14 Best Things to Do in Port St. Joe, Florida (2026 Guide)

The best things to do in Port St Joe, Florida! These great activities and attractions highlight the best of the Florida Gulf Coast, including amazing beach activities, shopping, restaurants, and more.

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Best Things to Do in Port St. Joe, Florida: Complete Guide

Port St. Joe, Florida, is a great coastal town perfect for a weekend getaway. We find ourselves grativating to the great Port St. Joe restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.

This small town has beautiful beaches, water sports, nature trails, bike trails, and boutique shopping you don't want to miss.

Whether you are looking for relaxation, outdoor adventure, or a fun family trip on Florida's Gulf Coast, you will find amazing things to do in Port St. Joe, Florida.

Top Port St. Joe Beaches

When you think of Florida Gulf Coast beaches you probably think of gorgeous white sand beaches. The beach in Port St. Joe is a little more rugged but still beautiful.

Just down the road about 10 minutes you will find St. Joe Beach and Windmark Beach which are white sand beaches.

There are also gorgeous beaches along Cape San Blas! Within Port St. Joe there is beach access at George Core Park.

Nearby Beaches to check out include:

• Windmark Beach
• St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
• Cape Palms Park (Has hurricane damage)
• Stump Hole Access

Beaches in Gulf County are Pet-friendly except for St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, William J Billy Joe Rish Recreation Area, and Elgin Air Force Base property.

Dogs must be kept on a leash, keep waste bags with you, and clean up after your pet.

Historic Attractions in Port St. Joe

There are great historic attractions in Port St. Joe, perfect for anyone who enjoys history, lighthouses, and learning more about the Florida Gulf Coast.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse

Cape San Blas Lighthouse is one of Port St. Joe's must-see attractions. This 130-year-old lighthouse was dramatically relocated in 2014 to save it from erosion after Tropical Storm Isaac threatened its original location. Located in George Core Park, visitors can climb the spiral staircase to panoramic observation deck views of St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The lighthouse complex includes restored Keeper's Quarters, an historic Oil House, and a visitor center with exhibits about the lighthouse's history and remarkable move. Register at the gift shop before climbing to explore this accessible piece of Florida Gulf Coast history.

Best for: History enthusiasts, lighthouse climbing, panoramic views, photography, families with older children
Location: George Core Park, 200 Miss Zola's Dr, Port St. Joe

Constitution Convention Museum State Park

Constitution Convention Museum State Park offers a fascinating glimpse into Florida history at the site where Florida's first constitution was drafted in 1838. This small but information-rich state park museum features self-guided tours through exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Constitutional Convention, life-size replicas of the territorial delegates (fair warning, they move and made me jump the 1st time I saw them), and detailed displays about the historic town of Port Joseph (now Port St. Joe).

The museum tells the story of how 56 delegates gathered in Port Joseph to draft Florida's first constitution during the territory's journey to statehood. Interactive exhibits and interpretive displays make this an engaging stop for history buffs and families alike, providing important context about Florida's political foundations and Port St. Joe's significant role in state history.

Best for: History buffs, families, educational visits, learning about Florida statehood, rainy day activities
Location: 200 Allen Memorial Way, Port St Joe, FL

Outdoor Adventures and Nature in Port St. Joe

Port St. Joe is the perfect gateway to amazing Gulf Coast adventures, including fishing, dolphin viewing, wildlife photography, shelling, and so much more.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is one of Florida's most pristine coastal parks, featuring miles of sugar-white sandy beaches and towering dunes on the Gulf side, with tranquil salt marshes along St. Joseph Bay.

This Florida State Park provides vital habitat for endangered species, including snowy plovers, three species of sea turtles, and the rare St. Andrews beach mouse, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.

The park offers multiple ways to experience Florida's natural beauty: swim in crystal-clear Gulf waters, fish from the shore, hike nature trails through coastal ecosystems, and watch spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Overnight visitors can choose from 46 campsites at Shady Pines Campground, eight comfortable cabins, or 14 primitive campsites in the remote Wilderness Preserve for a true back-to-nature experience.

Best for: Beach lovers, campers, wildlife viewing, swimming, fishing, photography

St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve

St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve is located approximately 5 miles southeast of Port St. Joe. The drive is gorgeous along the water.

The preserve acts as a buffer to help protect St. Joseph Bay water quality and critical habitat. The St. Joseph Bay Buffer Preserve protects 5,556 acres.

Visitors can enjoy great birdwatching, photography, hiking, kayaking, and canoeing.

Parking is available at the Visitor Center, Deal Tract, Main Gate, South Gate and Island Gate.

