Situated in Gulf County, the town of Port St. Joe was once a bustling port along the North Florida coast. It was dotted with casinos and was a magnet for seafarers who were looking for a good time. With its swim-friendly waters and laidback vibe, this charming town is perfect for a quick getaway or a long vacation. Aptly called the small town with a big heart, its picturesque surroundings with pristine beaches beckons you to leave your cares far behind. Go snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy fishing, or dine at one of the many rustic shacks serving up fresh, delicious seafood. Its waterfront marina is a happening place while the green spaces are perfect for relaxation. Scroll down to learn about the interesting things to do in Port Saint Joe, Florida.
1. Cast a line at Port St Joe's secret fishing spots (from USD 675.0)
Possibly one of the best things to do near Port St. Joe is to set off on an exciting fishing adventure across the inshore waterways of this charming coastal town. Learn to cast and fish like an expert, irrespective of your previous experience, with valuable guidance from the captain of your fishing charter. This tour is suitable for people of all ages, families, and even those who are physically challenged. You can also pack along a picnic lunch and your favorite beverage.
From Panama City Beach: Port St Joe Inshore Fishing Charters
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
2. Get a bird's eye view atop historic Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Featured on the National Register of Historic Places, this charming lighthouse has been preserved for posterity over the decades and is one of Port St. Joe’s attractions. Relocated from its original spot, you can climb up this lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are keepers’ quarters near this metal lighthouse and a gift shop inside.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Address: 200 Miss Zola’s Dr. Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456
Website: Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed Sun - Tue)
Price: 3 - 5 USD
3. Picnic on the shaded bayfront of George Core Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Perfect day for a festival in George Core Park! Well done Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center
Posted by Gulf County Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, July 3, 2022
Situated close to Cape San Blas Lighthouse, this bayfront park dotted with majestic pines is perfect for a leisurely picnic. There are a small lake and an events stage as well as a shaded picnic table for your enjoyment. The shallow bay waters off the park are ideal for some fun in the water as well as for fishing. There is also a trail that winds its way through the park to the boat ramp at Frank Pate Park.
George Core Park
Address: Port St Joe, FL 32456, USA
Website: George Core Park
Opening hours: 24 hrs
Price: Free
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4. Swim in the clear waters of St Joseph Bay
The clear waters of this bay enclosed by the St Joseph Peninsula invite you to dive in for a refreshing swim on a balmy afternoon. These waters are rich in marine life and include an aquatic preserve. These serene waters are snorkelers’ and kayakers’ paradise and are also perfect for boating, sailing, and fishing.
St Joseph Bay
Address: 3915 State Road 30A, Port Saint Joe, FL 32456-7542
Website: St Joseph Bay
Opening hours: 24 hrs
Price: Free
5. Enjoy a romantic horseback ride along the beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Who would like to go horseback riding on the beautiful beaches of Cape San Blas? We are ready to take you! www.sandnspur.com
Posted by Sand N Spur Snorkeling and Horseback Riding on the Beach on Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Fulfill your dream of horseback riding on the beach when you are at Port St Joe. Enjoy an hour-long ride along the surf as you take in the sights and sounds. Suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders, this fun activity is sure to add a sprinkling of romance to your Port St Jose trip.
Sand N Spur Snorkeling and Horseback Riding on the Beach
Address: 240 Cape San Blas Rd Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456
Website: Sand N Spur Snorkeling and Horseback Riding on the Beach
Opening hours: 5pm - 7:30 pm (daily)
Price: 60 - 70 USD
6. Snorkel among rays and sea horses off St Joseph's Bay
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Our namesake stopped by for a visit today!
Posted by Seahorse Water Safaris on Monday, May 26, 2014
Enjoy coming up close with the varied sea creatures found in the waters off St Joseph’s Bay on this snorkeling tour. Catch and release different sea animals such as octopuses, starfish, and sea horses. Watch as dolphins, rays, and sea turtles pass you by in their natural habitat. All the snorkeling equipment is provided and you just need to walk in with a towel, sunscreen, and any snacks or beverages.
Seahorse Water Safaris
Address: 340 Marina Dr, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456-1832
Website: [Seahorse Water Safaris](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063598192581
Opening hours: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 4pm (daily)
Price: 29 - 45 USD
7. Stargaze on the sandy white beaches of T.H. Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park
Settle in with a warm blanket and watch the stars come out in the sky as the sun goes down. The soft, white sand of the tranquil beach is a great spot to settle in and look up at the sky. With the sound of the gently lapping waves in the background go through an ethereal experience like no other.
