Cape San Blas is located in the northwestern part of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. Historically this small strip of land produced salt from seawater, but today, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the white-sand beaches. These beaches tend to be uncrowded, so you can really relax and bask in the warm weather without loads of other people around. Of course, there are plenty of outdoor activities to try, including kayaking, fishing, and boating. And there’s great seafood to dig into as well. The place has seen damage as a result of multiple hurricanes over the years, but it’s a resilient community that is constantly rebuilding. If you’re interested in learning more, then read on because we’re going to tell you all about our favourite things to do in Cape San Blas, Florida.
1. Do some bird-watching at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
This list starts off with T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, which is located along the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here. White-sand beaches make it a beautiful spot to enjoy the sun or go for a dip in the sea. Kayaking, fishing, and hiking are other popular additives at the park. And bird-watching is big—more than 240 bird species have been spotted in the area. Historically you could camp or stay in a cabin at the site, but following a hurricane that damaged the venue, this isn’t possible at the time of writing. Do keep an eye on its website to check if this has changed. Despite the damage caused by the said calamity, the park is still a beautiful spot to visit, offering many things you can do.
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Address: 8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)
Price: 6 USD
2. Take a snorkel trip with Seahorse Water Safaris
** Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed
Seahorse Water Safaris is a local business that rents boats and takes visitors on snorkelling trips in the Cape San Blas area. If you’re keen to explore the bay, you can rent a boat and spend the day on the blue water. The boats are pet-friendly, and you can even rent fishing poles, so you can throw a line out while aboard. For those who want to get more up close and personal with the water, you can take a snorkel trip. You’ll have the opportunity to see octopus, seahorses, and puffer fish. The company has a catch-and-release policy, so you can be sure the marine animals will remain in the sea. Whether you want to spend the day on a boat or go snorkelling, this option is a great way to enjoy the outdoor activities the area has to offer.
Seahorse Water Safaris
Address: 340 Marina Dr, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: Seahorse Water Safaris
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
3. Book a tour on horseback with Two-Bit Stable Horseback Riding on the Beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bug and Star enjoyed a peaceful and beautiful private sunrise ride this morning with their sweet guests
Posted by Two-Bit Stable Horseback Riding on the Beach on Wednesday, June 9, 2021
For a unique way to experience the beaches of Cape San Blas, look to Two-Bit Stable Horseback Riding on the Beach. This ride along the beach lets you view the Gulf’s blue waters and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves while on horseback. You can choose a daytime ride, or go for a beautiful sunrise or sunset excursion. And if you’ve never ridden a horse, don’t worry—the horses are well-trained and perfect for beginners. This activity is a relaxing way to take in the beauty of the area.
Two-Bit Stable Horseback Riding on the Beach
Address: 240 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: Two-Bit Stable Horseback Riding on the Beach
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: From 60 USD
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4. Enjoy a picnic at Cape Palms Park
Want to enjoy some fresh air? Then a trip to Cape Palms Park is the perfect solution. A great spot for an afternoon out, the place offers a playground, picnic tables, and grills. It also has beach access, so you can go for a walk along the shore or take a dip in the water. There’s plenty of wildlife to watch out for, including crabs and pelicans. If it’s a nice day, there’s no reason not to enjoy it at the park.
Cape Palms Park
Address: 6081 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: Cape Palms Park
5. Look out into the dunes at William J Rish Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Billy Joe Rish was a state representative for the state of Florida, and he was passionate about making the world a better place for those with disabilities. In 1978, he named this site William J Rish Park. The park boasts white sand, beautiful dunes, and bright blue water of the Gulf of Mexico. And with boardwalks and ramps, the whole venue is truly accessible. You can even rent a dorm or cottage within the property, and there’s also an event hall and a swimming pool. Whether you want to stay a couple nights or a couple hours, this is a great spot to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf—and it is especially fantastic if you need a wheelchair-accessible environment.
William J Rish Park
Address: 6773 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: William J Rish Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5:30pm (closed on Sat - Sun)
6. Go camping at St. Joseph Peninsula Campground
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed.