Best for: Birdwatchers, nature photographers, hikers, kayakers, canoers, wildlife enthusiasts, free outdoor activities
Location: Approximately 5 miles southeast of Port St. Joe
Parking: Visitor Center, Deal Tract, Main Gate, South Gate, Island Gate
Admission: FREE

Port City Trail

The Port City Trail offers nearly four miles of paved, lighted pedestrian pathway perfect for walking, jogging, or biking through Port St. Joe. Approximately ten feet wide throughout most of its length, this accessible trail connects six parks including James "Mr. Benny" Roberts Sports Park, Forest Park Par 3 Golf Course, Forest Park South, Buck Griffin Lake, Centennial Park, and Lamar Faison Park.

Convenient amenities along the trail include restrooms, water fountains, and informational signage at various points. The Port City Trail also connects to the BayWalk Trail via a quarter-mile sidewalk section along Highway 71, extending your scenic route options. The paved surface and lighting make it ideal for early morning walks, evening jogs, or family bike rides while exploring Port St. Joe's parks and green spaces.

Best for: Walkers, joggers, cyclists, families, fitness enthusiasts, those wanting to explore multiple parks

Frank Pate Park

Frank Pate Park is Port St. Joe's beloved waterfront park located at the intersection of US Highway 98 and US Highway 71, bordered by beautiful St. Joseph Bay.

The park offers exceptional bay access with a four-lane boat launch facility featuring a center dock, providing the area's best entry point to St. Joseph Bay's outstanding fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities.

Other amenities include the park's iconic and much-photographed fishing pier, a pirate ship-themed playground with swings, covered pavilions with picnic tables, shaded sitting benches under stately oak trees, public restrooms, and a lighted tennis & pickleball courts. The combination of waterfront location, playground facilities, and bay access makes Frank Pate Park perfect for both active recreation and relaxed family picnics.

Best for: Families with children, boat launching, fishing, picnics, playground fun, tennis, bay access, photography
Location: Intersection US Hwy. 98 and U.S. Hwy. 71

Wildlife and Marine Life Experiences

Being right on the Gulf makes Port St. Joe an epicenter for seeing amazing marine wildlife. Make sure to visit the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center to learn how we can all make a difference in protecting endangered sea turtles.

Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center

The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center provides visitors and locals with important information about protecting endangered sea turtles.

They have animal ambassadors that you can see at the center and learn more about each species of turtles.

Best for: Families with children, marine life enthusiasts, educational visits, animal lovers, supporting conservation
Location: 1001 10th Street, Port St. Joe, FL
Admission: FREE (donations welcome)

Water Activities and Fishing in Port St. Joe

Port St. Joe Marina

The newly built Port St. Joe Marina (Point South Marina) has quickly become a favorite location for boaters exploring pristine St. Joseph Bay, navigating Florida's Intracoastal Waterway, or heading out into the Gulf of Mexico. This major landmark serves as a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike in downtown Port St. Joe.

As a full-service marina and fuel dock, Point South Marina accommodates vessels from 25 to 70 feet with 252 state-of-the-art dry slips, 48 in-water slips, and modern facilities. Whether you're launching your own boat, chartering a fishing trip, or simply enjoying waterfront views and watching boats come and go, the marina provides access to St. Joseph Bay's outstanding fishing, kayaking, and boating opportunities.

Best for: Boaters, fishing charter departures, boat watching, waterfront strolls, accessing St. Joseph Bay and Gulf waters
Location: Downtown Port St. Joe waterfront
Services: Full-service marina, fuel dock, dry slips (252), in-water slips (48), modern facilities
Vessel capacity: 25′ to 70′ boats

Fishing Charters

Port St. Joe is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offering some of Florida's best inshore, nearshore, and deep sea fishing experiences along the stunning Gulf Coast. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced angler, Port St. Joe's fishing charters welcome anglers of all skill levels for unforgettable fishing adventures departing from the downtown marina.

Inshore fishing trips in the calm, protected waters of St. Joseph Bay and surrounding flats target popular species including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Pompano, and Tripletail-perfect for families and those preferring calmer waters. Nearshore excursions venture slightly farther out to pursue Snapper, Grouper, and King Mackerel in the productive waters just off the coast. For the ultimate challenge, offshore deep sea fishing trips take anglers far into the Gulf of Mexico to battle big game fish like Amberjack, Tuna, and Mahi Mahi.

Charter options typically include 4-hour, 6-hour, or 8-hour private trips with all fishing equipment, tackle, and licenses included. Experienced local captains know the best spots and techniques to maximize your catch, whether you're fishing the grass flats for redfish at sunrise or trolling offshore waters for pelagic species. Book your Port St. Joe fishing charter to experience some of the Gulf Coast's most productive and diverse fishing grounds.

