Port St Joe Travel Guide

Port St Joe is described as the “small town with a big heart” and travelers get to see all that Southern hospitality for themselves when they visit this picture perfect location on the Emerald Coast of North Florida.

Things to Do in Port St Joe

Paradise beckons on the Gulf Coast, as the white sandy beaches and blue crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico are ideal for sun worshippers and snorkelers. St Joe Beach has miles of shoreline and the sunsets are heavenly. The actual town is tucked into the shores of St Joseph Bay, which serves as a great place to charter a boat or grab a bite to. Fresh seafood is plentiful here, and visitors are spoiled by the range of restaurants, cafes, bistros, and food trucks around town.

Always dreamed of seeing dolphins? How about turtles and seahorses? Well the local aquatic preserve is the place for it, as the calm waters in the bay make it perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. Those with a strong interest can also take an eco tour and learn about the magnificent fish that call these waters home. Those looking for additional action can take a horseback ride along the sand. These rides are available for groups or couples, which can be taken at sunset or under the moonlight. If horses aren’t your jam, don’t worry there’s biking, hiking, walking, running and more, with beautiful trails and designated bike paths and pedestrian walkways, you will not be bored.

Best Time to Visit Port St Joe

Don’t miss the annual Florida Scallop Music and Arts festival every October.

A Local's Guide to Port Saint Joe

Port St. Joe is one of the lesser-known jewels on the Emerald Coast. The town is located among plenty of natural beauty along Florida's Gulf of Mexico. Other draws to the area include its sugar white sands, growing ecotourism, scalloping, and the historic downtown shopping area that has visitors coming back year after year.

One of the best things about the town is its array of accommodation options that suit any budget and taste. There are many Port St. Joe vacation rentals near the city center, which allow visitors easy access to the main hustle and bustle of town life. Whether visitors want to do some shopping, visit a local restaurant, or head to one of the bars, it will all be on their doorstep. Another popular option is getting a vacation home closer to the beach. Many are pet-friendly and have spacious living rooms for spending time with friends or loved ones. Some even have pools, private boardwalks, or beachfront decks for prime beach views. A stay in a beach front home will have tourists looking into vacation rentals again for next year.

Connected by a tiny piece of land, Cape San Blas is located in St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, along the Florida Panhandle. The park has miles of white sand beach just waiting to be explored. Alternatively, visitors can head inland over the dunes to the park’s heavily forested interior. Indian Pass Lagoon is a better option for exploration in a more secluded part of nature. Not only does the lagoon have an array of pet-friendly beaches, but the Indian Pass Raw Bar also provides the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Oysters pulled directly from the lagoon are served raw, steamed, or baked. The Pass is celebrated for its array of wildlife, fishing, kayaking, and for the opportunity to sit around a bonfire in the evenings.

The neighboring town of Mexico Beach also has a lot to offer, and makes a great day trip from your vacation home. The town is a colorful community, rich in character.