Must See Destinations

Fun Things to Do in Port St Joe Florida

Port St Joe Florida is a coastal town located on the Florida panhandle, just south of Panama City. With a population of less than 4,000 permanent residents, you might assume this is a drive-by-town that you pass by on your way to somewhere else.

But don’t be mistaken: this popular fishing town may have a small-town vibe but it has big-time fun. There are abundant things to do in Port St Joe Florida. From enjoying the nearby beaches to participating in one of the town’s annual festivals, you’re sure to have a relaxing, fun-filled stay.

And you’re in luck because we’re going to give you the scoop on these activities (and more) so that you can plan your next vacation to the coast.

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn everything you need before you set out on your next adventure.

Visit a State Park

Are you the type of person who considers a vacation incomplete without an exploration of a town’s history and natural wonders? Then visiting one of the area’s state parks should be first up on your list of things to do in Port St Joe Florida.

Constitution Convention Museum State Park

 

Constitution Convention Museum State Park - Fun Things to Do in Port St Joe Florida

If you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss Constitution Convention Museum State Park. This park is a two-for-one, as it’s both a state park… and a museum!

This 14-acre park has a museum that features artifacts from the original St. Joseph settlement. During your visit, you can learn about the state’s first constitution, as well as check out a replica of the convention hall.

The cost to enter this state park is $2 per person. Children under five can enter for free. The museum is open from 9 AM to 12 PM and 12 PM to 5 PM each day but is closed on some holidays, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day.

The Constitution Convention Museum State Park is located at:

200 Allen Memorial Way

Port St. Joe, FL 32456

Port St Joe Florida Peninsula State Park

 

Port St Joe Florida Peninsula State Park

If you prefer spending time experiencing the natural world T.H. Stone St. Joseph Peninsula State Park should be top of your list of things to do in Port St Joe Florida. This unique state park is a 20-mile peninsula that runs parallel to the mainland coast.

In between the state park and the mainland is St. Joseph Bay, making it an excellent place to go boating or swimming. The park offers boat rentals, including pontoons, kayaks, and canoes.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is also an excellent place to have a picnic and do some wildlife watching. That’s because this park is a wildlife haven, home to a variety of birds, including the snow plover, sea turtles, and the St. Andrew’s beach mouse (an endangered species).

The park is open every day from 8 AM to sunset and costs $6 per vehicle. Its located at the address below:

8899 Cape San Blas Road

Port St. Joe FL 32456

Have a Blast at Other Nearby Beaches in Port St Joe Florida

A visit to Florida simply isn’t complete without enjoying one of the state’s beaches. Lucky for you, Port St Joe Florida Beach is just 10 minutes outside of the city center. While you’re there, look off to the horizon and you’ll be able to see the St. Joseph Peninsula State Park that we previously discussed. This quiet and peaceful beach is a great place to look for shells or enjoy a sunset.

You may also consider visiting George Core Park, which features a historical landmark, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse. This park is a great option if you want to be close to the water but don’t care quite as much about having a huge spread of beaches. In addition to exploring the lighthouse and cooling off by the water, you can get some exercise walking the Bay Walk Trail.

Enjoy Port St Joe Florida Downtown Area

 

frank State Park - Enjoy Port St Joe Florida Downtown Area

Once you’ve had your fill of the scenic beauty in the area, you won’t want to miss a visit to the town’s downtown area for other things to do in Port St Joe Florida.

Port St Joe Florida has a variety of quaint downtown shops, including antique stores, boutiques, and numerous restaurants. After wandering the stores and getting a bite to eat, you can also make a pit stop at the Frank Pate Park located downtown, which was named after a previous Port St Joe Florida mayor.

The park offers amenities like a fishing pier, boat launch, covered pavilion, and playground. It’s free for city and county residents and costs $20 for a daily out-of-county pass.

And if you’re lucky enough to visit Port St Joe Florida when one of its festivals is going on, you won’t want to miss them! Some festivals are listed below:

  • Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival
  • Bay Songwriter’s Festival
  • Forgotten Music Festival

The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival is free and is hosted by the Florida Coastal Conservancy and Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center (more about them soon!). This festival has live music, food, beverages, and plenty of opportunities to learn about sea turtles.

Check out the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center

The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center is an excellent thing to do in Port St Joe Florida if want to learn more about the turtles that rely upon Port St. Joe’s natural habitat.

This educational outreach organization aims to protect sea turtles while connecting the community with this endangered wildlife. The organization is an arm of the Florida Coastal Conservancy, another non-profit that protects Florida’s native fauna.

The Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center offers a variety of ways to learn about turtles, from its visitor’s center to volunteer opportunities, like beach clean-ups.

You can find the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center at the address below:

1001 10th Street

Port Saint Joe, FL 32456

It’s open Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday, from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Wrap-Up

Now that you know all about things to do in Port St Joe Florida, don’t delay! It’s time to get planning your next adventure, from visiting one of the state parks to enjoying the town’s thriving downtown.