Frank Pate Park is a fantastic public park in the heart of Port St. Joe, Florida. There is a pirate-themed kids' playground, pickleball courts, a covered pier perfect for watching sunsets, and a boat ramp with parking nearby.
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Frank Pate Park
Frank Pate Park sits right on St. Joseph Bay at the intersection of US Highway 98 and US Highway 71, smack in the heart of Port St. Joe. This is one of the original parks in the city's park system.
Frank Pate Park offers direct bay access, a fishing pier that gets photographed constantly, and views across St. Joseph Bay that make it easy to lose track of time.
Named for Frank Pate Jr., who served as Port St. Joe's mayor from 1966 to 2007. Whether you are launching a boat for a day on the bay, letting the kids loose on the pirate ship playground, or grabbing a pickleball game on one of the four courts, there is a lot of fun packed into a park that doesn't feel huge.
We really enjoy soaking in the views from the covered pier. It is a great place to watch for dolphins and enjoy how gorgeous the area is.
If you are visiting a Port St. Joe Restaurant on Reid Ave it is an easy walk over to enjoy sunset.
Kid's Play Area
The kids play area at Frank Pate Park centers around a pirate ship-themed playground that is a Port St. Joe favorite for families. The views from the play area are hard to beat with St. Joseph Bay in the background.
Please be prepared for the Florida Gulf Coast heat and humidity!
Boat Launch
The boat launch at Frank Pate Park is one of the best access points to St. Joseph Bay on the Forgotten Coast. It is a 4-wide facility with a center dock, a gradual concrete ramp into the water, and well-protected launching conditions. For boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders heading out to explore St. Joseph Bay, this is the go-to spot in Port St. Joe.
Boat launch permits are required and can be purchased at City Commons. Non-resident daily fees apply - confirm current pricing before your visit. Gulf County residents with an annual pass launch free.
Note that the boat ramp gets busy during peak times, especially weekends. Arrive early to avoid the wait.
Gazebo
The covered gazebo over the water is amazing! Enjoy fishing, watching for dolphins and birds, sunset viewing, and a great opportunity for fun photos.
Pickleball Courts
Frank Pate Park has 4 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts with permanent lines, nets, and lights for evening play. Courts are free and open to the public. Courts cannot be reserved - first come, first served.
Fish cleaning station
There is a fish cleaning station located next to the boat ramp so you can process your daily catch and have it cleaned up before you head out.
Life Jacket Loan Station
Frank Pate Park has a life jacket loan station on site - a great resource for families who want to get out on the water without hauling their own gear. Confirm availability of sizes before your visit.
Why you will love Frank Pate Park
- Direct access to St. Joseph Bay by boat, kayak, or paddleboard
- One of the most convenient boat launches on the Forgotten Coast
- Iconic fishing pier with covered gazebo perfect for sunsets and bird watching
- 4 free lighted pickleball courts
- Pirate ship playground
- Fish cleaning station with lights
- Life jacket loan station
- Covered pavilion with picnic tables and grills
- Shaded benches
- Free admission to the park - boat launch fee applies for non-residents
- Right in the heart of Port St. Joe, steps from downtown restaurants
Things to know when planning a visit to Frank Pate Park
Address - 502 Monument Ave, Port St. Joe, Florida
At the intersection US Hwy. 98 and U.S. Hwy. 71
Hours - Sunrise to sunset
Accessibility - There is a paved path through the park that leads to the Cape San Blas Lighthouse.
Plus Size Seating - There are picnic tables.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual
Pets - Pets need to be on a leash
Parking - There is a parking area next to the park.
Port St. Joe Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Things to Do in Port St. Joe, Florida - A full guide to the best things to do in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas.
Sisters' Bistro - One of our favorite Port St. Joe restaurants is right down Reid Avenue from the park. A great lunch or dinner stop after a morning at Frank Pate Park.
The Italian Kitchen Port St. Joe - Scratch Italian supper club on First Street with a Thursday Amore e Cena couples dinner.
The Joe Coffee Shop - Great coffee and a good start to a day at the park.
Dagwoods - A casual Port St. Joe lunch spot right in the neighborhood.
Bayside Bakery and Cafe - Breakfast and baked goods in downtown Port St. Joe.
Sweet Bunz - Fresh daily donuts and the perfect pre-park morning stop.
Sugar Shack - Ice cream and frozen treats for after a day outdoors.
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - Pristine wilderness beaches on Cape San Blas a short drive away.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse - A historic lighthouse worth the short drive from Port St. Joe.
Salinas Park - Gulf and bay beach access on Cape San Blas with a boardwalk over the water.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park - Where Florida's first constitution was drafted, right in Port St. Joe.
Port Inn Port St. Joe - A charming downtown boutique hotel steps from the park.
Additional Florida Gulf Coast Articles
Florida Gulf Coast Lighthouses - A guide to the lighthouses along the Florida Gulf Coast.
RV Camping on the Gulf Coast - The best RV parks and campgrounds along the Gulf Coast.
Driftwood Inn Mexico Beach - A great hotel on the Forgotten Coast just down the road from Port St. Joe.
Port St. Joe, Florida Tours
T-Man's Charters offers 8 hour fishing tours, St Joseph Bay Touring, Apalachicola River Touring, Scalloping tours, Snorkeling, and Fishing Charters.
Shallow Seas Charters offers Day on the Bay trips, Full day inshore fishing tours, Half day inshore fishing tours.
Salty Fish Excursions offers Trips to the tip of Cape San Blas, Short cruises around the bay, 3 hour eco tours, Family fishing tours in the bay, and scalloping tours.
Port St. Joe, Florida Lodging
If you are visiting Port St. Joe, Florida and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
The Port Inn and Cottages - Located in downtown Port. St. Joe this hotel is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection. Book HERE
Main Stay Suites Port Saint Joe - Enjoy free breakfast, an outdoor pool, fitness center and easy access to exploring Port St. Joe.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
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