Port St. Joe, FL

Port St. Joe is a quiet town on St. Joseph Bay and the seat of Gulf County, popular with families who want calm water, scalloping and uncrowded beaches. The town’s motto calls it the Birthplace of the Florida Constitution. It sits on the Forgotten Coast, where small towns and state parks set the tone.

Where is Port St. Joe?

Port St. Joe is on US 98 east of Mexico Beach, and it is on Eastern time, an hour ahead of Panama City. Gulf County is split between Eastern and Central time. Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) is about an hour and 15 minutes west, and Tallahassee International (TLH) is roughly two hours east. County roads lead south from US 98 to Cape San Blas.

Things to do in Port St. Joe

Scalloping in St. Joseph Bay is the summer highlight, with a season set each year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, usually running from mid-August into late September; a saltwater fishing license is required. George Core Park has calm, shallow bayfront water good for small kids, plus the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, moved here in 2014 and open for climbs on select days.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, at the tip of Cape San Blas, has Gulf beaches on one side and bay on the other, with camping and cabins. Salinas Park offers free parking and beach access. The Bay Walk Trail connects in-town parks, including Jetty Park and Maddox Park. St. Joseph Bay is sheltered by the long Cape San Blas peninsula, which keeps its water calm. Local beaches have no lifeguards, so check conditions.

When to visit Port St. Joe

Late summer is scallop season and busiest. Spring and fall are mild and quiet, while winter water is too cool for swimming without a wetsuit.