Beach time, tram tours, snorkeling and selfie spots combine for memorable vacation experiences
GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA–DECEMBER 2024–Gulf County, Florida, is known as a destination with a low-rise vibe and fun, welcoming atmosphere. That is what makes it the perfect spot for creating family memories. The most popular attractions here include sparkling sand, clear waters and warm sunshine. That combination makes this Northwest Florida location, just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, an ideal one for a family getaway, filled with memorable moments.
Gulf County’s lodging choices offer a range of family-friendly accommodations. The variety of vacation rental homes of all sizes includes options large and small, on the beach and off, each with a style and amenities that give it a character all its own. For those who prefer camping, there are plenty of choices offering both primitive spots and full hook-up RV sites.
For visitors who want to skip the grocery shopping and head straight to the fun, Coastal Concierge (515 Fourth Street, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-5148) and Vacation Prep Squad (850-749-3071) are just a call away. They will do the shopping and stocking and provide any needed rental equipment, from beach chairs and umbrellas to baby furniture and strollers.
Once the perfect home-away-from-home has been found, some folks never want to leave. Whether playing board games on the porch, building sandcastles on the beach or searching for shells along the waterline, some of the best family memories are made while just hanging out along these shores.
When it’s time to explore all that Gulf County has to offer, a great way to get the lay of the land is to embark on a scavenger hunt to find the best selfie spots and document the fun. Of course, the county’s four fun murals are atop the list, as is the Time-Zone Chair (corner of CR 386 and Highway 98), on the spot in St. Joe Beach where the time zone changes.
Port St. Joe is the heart of this destination and at the hub of the downtown waterfront is the iconic Cape San Blas Lighthouse, built more than 130 years ago. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the 98-foot cast iron skeletal tower and visit the Keeper’s Quarters and gift shop. The shops along Port St. Joe’s nearby Reid Avenue are the perfect places to find local specialties and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center (1001 10th Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456) is nearby and is a great place to add a little education to the adventure. Here, visitors learn more about the popular creatures that nest along the coast and the work that is being done to preserve and protect the endangered species.
For those who want to explore beyond downtown, there are numerous bike rental options. A variety of public parks are open for play and there are plenty of beach access points along Gulf County’s 43-mile stretch of shoreline, so families are sure to find the perfect spot with just the amenities they prefer.
One must-do park for both adventure and education is the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (3915 State Road #30-A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1787). It spans thousands of acres of preserved coastal habitats and has multi-use trails for hiking, biking, birding and more. There are four access points to the trails system and guided tram tours are also available. The preserve’s Visitor Center and Observation Tower offers trail maps, educational exhibits about native plants and animals and information about all kinds of outdoor activities in the area.
There are also protected areas that offer inland and beachfront areas for enjoying a day’s outing. One of Florida’s most popular state parks is located on Cape San Blas. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe Florida 32456; 850-227-1327) is known for its miles of sandy-white beaches and is popular for fishing, swimming and picnicking. Its day-use area includes beach access, a boat ramp, public restrooms and a covered picnic area. Accessible only by private boat or ferry service (St. Vincent Island Shuttle Services, 690 Indian Pass Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1065), the St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge (850-653-8808) is a protected barrier island which lies just offshore from the mainland. Its miles of natural beaches and inland habitat welcome those who want to truly get away from it all. This is the perfect spot for viewing a variety of shorebirds, raptors, alligators, deer and more, and is popular for hiking, bicycling, kayaking, fishing and nature photography.
For that epic day of adventure, these family activities promise good times and great memories:
Gulf County is the spot for horseback riding on the beach. Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding (Port St Joe, Florida 32456; 850-899-RIDE), and others, offer trips for a family adventure they will always remember. Even new or novice riders can enjoy this fun beach activity.
Fighting Conch Rentals (850-247-9392) offers gear rentals and guided eco tours making it easy to get out and paddle the bay waters or explore area bike trails, whether on your own or with the guidance of a local expert.
About Fun Charters (521 5th Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-340-1035) gives visitors a chance to get out on the water and learn more about the species and ecosystems of the area from Captain Charlene, who is a marine biologist in addition to being a boat captain.
In the inland community of Wewahitchka, Off the Map Expeditions (482 Gary Rowell Road, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-819-3053) offers adventures on the waters of the Dead Lakes. Fishing, paddling, birding and eco tours are all opportunities to explore these amazing waters. Nearby, the famous local Tupelo Honey is processed and sold by local beekeepers like Smiley Honey (161 Bozeman Circle, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-639-5672). This local delicacy is celebrated with its own festival each spring.
And for those looking for a little help in planning that perfect getaway, Visit Gulf County offers an online concierge service which shares insider secrets and local tips. After answering a few questions, a concierge can recommend the best options for a most memorable family experience. Upon arrival, the staff at the Gulf County Welcome Center (150 Captain Fred’s Place, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7800) is also available for suggestions.
Where to eat
The dining options range from enjoying a family meal “at home” with provisions from Cape Trading Post (4975 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8775) or Duren’s Piggly Wiggly (125 West Highway 98, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8398) to dining out at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. From seafood, to burgers to pizza, there is sure to be a menu that fits the family vibe.
It’s always fun to try to be first in line at Weber’s Little Donut Shop (4975 Cape San Blas Road, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456; 850-340-3552) for the morning donut run.
The extensive menu at Shipwreck Raw Bar (7008 West Highway 98, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-647-5050) is a family favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a comfortable, fun atmosphere.
Diners can enjoy grouper bites, Krazyfish Tacos and more, inside or al fresco at Krazyfish Grille (113 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456).
For a taste of Mexican cuisine, Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina (301 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456-1817; 850-899-9014) is the answer. Favorites on the menu include mole enchiladas and Baja fish tacos.
At Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Kitchen (406 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-6262) diners can enjoy sandwiches, pasta and artisan pizzas while enjoying a sunset on the patio.
For a sweet treat, Shoobies (402 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-896-6553) is a favorite. Voted Best Ice Cream on the coast, Shoobies sells creamy soft serve ice cream, decadent sundaes, mouthwatering water ice and their unique Jersey Gelatos.