It’s a cool time to enjoy the special local flavor of the coastal destination
GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA–JANUARY 2026– Gulf County, Florida, located in the heart of Northwest Florida’s coast, is known as a destination that’s a little different than most. It’s a spot that invites visitors to relax and enjoy its beautiful beaches and low-rise lifestyle, to unplug yet reconnect and to savor the unique flavor of every season. Luckily for visitors, there is no “off season” in Gulf County. This time of year is the perfect time for those looking for a quiet retreat. Locals refer to it as the “cool season.” And visitors are part of the cool crowd who enjoy fewer crowds, milder temperatures and all the magic of Gulf County.
Two hours southwest of Tallahassee and just an hour east of Panama City Beach, Gulf County is known for its beautiful beaches and variety of water activities. Early in the year, mild temperatures add to the enjoyment of a bug-free, on-the-water outing, whether its paddling the calm waters of St. Joseph Bay on a nature tour or guided kayak fishing trip with Fighting Conch Rentals (850-247-9392), or taking on the inland adventure of exploring the mysterious Dead Lakes on a guided pontoon cruise with Off The Map Expeditions (482 Gary Rowell Road, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-819-3053). Of course, fishing is good all year long here. Experienced experts like T-Man’s Charters (Frank Pate Park, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-5802) offer inshore and nearshore trips as well as sunset cruises and more.
This is also the perfect season for shoreline strolling and shelling as well as for viewing unmatched over-the-water sunsets and savoring cozy beach bonfires. Gulf County’s low density and low-rise lodging options ensure stargazers can enjoy the magic of dark skies in the evenings. Beyond the beach, there are miles of trails to explore, without breaking a sweat. The St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve (3915 State Road #30-A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-1787) has multi-use trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and birding. Its visitor center and tram tours offer more insight into the area’s habitats, history and culture.
For a welcoming downtown experience, Port St. Joe’s popular Reid Avenue is the perfect location. It is lined with locally owned, family-run shops offering local specialties from art to curated coffee selections a variety of boutique and retail collections. Delicious Gulf seafood can be found on most any street corner and every menu. And everyone knows cooler weather means prime oyster season. Whether the choice is the fresh-take preparations at Provisions (222 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9200) downtown, the classic casual fare at Indian Pass Raw Bar (8391 County Rd 30A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1670) or the coastal experience of a table with the view at Hunt’s Oyster Bar on St. Joe Bay (1937 SR 30A, Port St. Joe, FL 32456; 850-227-2285), the fresh seafood is the star of the menu.
Nightlife fun is year-round here, too. Hot spots like The Haughty Heron (117 Sailors Cove Drive, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850- 229-3463) and Scallop RePUBlic (411 Cape San Blas Road, Cape San Blas, Florida 32456; 850-328-5518) have live entertainment schedules each weekend. Other options include pool tournaments, darts games, bingo and more at favorite local places like St. Joe Bar & Package (305 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9912), Lookout Lounge (8066 US-98, Port St Joe, Florida 32456; 850-647-8310) and VFW Post 10069 (1774 Trout Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-6826).
Where to stay
Gulf County has a wide array of lodging choices to fit any group’s needs. There are vacation rental homes of all sizes and inns and cottages, each with a character all its own.
Hotel Saint Joseph (504 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-253-7957) is Port St. Joe’s newest boutique hotel. It combines a tribute to the past with the best of today’s luxury and convenience.
The Port Inn – Port St Joe, Ascend Collection Hotel (501 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7678) is a boutique hotel in Port St. Joe that offers modern accommodations with historic charm.
Turtle Beach Inn (140 Painted Pony Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-9366) has achieved Green Certified Lodging designation and offers a beachfront bed & breakfast inn and fully equipped cottages.