Gulf County, Florida
Beach time is only the beginning
Story and Photos by Colette Boehm
Gulf County, Florida, is known for its low-rise vibe and beautiful beaches and as a place to enjoy simple pleasures. The drive from Pensacola is just over three hours and is definitely worth the trip.
This destination is made up of coastal communities that each have a personality and attraction all their own. With less traffic and a slower pace than most Gulf Coast beaches, it’s easy to get around and to find the perfect locations to make your vacation feel just right.
Beachgoers love St. Joe Beach. This is the westernmost Gulf County beach and is popular with sun worshipers, as it is the perfect spot to spend a day, with its easy access to both beautiful sand beaches and nearby restaurants. This west-facing beach is also the perfect spot for taking in a magnificent sunset any time of year. WindMark Beach is close by and has paved walking and biking trails along the water for those who want to get in some exercise.
Port St. Joe is at the heart of Gulf County and is a hub of activity. The waterfront is marked by a lovely park with green space and water access. Local charter captains depart from here and the area’s iconic lighthouse is open to the public.
The Cape San Blas Lighthouse was built more than 130 years ago and was moved to this spot on the bay in 2014. Visitors can climb the lighthouse and visit the small museum on-site.
Just a couple blocks away is Reid Avenue, home to Port St. Joe’s quaint shopping district. Most of the stores are locally owned specialty shops with lots of personality and fun finds.
For those who want to get on the water, St. Joeseph Bay offers easy access and lots of choices. Whether kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling or swimming, this is a popular area for family excursions. There are kayak and SUP rentals and even guided tours for those who want to soak up the knowledge of the locals. Snorkeling the shallow waters is popular, too.
As summer leads into fall, scalloping may be the most popular way to enjoy the bay and its spoils. Two things to note for those first-timers who want to give scalloping a try. First, a saltwater fishing license is required. Second, St. Joseph Bay’s shallow waters are home to fragile seagrasses. These are often called the “nursery” for young shrimp, fish and scallops, so it’s crucial to avoid damaging this important part of the marine ecosystem.
Gulf seafood is featured at many area restaurants and none is more famous than Indian Pass Raw Bar. It’s been a staple here for decades and its casual atmosphere is the perfect match for this destination. Patrons come in, mark the check boxes on the menu and help themselves to beverages while they wait for fresh seafood to arrive at the table.
There are plenty of other places to find tasty and fresh seafood here, but this one is iconic. For dining with a view, two excellent new options are the upscale White Marlin & Oysterette and the casual Hunt’s Oyster Bar on St. Joe Bay.
Gulf County is also home to an experience that can only be had on this stretch of the Florida panhandle: a horseback beach ride. Guided rides are offered on Cape San Blas and the easy-going stroll is appropriate for families as well as adults. No riding experience is needed. The late afternoon rides offer a unique way to enjoy that wonderful golden hour on the beach.
The rides usually begin near Salinas Park in Cape San Blas. Beyond the park, the road continues along the St. Joseph Peninsula, which has sandy white beaches and tall dunes, along with a wealth of beach houses for rent. At the far end of the peninsula is the beautiful T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. The park and the beaches here are consistently ranked among the best in the state. The beautiful beaches are the star of the show here, but many come for birding, hiking and biking, too.
During sea turtle nesting season, May through October each year, Gulf County is known for its commitment to protecting threatened and endangered mama sea turtles that come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Each morning at sunrise the dedicated volunteers of the St. Joseph Peninsula Turtle Patrol walk the beaches to search for nests in order to mark and protect them from predators. Anyone interested in learning more about the turtles and local conservation efforts will enjoy a visit to the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center in Port St. Joe.
It’s easy to love Gulf County. It has retained a laid-back beach town atmosphere while actually offering an amazing variety of experiences that appeal to visitors with different interests. The common factor is a slow pace and an appreciation for the beaches and other coastal resources that make this destination so special.
