Port St. Joe

City of Port St. Joe

Port St. Joe is the largest city in Gulf County, and is the county seat. Although predominantly rural, there is a surprising diversity of life-styles and activities in this quaint, picturesque area of Florida. You will find rustic towns and gracious folks along with the most exciting outdoor excursions Florida has to offer.

This small coastal deepwater port community is rich in both history and resources. Known as Constitution City it was here in 1838 that delegates from all counties in territorial Florida assembled to draft Florida's first state constitution.

Port St. Joe is in a transitional stage from primarily industrial to a more tourist-friendly community focusing on its natural resources: snow-white beaches, sapphire-blue waters, unique area parks, both salt and freshwater fishing, camping, hiking and hunting.

The historic downtown area has been transformed into a strolling, browsing and shopping area, including the exceptional brickwork and lighting that makes it a must-see for visitors. Quaint shopping and unique dining experiences provide a great diversion from the sun and fun the coastline has to offer.

The Port St. Joe Marina was completed in 1999. It is situated on six acres overlooking St. Joseph Bay and has 128 wet slips and 79 dry storage units, fuel pumps, pump out facilities, ship store and dockside cafe.

Just outside the city, the St. Joseph Bay Country Club offers an 18-hole, par 72 regulation course that is open to the public.

The Corrine Gibson Costin Library is a modern facility that combines the rapid pace of the Internet with the timeless classics. You have use of Internet, computers, meeting facility, videos, magazines, newspapers and a wide array of books. There is a children's reading program and a vast display of local artifacts.

Port St. Joe is home to three county schools http://www.gulf.k12.fl.us and one faith-based school http://www.faithchristianschool.net, and 20+ churches. Also to the Gulf/Franklin campus of Gulf Coast Community College:  http://dept.gulfcoast.edu/facman/Gulf/franklin.htm

Parks

The site of Florida's State Constitution Convention is featured at the Constitution Convention Museum where a monument was erected in 1922 with the names of the delegates engraved in marble. A promenade of palm trees from the monument to the water's edge makes this picturesque park a favorite for concerts, social gatherings, weddings and festivals.

Shipyard Cove Park is located at the end of Fourth Street, and features the Maddox House, built in the early 1900s and now home to the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce. The park offers a beach area, natural wetlands, a walking trail, park benches and picnic tables. A great place for watching sunsets!

Frank Pate Park is a bayfront park featuring a lighted tennis court and walking track, playground with restrooms, a city-maintained boat ramp and a gazebo at the end of a long pier. Picnic tables and grills are available and there is adequate parking for all facilities.

Forest Park is located in the heart of Port St. Joe's residential area. It boasts a 3-hole public golf course, tennis court, playgrounds and several lighted baseball & softball fields. A fresh water fishing pier, picnic facilities and walking track with restrooms are planned.

Nathan Peters, Jr. Park is the newly constructed park in the northern part of the city. It features a walking track with gazebo, basketball courts, baseball field, playground for all ages, volleyball court and soccer field.

Nature-Based Tourism

Nature-based tourism is an opportunity for travelers to become one with the land. Because there are few lands to compare with Florida's Forgotten Coast, we will soon become one of the leading ecotourism destinations in the country. A portion of the coastline is protected with its designation as the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve.

Canoe and kayakers have embraced the area waterways, fresh and salt. We are also a destination for scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts, with many interesting dive sites. Bird sanctuaries are located in Port St. Joe and on Cape San Blas. There are hiking trails throughout, some in parks and some simply worn by the adventuresome. Shelling or simply observing life along the beaches is another favorite pastime. Watching dolphins at play, and our spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico can't be beat.

Port St. Joe is just minutes away from some of the world's #1 Best Beaches of sugar-white sand that are uncrowded and great for families. The panoramic views are wonderful while strolling or relaxing and watching the sun set.

The annual "Scallop Day on St. Joseph Bay" is held at Frank Pate Park, on the shores of the St. Joseph Bay. One of the most pristine bays in the country, it is home to the finest tasting scallops you will ever find. Scallop Day is always the first Saturday in September (Labor Day weekend) as the season comes to a close and we bid them a giant farewell until next season. Numerous craft and educational booths line the park and food is always the highlight.

Many interesting and exciting activities are planned year 'round and are updated continuously by the Chamber at  http://www.gulfchamber.org .