Port St. Joe may fly under the radar, but for nature lovers it’s a paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you crave sun-bleached beaches, winding maritime forests or tranquil bay waters, this corner of the Panhandle delivers stunning scenery with plenty of elbow room. Here are a few can’t-miss ways to get outside and breathe it all in:
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (Cape San Blas)
Just a 20-minute drive from The Blue Goose, this award-winning park stretches more than seven miles of sugar-white sand and emerald surf. Hike the barrier-dune trail for panoramic Gulf views, cast a line off the iconic trestle pier, or simply sink your toes in the sand at one of Florida’s most unspoiled beaches. Camp under ancient pines, then rise early to catch a fiery sunrise over the Gulf—it’s a ritual you’ll look forward to every morning.
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Address: 8460 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
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Hours: 8 AM–sunset, daily
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Entrance Fee: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
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Reservations: Campsites & cabins bookable via ReserveAmerica.com or call (850) 227-1327
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Website: floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-joseph-peninsula-state-park
St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve
On the bay side of Port St. Joe, this 4,000-acre preserve protects a rare, pristine grassbed ecosystem. Paddle your own kayak (rentals available downtown) through shallow channels thick with seagrass, keep an eye out for playful dolphins or manatees, and listen for marsh wrens calling from the shoreline. If you’d rather stay dry, stroll the elevated boardwalk at the Visitor Center—interpretive signs guide you through the area’s unique ecology.
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Access Point: 100 Environmental Drive, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
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Hours: Dawn–dusk, daily
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Kayak Rentals & Tours:
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Bay Explorer Outfitters (downtown): (850) port-kayak
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Guided eco-paddle tours: book online at bayexploreroutfitters.com
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Shelling at Cape St. George Island
Accessible by private boat or guided tour, this undeveloped barrier island is a shell-hunter’s dream. Walk the tidal flats at low tide for whelks, conchs and rare junonia shells—just remember to leave live critters behind!
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Getting There: Private boat launch at Ocean City Boat Ramp (US-98 & E. Bay Street)
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Guided Tours:
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Forgotten Coast Shelling: (850) 814-0718
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Tour Price: approximately $65/person for half-day
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Birdwatching & Wildlife Tours
Port St. Joe lies along Florida’s Forgotten Coast Birding Trail, meaning migratory songbirds, raptors and shorebirds pass through in stunning variety. Book a sunrise paddle‐birding tour through Tivoli Bay or head to the landfill wetlands west of town—you’ll spot roseate spoonbills, ospreys and maybe even a bald eagle.
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Tivoli Bay Paddle-Birding: Meet at Tivoli Park Boat Ramp, 211 Cartner Street, Port St. Joe
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Self-Guided Trail: Gulf County Visitor Center wetlands loop – 1001 Highway 98, Port St. Joe
Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Calm waters of St. Joseph Bay are perfect for SUP or tandem kayaks. Glide beside oyster bars, skirt the mangrove shorelines at Bankhead Creek, or explore the jagged coastline of Goose Pasture. Rentals and guided eco‐paddles are available year-round.
- Rentals: RR Outfitters Windmark
Gulf County Visitor Center Trails
Just outside town, the Visitor Center offers a network of short hiking loops through pine flatwoods and scrub habitats. During wildflower season (February–April), you’ll find blankets of blazing star, black-eyed Susan and beach sunflower lighting up the landscape.
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Address: 1001 Highway 98, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
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Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM–4 PM; Sat 10 AM–2 PM
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Trail Maps & Brochures: Pick up in person or download at gulfcounty-fl.gov/visitor-center
No matter how you choose to explore—by kayak, on foot or simply relaxing with binoculars—Port St. Joe’s wild side is waiting. Pack a refillable water bottle, slip on sturdy shoes and set out for a day (or week!) of uncrowded beaches, secret lagoons and timeless Gulf Coast charm. Happy adventuring!
