Salinas Park on Cape San Blas has both gulfside and bayside access points. The park offers great beach access, fishing, and covered picnic area.
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Salinas Park
Most beach parks give you one view, Salinas Park on Cape San Blas gives you two. On one side, you'll find the Gulf of Mexico's famous white sand beaches and turquoise waves.
On the other, a peaceful bayside boardwalk stretches over St. Joseph Bay's calm waters, perfect for fishing, birdwatching, and soaking in panoramic views.
Best of all? This local favorite is completely free, open year-round, and welcomes families, pets, and anyone seeking an authentic Florida coastal experience.
Salinas Park Gulfside Beach Access
The gulfside entrance offers everything you need for a classic Florida beach day. Park in the free lot and follow the easy walking path to pristine white sand beaches where the Gulf of Mexico's emerald waters meet the shore.
This pet-friendly beach access welcomes leashed dogs, so your four-legged friends can enjoy the sand and surf alongside you. The beach here is perfect for swimming, beachcombing, shell collecting, or simply stretching out with a good book under an umbrella. If you have a special vehicle permit from Gulf County, you can even drive onto the beach for ultimate convenience.
The walking paths make it easy to explore the area, and the unspoiled coastline offers some of the most peaceful beach moments you'll find on Cape San Blas.
Salinas Park Bayside Access: Boardwalk, Picnic Shelters & Bay Views
The bayside access is where Salinas Park truly shines. A gorgeous wooden boardwalk extends out over St. Joseph Bay's crystal-clear waters, offering panoramic views that are absolutely worth the visit. This is prime territory for birdwatchers, photographers, and anyone who appreciates coastal Florida at its finest.
The screened-in picnic shelters provide shaded relief from the Florida sun, making them ideal for family gatherings, birthday parties, or a leisurely lunch with a view. These covered areas include picnic tables and are first-come, first-served, so arrive early on weekends if you want to claim a spot.
Kids will love the playground area, and the volleyball court offers active fun for all ages. Anglers can cast a line from the boardwalk or shoreline, the calm bay waters are known for excellent fishing opportunities. Convenient bathroom facilities and ample parking right next to the picnic area make this side of the park especially family-friendly.
Don't miss the walk out to the end of the boardwalk. The views of St. Joseph Bay are stunning, especially during golden hour when the light dances across the water. Keep your eyes open for dolphins, rays, and a variety of shore birds.
New Addition at Salinas Park: Pickleball Courts
Salinas Park recently added pickleball courts, giving visitors even more reason to spend the day. Whether you're a seasoned player or trying the sport for the first time, these courts are a welcome addition to Cape San Blas's outdoor recreation options. Bring your own equipment and enjoy a game with gulf breezes as your backdrop.
Why you will love Salinas Park
- Free Cape San Blas Beach Access Park
- Bayside and Gulfside Access
- New pickleball courts at Salinas Park
Tips for Visiting Salinas Park
Best Times to Visit Early morning on the gulfside offers the most peaceful beach experience with fewer crowds. The bayside boardwalk is magical at sunset, plan to arrive an hour before to secure a good viewing spot and watch the sky turn pink and orange over the bay.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and reapply often, the Florida sun is no joke
- Bug spray, especially for evening bayside visits
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Beach chairs and umbrellas for gulfside comfort
- Fishing gear if you plan to cast a line from the bayside
- Picnic supplies, the screened shelters make outdoor dining a breeze
- Binoculars for birdwatching from the boardwalk
- Camera for capturing those incredible bay views
Things to know when planning a visit to Salinas Park
Address - 280 Cape San Blas Rd, Port Saint. Joe, Florida
Hours - 8 am to sunset, 365 days a year.
Accessibility - Accessibility depends on the area of the park.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach Casual, be prepared for the Florida Gulf Coast sun. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water with you.
Pets - Pets are welcome at Salinas Park but must be leashed at all times. This applies to both the gulfside beach and bayside areas. Please clean up after your pets and be mindful of other visitors.
Parking - There is parking available on both the bayside and Gulfside beach access points.
Beach Driving Vehicle access is permitted on the gulfside beach with a special permit from Gulf County. Contact Gulf County for permit information and regulations.
Things to Do Near Salinas Park on Cape San Blas
Cape San Blas Lighthouse Visit this historic lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic views of the cape. It's a short drive from Salinas Park and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's maritime history.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Just north of Salinas Park, this award-winning state park offers even more pristine beaches, nature trails, and camping facilities. The park consistently ranks among Florida's best beaches.
Cape Palms Park - offers a peaceful Gulf of Mexico beach experience with a covered pavilion, observation deck, and a swing with stunning sunset views.
Best Things to do in Port St. Joe - great activities and attractions highlight the best of the Florida Gulf Coast, including amazing beach activities, shopping, restaurants, and more.
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.
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