What To Do, Eat, and Discover in Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe, Florida!
Updated: Apr 29
Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe is part of Florida's Forgotten Coast, a place that isn't as forgotten as it once was. With many new people coming to the area for vacation, the question I hear all the time is, "what is there to do?" That's right, we don't offer 8 go-kart tracks, 20 putt-putt golfs, a million touristy shops, and many of the other wild and crazy things other vacation spots offer. What we do offer is a peaceful vacation, one you can enjoy without a million people and flashing lights on every corner so your kids can shout, "WE WANT TO DO THAT!" Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, Indian Pass, and Mexico Beach offer way more than that! When you arrive to the area, you won't see a single high rise or large hotel, you are greeted with a beautiful small coastal town, 2 traffic lights, and friendly people everywhere. Prepare yourself for island time and natural beauty.
THINGS TO DO:
Once you unpack and are ready to get the vacation started, your mind goes blank. You are completely at a loss of what to do and your kids are ready to do any and everything. No need to fear, I have a guide right here! Check out our beach gear rentals to make your trip compete! We offer fun beach games, beach chairs and tables, large canopies, kayaks, and more! You can check out our offerings here: https://www.fightingconchkayakrentals.com/rentals
-Beach
The main reason you took the trip is the beach or water, right? Well you came to the right place! Not only do we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but a diverse ecosystem that is unmatched by any other area. The north part of Cape San Blas features the clearest and most natural beauty you will ever experience. I could go on and on about describing this area, but it will never do it justice. Just take a look!


-Kayaking
After relaxing on the beach you are back to thinking about what to do next!? Of course you can grab your Fighting Conch Kayak Rental and cruise the shoreline looking for treasures and wildlife. We've had manatees swim along the sandbar many times and you might get lucky to see one of these fascinating creatures! Do not touch these guys as they are a protected species along with our sea turtles.
Our guided kayak tours of the bay have been a hit with many and will give you a look into the other ecosystem our area offers. So much wildlife to see in an extremely peaceful setting. No need to fear the water, our kayaks are extremely safe and you will feel comfortable in no time! I have personally taken out many that have never kayaked before, and they had a blast! Just imagine being on the water and a bald eagle flies overhead, fish jumping all around, stingrays swimming near, sea turtles popping their heads up and sometime swimming right by, and of course the possibility of seeing a few sharks and an alligator is possible. The kids will love every minute of it, and you will too!


-Fishing
You can't mention this area without mentioning some of the best fishing on The Gulf of Mexico coast. St. Joseph Bay is an amazing spot to fish from land, boat, or kayak! We offer fishing kayaks specifically for this. Some of the most sought out fish in our bay include speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and if you are lucky you can find mangrove snapper! Indian Pass, Mexico Beach, and Cape San Blas offers ocean fishing where you can catch multiple species of fish including pompano from the surf if you are here at the right time. Download the app "Fish Rules" to make sure your catch is legal to keep and get a fishing license. We also have many established charters to help you with catching fish!
-Bicycling
We have a lot of bike trails all throughout the Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe area. Bring your bicycles or rent from a local business. Many families ride up and down the path on Cape San Blas all of the time! No golf carts are allowed on this path.
-Hiking
If you like to hike, I have great news for you! There are many hiking trails including areas in T. H. Stone St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Grab your gear and hit the trails for an adventure you won't forget!
-Snorkeling
In the bay or ocean, everyone loves snorkeling! It's always a treasure hunt and you never know what you're going to find! Sand dollars, starfish, sea horses, and so much more!
-Boat Rental
There are a couple of local businesses that offer boat rentals. Most of the rentals are pontoon and strictly for bay use only.
-Shopping
Check out the multiple boutique and coastal shops in the area. Reid Street in Port St. Joe is a great place to park and walk. Cape San Blas and Mexico Beach offer a couple of shops as well!
-Horseback Riding
There are a few local companies that offer horseback riding on the beach! Trot into the sunset on horseback with the family or for a romantic stroll.
-Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center
Port St. Joe's sea turtle educational center is a neat stop to learn about our annual friends that visit and nest upon our beaches. Find out about the do's and don'ts that are critical to their survival and our ecosystem.
-Constitution Convention Museum
Did you know Florida's first state constitution was drafted right here in Port St. Joe? This little town has a lot of history, and you can find out more by visiting the museum.
-Cape San Blas Lighthouse
The Cape San Blas lighthouse was relocated to downtown Port St. Joe in recent years, along with the keeper's quarters. Learn about the history of the lighthouse and climb the many steps to the top if you are up to it!
-T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Want to experienced untouched nature, then this stop is a must! The park, teeming with wildlife, provides vitally important habitat for beach nesting birds (including the snowy plover), three species of sea turtles, and two remaining core populations of endangered St. Andrews beach mouse. Hop on a trail or walk the beach to feel like you are on a secluded island.
-William J Rish Park
Wish park is a great opportunity for those with disabilities to enjoy the area and beaches. This recreation area has been designated to provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers. Wheelchairs are also available for use at this park.
-Star Gazing
You won't find a better pace to gaze at the stars!
WHAT TO EAT:
Where to begin!? So many great places to eat and enjoy the scenery and local fresh caught seafood. We have an awesome assortment of eateries and bakeries that will make you drunk on food. Check out the list below for a fantastic sensory overload of eats:
-Breakfast
Sand Dollar Cafe
Sisters Bistro
Sweet Bunz Donuts
Bayside Bakery
Scooter's Chicken and More
Shipwreck
Caribbean Coffee and Cafe
Pass The Donuts
Weber's Little Donut Shop
-Lunch and Supper
Cat 5 Raw Bar
Scooter's Chicken and More
Bayside Bakery
Sand Dollar Cafe
Smokehouse on the Cape
Sparks Bar-B-Que and Brew
Pepper's Mexican Grill and Cantina
St. Joe Shrimp Company
Indian Pass Raw Bar
The Brickwall Sports Bar and Grille
Krazyfish Grille
Windmark Beach Bruno's Pizza
The View on Old 98
Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina
LongBills on Cape San Blas
Peachy's Beach Eats
Scully's Low Country Boil
Mango Marley's
Killer Seafood
Provisions Restaurant and Catering
Uptown Raw Bar and Grill
Cone Heads 8020
-Sweet Treats
Bayside Bakery
Sugar Shack
Shoobies
Cape Coffee and Ice Cream
Mexico Beach Sweets
St. Joe Nutrition
Cone Heads 8020
(If your business is not on here and would like to be added, please contact us)