Last Updated on November 12, 2023
North Florida’s St. Joseph Peninsula State Park on Florida’s Forgotten Coast is definitely worth remembering.
With towering, sugary sand dunes, long stretches of beaches, as well as a pristine aquatic preserve and marine museum, it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Florida.
There’s no doubt that Florida’s coastline is wondrously captivating.
Whether you visit the Nature Coast, the Space Coast, or even the Adventure Coast, there is a diversity of natural environments that collectively define the state.
Florida’s Forgotten Coast
There is one coast that has often been forgotten, but certainly not one to miss.
It was coined “Florida’s Forgotten Coast” by the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce in the 1990s after a tourist organization left this prime locale off a Florida State map.
The Forgotten Coast includes the coastal area south of Tallahassee between Apalachicola and Panama City. It may look like nowhere, but its remoteness is its charm.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
A visit to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park makes the Forgotten Coast a memorable one.
Midway between Apalachicola and Port St. Joe on the central part of the Florida panhandle lays the coastal barrier peninsula of Cape San Blas.
This 20-mile long peninsula was once a barrier island but a land bridge formed connecting it to the Florida mainland.
St. Joseph’s Bay and the Gulf of Mexico surround 2,500 acres of beautiful, and remote, real Florida.
With nine miles of sugary white sand beaches, towering dunes (the largest in Florida) nature trails, camping, boating, and fishing, this park truly has it all.
And it is exciting to think that Spanish explorers and settlers may have viewed this same unspoiled and breathtaking landscape as they approached the Florida shore.
To get to the park, take U.S. Hwy. 98, to Florida 30 to 30E and drive through the beach community of Cape San Blas.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park lies on the northern end of the peninsula.
The park has two major marine gifts — St. Joseph Bay and the wide-open, expansive 14-mile beach on the gulf side.
Speaking of beaches, this specific area has been rated #1 in Florida on multiple occasions.
The high, wooden pedestrian walkways over the striking dunes give you a majestic overview of the beach and park.
You can launch a boat or kayak on the bayside and explore the pristine bay.
St. Joseph Bay
St. Joseph Bay, one of 41 Florida Aquatic Preserves, is a protected area where seagrasses, sea life, bird rookeries, and fish nurseries thrive.
Here you’ll want to launch a kayak and enjoy the pristine water quality and active marine life.
Be sure to take some time to walk around the shallows to get a closer view of this “liquid park”.
You most likely will see horseshoe crabs, stingrays, and other live animals in shells. Remember, it’s against the law to remove any shells with live creatures.
Redfish, sea trout, mullet, and small sharks are usually easily spotted.
If you bring your boat, consider launching it at the Eagle Harbor boat basin.
Rental equipment is available outside the park.
Whether you choose walking or boating along the coastline, you’ll marvel at the nine miles of scrubby dunes and the 1,750 acres of the wilderness preserve.
Florida sand pine scrub and the spectacular natural coastline provide a glimpse of terrain that once covered most of the state.
In the park, there are reported to be over 200 bird species. Look for plovers, terns, flycatchers, warblers, and loads of water birds.
Bird calls, and the gentle sound of nature envelop you as you explore.
Nearby Food
St. Joe Shrimp Company
When it comes to great seafood, we recommend purchasing lunch at the St. Joe Shrimp Company near the entrance to Cape San Blas.
Grab an order to go and you’re ready to go enjoy your day at the park.
They actually have two locations. The hours are 10 am – 6 pm (Lunch from 11 am – 4 pm) at the Cape San Blas location. The Simmons Bayou location is open from 8 am – 6 pm.
St. Joe Shrimp at the Cape Address: 5025 Cape San Blas Rd, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456
St. Joe Shrimp Simmons Bayou Address: 1937 State Rd 30A, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
Indian Pass Raw Bar
For fabulous Florida oysters, try the famous Indian Pass Raw Bar before or following your visit to St. Joseph Peninsula Park.
They serve delicious, local oysters served any way you like.
The Raw Bar traces its roots back to 1903 to a commissary/company store for a turpentine operation.
In the early 1930’s, Mrs. Gypsie McNeill served noon meals and catered dinner parties in the east portion of the store. As they say, the rest is history.
There is no convenient way to get there. The Indian Pass Raw Bar is not on a main road. However, if you’re searching for a truly authentic experience, this is where you’ll find it.
Indian Pass Raw Bar Address: 8391 C-30-A, Port St. Joe (County Rd 30-A at Indian Pass Road).
Camping
We’re happy to report that the T.H. Stone Memorial at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, has a reconstructed campground that is welcoming guests again.
The Shady Pines Campground features 36 standard-facility and 10 tent-only campsites. All sites have electricity and water hookups, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring.
RV sites have sewer connections. In addition, eight air-conditioned cabins have reopened. Each offers sleeping accommodations for up to six people. Make a reservation now!
The park offers leisurely times from its sandy white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico to the marsh wetlands on the bay side. Enjoy swimming, fishing and watching spectacular sunsets!
And to top off your time in this spectacular park, be sure to spend time on the beach and a swim in the Gulf of Mexico.
Scalloping
From July through September scalloping is popular in St. Joseph’s Bay.
Scallops are found in or around the edge of the seagrass beds as boaters find their chosen spot and snorkel for the delectable mollusks.
Scalloping is fun for the whole family.
Experiencing St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is like being in a saltwater marine museum – Gulf to Bay – while enjoying the fun of being there!