’s a sense of peaceful isolation, where nature takes center stage.
The Beaches
The beaches along Cape San Blas are some of the most beautiful and quiet you’ll find in Florida. The sand is soft and powdery, the kind that’s perfect for long barefoot walks. The waters are usually calm, with gentle waves lapping at the shore, making it ideal for swimming, floating, or paddleboarding. One of the most unique aspects of the beaches here is how uncrowded they are. Even during peak season, you can easily find a stretch of beach all to yourself. It’s the kind of place where you can take a walk in the sand and feel like you are the only person on some parts of the peninsula.
If you love collecting seashells, Cape San Blas is a treasure trove. You’ll find everything from small, colorful shells to the occasional sand dollar washed up along the shore.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
At the northern tip of Cape San Blas is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, a must-visit for nature lovers. The park offers miles of untouched beaches, winding trails through coastal scrub, and some of the most pristine dunes in the state. The wildlife is abundant here with shorebirds, dolphins offshore, and even the occasional sea turtle nest. The park has camping facilities, so if you’re looking to spend a night under the stars surrounded by nature, this is the place to do it.
The Cape Jetty
The Cape Jetty is a cool spot to access the beach where you can walk to where the lighthouse once was and to the southern tip of the cape. The Donna Kay was also an attraction along this path.
Fishing and Boating
Cape San Blas is a fisherman’s paradise. The waters of both the Gulf and St. Joseph Bay are filled with fish like redfish, trout, and flounder. For boaters, the bay’s calm waters are ideal for a peaceful day on the water. Many visitors rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even small boats to explore the bay, where you can easily spot dolphins or manatees.
Pet-Friendly Destination
One of the most unique things about Cape San Blas is how dog-friendly it is. Many of the beaches here welcome dogs, so it’s the perfect place to bring your four-legged friend for a beach day. You’ll often see locals and visitors alike walking their dogs along the shore or letting them splash in the gentle waves.
The Adventure of Exploring
While Cape San Blas is all about relaxing and enjoying the beach, there’s a sense of adventure that comes with exploring the peninsula. The cape’s narrow roads, dotted with beach houses, dunes, and sea oats, invite exploration. You can spend the day biking along the quiet roads or take a walk through the park’s nature trails.
Renting a kayak or paddleboard to explore St. Joseph Bay is another way to experience the area’s natural beauty. The bay is shallow and clear, making it easy to spot marine life. Some adventurers even bring snorkel gear to explore the waters up close.
Hurricane Michael’s Impact
Like many areas along the Forgotten Coast, Cape San Blas was heavily impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018. The storm caused significant damage to homes, roads, and the natural landscape. In fact, when I was there in 2020, the State Park was only partially open because the roads had not yet been restored.
Why Visit Cape San Blas?
If you’re looking for a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path beach experience, Cape San Blas is the perfect destination. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in nature. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach, exploring the bay, or enjoying the quiet solitude of the state park, Cape San Blas offers an authentic and unforgettable coastal retreat.
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, Port St. Joe, Apalachicola and St George Island. Each of these places has its own unique charm and is well worth the visit.
