Cape San Blas

Ranked #1 in the Continental US by "Dr. Beach", Cape San Blas is truly a vacationer's paradise. Refresh your senses with the majesty of glorious sunsets as you listen to the surf lap against the coastline. The Cape is what Old Florida is all about: a rare, beautiful peninsula nestled in a curve of Florida's big bend where sugar white sands await, all just 8 miles from Port St. Joe.

Protected by St. Joseph Bay Peninsula, which creates a barrier island, the beaches have very little undertow, making them some of the safest in Florida. Fishermen find ideal angling, parents are pleased with the safety of the calm beaches and everyone goes home with a famous Florida tan.

Among the many activities are surf-fishing, crabbing, strolling along the water's edge, collecting shells, enjoying the clear blue water, hearing the sea gull cries, watching the sandpipers weave in and out along the shore, and watching the sun set.

Over 17 miles of white sandy beaches border the peninsula, which is low in density, featuring mainly single family homes, ideal for a retreat or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Wildlife abounds in this scenic haven offering a view of the majestic bald eagle, loggerhead turtles laying eggs, osprey in flight and bottle nose dolphins frolicking in the bay. Magnificent sights once taken for granted are truly a rare event today.

Best of all, this is an area with limited commercialism, motels do not exist here: rentals in quaint and lovely cottages, cabins and beach homes are available.

Favorite activities include swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing, seashell hunting, snorkeling and exploring. It is the place to sit in the sun, read a book and listen to the sounds of the sea. Once the sand gets between your toes, and the salt air envelopes your senses, you will never want to leave!

Parks

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park and Boat Ramp: This pristine state park has mile of white sand beaches, striking dune formations, a heavily forested interior and a favorable climate for year-round recreation. This 2,516-acre park is bounded on three sides by the waters of St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The park is teeming with wildlife and marine life, and is a premier location in the eastern Unites States for observing hawks during their fall migration. The monarch butterfly is also here in autumn, making its long journey to Mexico. Shore and wading birds are abundant throughout the year.

The park offers picnicking, swimming, tent, cabin and RV camping, saltwater fishing, boating and wilderness hiking. A boat ramp, boat basin and canoe rentals are available. The visitor center displays the highlights of the park's unique ecosystems.

Cape Palms Park: This park offers public access to the beach with convenient parking. Located on  Cape San Blas Road, 6.3 miles from State Road C-30, it has all the amenities to make your day at the beach a great one. A picnic pavilion, playground, grills, restroom facilities and an observation deck that escorts you over the dunes to the water's edge. This park is also handicap accessible.

Salinas Park: Located at the entrance to Cape San Blas, Salinas Park is nestled among scrub oak trees, and offers picnic tables, grills and restrooms. Winding boardwalks allow you to meander and quietly observe wildlife while leading you to miles of unspoiled beach. Nature lovers will especially enjoy the chance to explore this rustic setting.