Top Things to Do in Port St. Joe

Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to a lot of beautiful spots, and if you’re looking for a more relaxed, small-town atmosphere, Port St. Joe is a great choice. You will discover quiet beaches, charming local attractions, and a welcoming vibe that feels more authentic.

This guide will help you discover some of the best things to do in Port St. Joe so you can make the most of your time here. You can learn about the area's fascinating history, enjoy fresh seafood, or spend a day out on the water.

One of the most rewarding things to do in Port St. Joe is to spend time on the waters of St. Joseph Bay. The bay’s shallow grass flats and clear waters make it ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Local outfitters rent gear for those who want to explore at their own pace, or you can book a guided trip for added insight into the area’s marine environment.

St. Joseph Bay is also known for its scalloping season (from August 16 to September 24), which draws residents and visitors each year. Wading into the shallow waters with a net and collecting scallops provides a recreational outing and a meal to enjoy later. The bay is a central hub for activity, offering experiences that range from active water sports to relaxing shoreline walks.

Cape San Blas sits just a short drive from town and offers one of the most scenic escapes near Port St. Joe. The cape is known for its stretches of sandy beach and unspoiled shoreline. It’s an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, or fishing along the water’s edge.

Many visitors bring bikes to ride the Loggerhead Trail, a paved path that runs through the peninsula and connects natural viewpoints. It’s a way to see the area at a slower pace while taking in coastal scenery. Cape San Blas also has boat ramps and access points for exploring the bay side.

Just north of Cape San Blas, this large park is one of the top outdoor destinations near Port St. Joe. The park has campgrounds, hiking trails, and beach access, giving visitors many options for how they want to spend the day. The long stretch of undeveloped beach is ideal for shelling and walking.

Hikers can follow trails through pine forests and dunes, experiencing the diverse habitats that thrive along the peninsula. Anglers often set up along the shorelines or use the boat ramps to head out for deeper waters. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a destination that can fill an entire day with exploration.

This state park highlights a significant piece of Florida’s history while offering a quiet spot to spend an afternoon. The museum commemorates Florida’s first constitutional convention, held in Port St. Joe in 1838. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that provide context about early statehood and the people who shaped it.

The grounds include shaded walking paths and picnic areas, giving visitors more than a history lesson. Exploring the museum and the surrounding park provides insight into the region's heritage while still enjoying the natural setting.

Downtown Port St. Joe has a walkable core filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Strolling through Reid Avenue and the surrounding streets reveals locally owned businesses that sell everything from coastal décor to handmade art.

Restaurants and cafes downtown also provide a good spot to pause and enjoy fresh seafood or coffee before continuing your exploration. The mix of shopping and dining makes the area a central stop for visitors looking to connect with the town’s local culture.

Fresh seafood is a highlight in Port St. Joe, and dining at local restaurants is essential to your visit. The downtown area has about a dozen restaurants serving local favorites like oysters, grilled snapper, and fried blue crab claws. Further afield, you can drive south and visit Hunt’s on St. Joe Bay or go across the bay to try shrimp dishes on offer at St. Joe Shrimp Co. at the Cape.

The White Marlin & Oysterette, located along Monument Avenue, offers an elevated experience with views of St. Joseph’s Bay, a craft cocktail bar, and a menu featuring locally sourced favorites like coconut-crusted grouper and brown-butter scallops. A few miles away, Indian Pass Raw Bar is a rustic spot famous for its freshly harvested St. Joseph Bay oysters, wild-caught shrimp, and Alaskan snow crab claws.

Indian Pass is a quieter area that draws those interested in fishing, boating, and birdwatching. It connects to Apalachicola Bay, creating a productive environment for marine life. Fishing charters regularly depart from this area, targeting species like redfish and speckled trout.

The slower pace here contrasts with busier recreational spots, making it appealing for anyone wanting a more relaxed outing. Kayakers often explore the lagoon to get a closer look at its unique setting. They access the waterway primarily at Indian Pass Boat Ramp, located at 2850 Indian Pass Road. Kayakers can paddle from this access point to Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The marina acts as a hub for boating activity in the region. It offers slips, boat rentals, and charters, making it convenient for those looking to get on the water. Even if you don’t own a boat, the marina’s location makes it a good place to book fishing or sightseeing trips.

Restaurants and shops near the marina create a lively environment where you can enjoy the waterfront even without heading out to sea. Watching boats come and go at sunset provides a relaxed way to end the day. The marina showcases how closely tied Port St. Joe is to its coastal identity.

If visiting Port St. Joe has you considering something more permanent, working with a local team can help you take the next step. Beach Properties Real Estate Group has deep knowledge of the community, its neighborhoods, and the unique features that make this part of the Gulf Coast appealing.

Whether you’re interested in a vacation property or a long-term investment, their team provides guidance that makes the process easier and more rewarding. Connect with Beach Properties Real Estate Group to explore the opportunities waiting for you in Port St. Joe.