St. Joseph Peninsula Campground is situated in T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, and it is surrounded by St. Joseph’s Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from the white-sand beaches and beautiful blue waters, this campground has plenty of amenities. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, and boat ramps. The management also offers things like hot showers and water fountains to make your camping trip a bit more comfortable. Do be aware that at the time of writing, camping is not allowed at the park due to a hurricane. But please keep an eye on its website to see when the activity is available again.
St. Joseph Peninsula Campground
Address: 8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: St. Joseph Peninsula Campground
7. Unwind with a craft beer at Scallop RePUBlic
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Scallop RePUBlic on Friday, October 18, 2019
For a nice drink and some good music, head to Scallop RePUBlic. This pub offers craft beer, canned beer, and premium wine for your drinking pleasure. There’s also live music, which is played in the evenings from Wednesday to Saturday. And on Tuesday nights, the place alternates between hosting a community pot luck or an open-mic night. With its deck overlooking St. Joseph Bay, this spot is perfect for relaxing, chatting with the locals, and taking in the scenery. The bar doesn’t serve food, but you’re more than welcome to bring your own.
Scallop RePUBlic
Address: 411 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: Scallop RePUBlic
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11pm (closed on Sun - Mon)
8. Go for a hike along Deal Tract Trail
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve, Deal Tract Trail is an easy walking trail that eventually splits off into a fork. One fork, the right side, leads you to a picnic area and overlooks St. Joseph’s Bay. On the left side, you’ll find a forested area, a perfect place to keep an eye out for birds like hooded warblers and summer tanagers. A casual walk along this path is a nice way to stretch your legs while taking in the scenery. Do be aware that there isn’t much protection from the sun, and the trail can get buggy, so bring sunscreen and some bug spray.
Deal Tract Trail
Address: Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
9. Watch out for turtles in St. Joseph's Bay
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the best things about Cape San Blas being surrounded by water is that you can explore the marine life. The shores of St. Joseph’s Bay are home to nesting turtles, so during your trip to the beach, you can watch out for theses cute green animals. From May to October, the female turtles spend the nights combing the sands for a place to lay her eggs. A couple of months later, the eggs begin to hatch, and the tiny turtles run for the water. So do keep your eyes open if you visit the beach after sundown. Please don’t touch the turtles though as this may harm them.
St. Joseph's Bay
Website: St. Joseph’s Bay
10. Enjoy BBQ at The Sand Bucket Smokehouse & Grill
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed.
If you’re looking for some BBQ along the Gulf, then stop by The Sand Bucket Smokehouse & Grill. The place serves up classic BBQ fare, including baby back ribs and beef brisket. But there are plenty of other dishes too, like seafood and burgers. And if you’re after something sweet following your meal, you’re in luck, because the restaurant offers handmade desserts. You can go for key lime pie or coconut cake. Plus, the reviews rave about the friendly staff, so if you need a recommendation, just ask!
The Sand Bucket Smokehouse & Grill
Address: 980 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: The Sand Bucket Smokehouse & Grill
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
11. Head to Cone Heads 8020 for a delicious meal
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Finishing up the list is Cone Heads 8020, a restaurant serving up American food. The venue originally started as an ice cream parlour, hence its name. However, 14 years ago, a new family bought the place and gave it a new menu, which still includes ice cream but also much more. The establishment serves up local seafood, handmade pizzas, and delicious burgers. And of course, you can finish off your meal with an ice cream cone. This is a great spot to make your stop after a day on the beach and refuel with some comforting food.
Cone Heads 8020
Address: 8020 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Website: Cone Heads 8020
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 2pm - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 2pm - 9pm (closed on Sun & Wed)
Beautiful scenery and fun activities in Cape San Blas
Surrounded by bright blue waters and white-sand beaches, Cape San Blas is a stunning town with lots to explore. From taking a boat out on the water to hiking through a nature preserve to a horseback ride along the beach, there are plenty of ways to take in the scenery. So take note of your favourite activities and start planning your trip to Cape San Blas.
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