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.

Book a Port St Joe Inshore Fishing Charter and enjoy your choice of a 4, 6, or 8 hour private charter. All equipment is included along with fishing licenses.

Best for: Anglers of all skill levels, families, deep sea fishing enthusiasts, inshore fishing, catch-and-release or catch-and-cook adventures
Departs from: Port St. Joe Marina (Point South Marina)

Port St. Joe Shopping and Downtown

Walking down Reid Ave wandering in and out of the local boutiques and shops is one of our favorite things to do in Port. St. Joe.

Downtown Port St. Joe's historic Reid Avenue shopping district offers a charming half-mile stroll through an area rich in history and brimming with new energy. This walkable downtown has evolved into a vibrant destination featuring locally-owned boutiques, sidewalk bistros, day spas, and unique shops.

The district comes alive on the first and third Saturdays (except January) for The SaltAir Farmers' Market, where you can browse farm-fresh produce, locally-made clothing, handcrafted gifts, antiques, and special treasures from regional artisans.

Downtown also features local outfitters offering kayak sales and rentals, fishing gear, and equipment for exploring St. Joseph Bay's waters. Take a break from the beach to shop for coastal home décor, beachwear, local art, and one-of-a-kind finds while enjoying the small-town atmosphere and friendly local shop owners.

Best for: Boutique shopping, farmers market browsing, local gifts and souvenirs, leisurely strolls, supporting local businesses, café hopping
Location: Reid Avenue, downtown Port St. Joe

Gulf County Welcome Center

The Gulf County Welcome Center is the perfect first stop to plan your Port St. Joe adventure. Located just off Highway 98 in downtown Port St. Joe, this welcoming facility offers visitor guides, information brochures, maps, free Wi-Fi access, complimentary Tupelo honey tastings, and fresh coffee, all free for visitors.

Beyond the helpful travel resources inside, the Welcome Center's back deck is a destination itself, featuring cozy lounge furniture and stunning panoramic views overlooking St. Joseph Bay. Use the provided telescope to spot wildlife, gaze at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park across the water, and observe the small islands dotting the bay. It's an ideal spot to orient yourself to the area while enjoying one of Port St. Joe's best bay views.

Best for: First-time visitors, trip planning, free maps and guides, scenic bay views, coffee break, relaxing on the deck, wildlife spotting with a telescope
Location: Just off Highway 98, downtown Port St. Joe
Access: Stairs or wheelchair-accessible ramp
Amenities: FREE Visitor guides, maps, Wi-Fi, Tupelo honey samples, coffee, telescope, bay-view deck

Port St. Joe Annual Events and Festivals

Port St. Joe Salt Air Farmers Market

The Port St. Joe Farmers Market runs the 1st and 3rd Saturday starting in January until the third weekend of December. Open from 9 am to 1 pm EST.

The Port St. Joe Farmers market is a great stop for fresh produce, plants, cute crafts, art, and more.

Best for: Local produce shopping, handmade crafts, supporting local farmers and artisans, Saturday morning activities
Location: Reid Avenue, downtown Port St. Joe
When: 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 9am-1pm EST (January through third weekend of December)

Additional Festivals include:

• Florida Scallop Festival - August
• Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival
• Blast on the Bay Songwriters Festival - October
• Christmas on the Coast

Planning Your Port St. Joe Vacation

Where is Port St. Joe? Located in the Florida Panhandle, it is a quiet, coastal town nestled between Panama City and Apalachicola.

What time zone is Port St. Joe? Eastern Time Zone, the time changes at Mexico Beach.

What is the best time to visit? Spring and fall offer ideal weather, while summer is peak time for scallops and beach days.

Is it pet-friendly? Yes, Port St. Joe and surrounding areas like Cape San Blas are very pet-friendly. Pets are allowed on many beaches but must be kept on a leash.

Are there lifeguards? No, there are no lifeguards on duty at Gulf County beaches. 

Can you drive on the beach? Beach driving is restricted and requires a permit for specific areas, such as sections of Indian Pass and Cape San Blas. 

What is the Closest Airport to Port St. Joe

• Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)- 60 miles
• Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) - 99 miles

Is Port St. Joe good for families? Yes! Port St. Joe offers calm bay waters perfect for young children, family-friendly attractions like Frank Pate Park's pirate ship playground, the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center, easy beach access, and the safe, walkable downtown area with ice cream shops and casual dining.

What's the difference between Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas? Port St. Joe is the main town with downtown shopping, restaurants, and the marina, while Cape San Blas is the barrier peninsula about 10 minutes south featuring pristine Gulf beaches, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, and beachfront vacation rentals.