Outdoor activities, off-beach fun and special events make this a year-round destination
GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA–APRIL 2025–Known for its low-rise lifestyle and low-key atmosphere, Gulf County, Florida, isn’t the typical summertime destination. Its beautiful beaches are joined by diverse off-beach activities, fun events and, of course, magical sunsets. Whether celebrating special events, family time or just a fun getaway, this is the place, any time of year. And its central location on the northern Gulf of Mexico, just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, makes it an easy drive destination.
Beaches
Beaches are always in season here. With no neon lights and no tall buildings to distract from the natural beauty, Gulf County’s beaches are the main attraction. Throughout the unique communities that comprise this 43-mile stretch of shoreline there is plenty of beach access and a host of ways to enjoy the beaches, waters and activities that keep visitors coming back again and again. From St. Joe Beach, where Gulf County meets the Central Time Zone and sunsets are spectacular, to the inland waters of the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka, and from Cape San Blas, on St. Joseph peninsula, to the Old Florida vibe of Indian Pass beaches, each area has a personality of its own.
Port St. Joe is the hub of Gulf County’s beach communities. Convenient bay access points, like Frank Pate Park (502 Monument Ave, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456), make launching a boat or joining a fishing charter easy. Port South Marina (340 Marina Drive, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-797-3489), located on the eastern shore of St. Joseph Bay, is also a hub for fishing charters and pontoon rentals.
Downtown fun
For some retail adventure, Port St. Joe’s popular Reid Avenue is the place to find local specialties and one-of-a-kind deals all year long. The locally owned markets and restaurants make this quaint downtown a unique destination for shopping and dining and the options offer plenty of variety. From the organic coffees, teas and baked goods at The Joe (220 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8065) to the inventive drinks and coastal specialties at Krazyfish Grille (113 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7878) to the upscale fare at Provisions (222 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9200), the local flavor is outstanding. Shoppers love the variety of the one-of-a-kind items at Going Coastal (103 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-899-9129) and nautical and beach-inspired finds at Bay Breeze Antiques (219 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7774). And these are only the beginning in a shopping district filled with personality and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Live music venues also dot the landscape in Port St. Joe and beyond. Those who enjoy exploring the local music scene have plenty of options here. Spots like The Mill Mercantile and Social (105 Goodmorning Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456, 850-899-9149), the Haughty Heron (117 Sailors Cove, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-3463) and the Tap Root (212 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-387-1290) are fun spots for live entertainment and casual dining.
Family adventures
Parks, playgrounds and walking trails are year-round ways to enjoy the outdoors in Gulf County. The William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area (6773 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1876) is popular for its white-sand beaches and blue Gulf waters. For those who want to get away from it all, T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe Florida 32456; 850-227-1327, Reservations: 800-326-3521), on Cape San Blas, has 20 miles of pristine beaches, including dunes along the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to one side and marshes along St. Joseph Bay. St. Joseph Bay is a prime spot for family fun all year. From shelling and snorkeling in the spring to scalloping in the fall, these calm, shallow waters are the perfect year-round playground.
Horseback beach rides are a special treat in Gulf County and offer the perfect way to take in an autumn sunset. Experienced guides with Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding (Port St Joe, Florida 32456; 850-899-RIDE) or the Rockin’ M Ranch (240 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-6117) make the ride easy and the setting makes it unforgettable.
Of course, documenting the fun is crucial and a trip to the Time-Zone Chair (corner of CR 386 and Highway 98), on the spot where the time zone changes, is the perfect way to do that. In fact, there are quite a few selfie spots throughout the county for those looking for photo opportunities to share.
Events all year
Special events add to the fun in Gulf County all year, also. The Tupelo Honey Festival each May celebrates the golden nectar found in the stands of tupelo trees the Dead Lakes are known for.
September brings family fun at the two-day Florida Scallop Music & Arts Festival in Port St. Joe.
In February (and again in the fall) the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (3915 State Road #30-A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1787) celebrates Bay Day, which combines education about the preserve’s amazing biodiversity with tasty shrimp and live music.
Music lovers can’t miss Blues on Reid in April and the Forgotten Music Festival in October. October also brings the Blast on the Bay songwriters’ festival which features more than 30 prolific songwriters performing at numerous venues throughout the destination during the four-day event.
Where to stay
Gulf County’s lodging choices offer a range of ways to spend time just the way you want. Vacation rental homes, from small to large, rustic to modern, are popular and offer the perfect options for any getaway–or get together. Camping, both primitive beach camping and full hook-up RV sites, is a popular way to enjoy this coastal area, as well.