From yoga and spa treatments to relaxing walks on the beach, visitors come to find their zen
GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA–JUNE 2023–On the central Gulf Coast, Gulf County, Florida, is the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and re-center. Here, beautiful beaches, pristine waters and a low-rise lifestyle are the perfect setting for those who want to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with what is most important. Whether the aim is to immerse yourself in the amazing natural world, enjoy some pampering and relaxation or find a new workout or yoga routine, Gulf County offers blissful options. Just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, Gulf County is an easy destination to drive to and yet offers the experience of being a world away.
Of course, the beautiful beaches and variety of water activities are the centerpiece of this destination. From its 43 miles of coastal shoreline visitors can enjoy beaches overlooking the emerald waters of Cape San Blas, the bayside beauty of Indian Pass and the beautiful views of St. Joe Beach. Off the beach, there are a variety of trails to explore. Paved paths offer escapes through local parks and along the waterfront. And extensive hiking paths can be found amid the natural beauty of T.H. Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park (8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1327) and the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (3915 State Road #30-A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1787).
Local outfitters like Happy Ours Kayak & Bike Outpost (775 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 478-442-8810) make it easy to get out on the water or the trail, offering rentals as well as guided eco trips.
For those who enjoy yoga to relax and center, Coastal Lotus (8006 Alabama Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-731-1058) offers a variety of Hatha, Vinyasa and gentle yoga classes for all levels in a peaceful environment. Massage Therapy By David Oakley, LMT (585 Madison Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-4791) welcomes visitors for therapeutic and deep tissue massages.
For a different kind of workout, Fit As A Fiddle Fitness Center (110 Goodmorning Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1920) offers a variety of classes and day passes, as does One Way Fitness (209 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1929).
There are also satisfying options for healthy treats and local produce. The Joe in Port Saint Joe (220 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8065) is a favorite spot for organic coffees, teas and baked goods. They also have a wealth of natural supplements and CBD products. On the first and third Saturdays of the month, the nearby Port St. Joe Salt Air Farmers’ Market (Reid Avenue & FL-71, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 404-906-2637) is the place to go for the goods grown by local farmers and created by local artisans. From fresh veggies and sweet Tupelo Honey to hand-crafted art, the market offers true local flavor. (Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m., February through December.)
Where to Stay
Gulf County has a variety of lodging choices including unique vacation rental homes of all sizes, inns and cottages filled with character and lots of camping options. These offer a signature Gulf County stay in the heart of Port St. Joe:
The Port Cottages (314 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Boulevard, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7678) is a collection of 10 vacation rental cottages located near both downtown shopping and dining and St. Joseph Bay. They are a sister property to The Port Inn and Cottages (501 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7678), an Ascend Hotel Collection® boutique hotel which boasts modern accommodations with historic charm.
Turtle Beach Inn (140 Painted Pony Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9366) is a beachfront bed and breakfast inn and fully equipped cottages. The inn is a designated as a Green Certified Lodging property.