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Address: 8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456,
Website: T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
Price: 2 - 6 USD
8. Explore Florida's history at Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Situated on the outskirts of the city, the museum here has excellent displays and exhibits on 19th-century life. It also offers audio presentations about the first Constitutional Convention held in the state. Through the collections in the museum, you will get an idea about how Florida attained statehood. The sprawling grounds of the museum offer a wide range of flora and fauna for you to explore.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Address: 200 Allen Memorial Way Port St. Joe FL 32456
Website: Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Opening hours: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 2 USD
9. Sail into the sunset aboard a chartered cruise
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The weather is clearing - Let's catch some snapper! Head out with Fishing Express Sat @ 8:30am. Call us for info and reservations.
Posted by Seahorse Water Safaris on Friday, May 2, 2014
For a perfect end to your day in Port St Joe, hop onto a chartered boat to see the glorious sunset. Settle in and relax as you watch the beautiful bay near St Joseph Peninsula and see the sun bid adieu. Bob along the water gently before you make your way back to shore.
Seahorse Water Safaris
Address: 340 Marina Dr, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456-1832
Website: Seahorse Water Safaris
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 24 - 35 USD
10. Spend a day in Frank Pate Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There's that "famous" gazebo at Frank Pate Park.
Posted by Gulf County Florida Tourism on Monday, April 8, 2013
Set at the heart of town, this park is a popular venue for local events. There is a pirate ship-themed gym that is sure to be a hit with the little ones. You can also enjoy a picnic at the covered pavilion with plenty of tables. A boat launch facility, fishing pier, lighted tennis court, and sitting benches are other facilities available here for a great day out.
Frank Pate Park
Address: Port St Joe, FL 32456
Website: Frank Pate Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Have a lively round of karaoke at Lookout Lounge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy stunning views of the Florida sunset from your vantage point at the Lookout Lounge. Sip a cold beer or a cocktail while you listen to live music by local musicians. On Fridays and Saturdays, head up to the Crow’s Nest for some karaoke fun.
Lookout Lounge
Address: 8066 US-98, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Website: Lookout Lounge
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
12. Feast on grouper and grits at Dodaddy's Seafood Restaurant
Editor’s note: Establishment is Permanently closed.
Enjoy some authentic Southern hospitality as you feast on delicious seafood at this cozy little restaurant. Grouper, shrimp, catfish, and deviled crab are some of their not-to-be-missed specialties. Watch the sunset over the bay as you listen to the friendly owners serve up some interesting anecdotes along with the mouthwatering food.
Dodaddy's Seafood Restaurant
Address: 208 Third Street, Port Saint Joe, Florida
Website: Dodaddy’s Seafood Restaurant
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11:30am - 9pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
13. Kayak through the unspoiled trails of the Forgotten Coast
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
She wasn’t where she had been. She wasn’t where she was going, but she was on her way. ~Jodi Hills Instagram:...
Posted by Florida's Forgotten Coast on Friday, March 25, 2022
Go paddling across the 57 miles (92 km) of this saltwater trail. Come upon the high dunes of St Joseph Peninsula State Park and pass by palm-fringed shores of St Vincent Island. Glide past the dense forests of Cape St George State Reserve. Head over to Apalachicola Bay, which is a favorite fishing haunt and known for its annual seafood festival held in November. What’s even better is that this is one of the free things to do in Port St. Joe.
Forgotten Coast Trail
Address: Port St Joe, Florida
Website: Forgotten Coast Trail
Opening hours: 24 hrs
Price: Free
14. Chow down oysters at the Indian Pass Raw Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located on a site which has a history that can be traced back to 1903, this seafood restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. This casual dining restaurant welcomes walk-ins and the amiable staff enhances the experience. Be sure to sample some of their grilled oysters, shrimp, the chowder, and chicken wings.
Indian Pass Raw Bar
Address: 8391 CR-30A Port Saint Joe, Florida
Website: Indian Pass Raw Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
15. Stroll through the fascinating St Joseph Cemetery
The sprawling grounds of the old St Joseph Cemetery make for a somber walking trail. Numerous unmarked graves stand upon the spots where mass burials of yellow fever victims occurred in 1841. The cemetery is also home to several historical markers that testify to the importance of the site in the state’s history.
St Joseph Cemetery
Address: 2482 Garrison Avenue, Port St Joe
Website: St Joseph Cemetery
Opening hours: Daylight hours (daily)
Price: Free
A fantastic time in Port St. Joe
If this list seems quite short, and you’re still wondering what to do in Port St. Joe, then why not just visit Port St. Joe to find out more. There are still plenty of experiences and sights that await you. So consider our list of things to do above as a starting point, and gear up for a fantastic time in Port St. Joe.
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