Places to visit in Cape San Blas, FL.
Cape San Blas isn’t just a favorite among locals but is also gaining popularity among tourists who want a more laid-back vacation.
Between hours of beachcombing, there are dozens of delicious eateries to feed your appetite and local shops that appeal to your need for souvenirs.
Top it off with a fantastic night sky, and you have the recipe for your next vacation.
If you want something to do on vacation or a weekend getaway, I recommend spending time in the Cape San Blas area.
Another great place to explore and relax, this adorable beach town has many things to do that are perfect for all ages.
So whether you are seeking amazing beaches, fun things to do with the family, or even looking for an excellent spot for your honeymoon, Cape San Blas will not disappoint!
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway with plenty of natural beauty, Cape San Blas, Florida, is for you.
While the area offers plenty of great hotels, resorts, and restaurants, I always recommend that travelers spend as much time outside as possible.
Here are my favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors in this gorgeous coastal town.
Cape San Blas Florida map
Best places to visit in Cape San Blas, Florida
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
If you’re a nature lover and want to escape the crowds, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is the place for you.
Over 25 miles of hiking trails and plenty of campsites allow you to sleep under the stars (or use their restroom facilities) while enjoying nature at its finest.
The beaches are beautiful, with lots of seashells and sand dollars washed up by the tide. Fishing is also popular here, so bring your fishing pole and enjoy reeling in some juicy catches!
If you want a view that will take your breath away, head up to one of the observation platforms near either lighthouse, where there’s sure to be plenty of picturesque scenery for everyone who wants their picture taken with it!
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
Cape San Blas Lighthouse is a great place to visit if you’re looking for peace. You can leave your phone in the car, walk out onto the beach, and take in the beauty of nature without distractions.
There are plenty of shells and sea glass to collect, or you can sit and listen to the waves crashing on the shore.
The lighthouse is open daily from sunrise until sunset, with an admission fee of $5 per person ($3 for children under 13 years).
Visitors may climb inside the lighthouse for extra viewing space (a steep metal staircase leads up), providing stunning views of T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park across St Joseph Bay.
There’s also a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs like postcards or magnets at reasonable prices—or better yet, bring some spare change for a donation jar!
Gulf County Welcome Center in Port St. Joe, Florida
The Gulf County Welcome Center is located on US 98 in Port St. Joe, Florida. The welcome center is open from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission to the Welcome Center is free, but there are some things you should bring with you before heading out on your road trip.
Come prepared with your food, drink, and an empty stomach!
Plenty of places to eat within walking distance from the center can provide excellent meals at reasonable prices, but remember that many restaurants will close during the winter months, so it’s best to call ahead before making plans for dinner or lunch.
Salinas Park
Salinas Park is a beautiful park that offers a variety of activities. The park has a great playground, paddle boards, beach access, pickleball courts, and a bonfire pit.
There are also several screened-in pavilions for picnics. On the gulf side of the park, there is horseback riding. This park is also a perfect place to watch a sunset.
The beach at Salinas Park is a popular area for beachcombers. There is also a kayak launch for exploring the bay. In addition, visitors can enjoy a picnic in the screened-in pavilions and watch the sunset over the bay.
Salinas Park was recently renovated. This includes a new boardwalk. It extends over 6.6 acres of land.
You can hike the nature trail or ride a bicycle on the new bike path. A playground and restrooms are also available.
The beach at Salinas Park has some fantastic shells. You can walk down the big rocks or drive further up the road to the beach.
Once you get to the beach, you will see a large expanse of sand and beautiful trees. You can snorkel in the shallow water if you don’t have a boat.
The beach at Salinas Park in Cape San Blas, Florida, is a popular spot for families to explore the gulf. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills. You can also take a dip in the refreshing water.
St. Joseph Bay Country Club
St. Joseph Bay Country Club is great for golf, drinks, dinner, and parties. They host weddings and special events throughout the year, including golf tournaments, charity events, and corporate outings.
The course is rated one of the best in Florida and has been voted one of the top 100 courses in America.
The restaurant at St. Joseph Bay Country Club offers indoor and outdoor seating with breathtaking views of the bay or pool area, depending on where you sit.
You can enjoy their award-winning menu while watching people play tennis on one side or enjoying live music under an umbrella on the other end of the restaurant!
All of these are great, but visiting the lighthouse is a must
The lighthouse is probably the most popular thing to do in Cape San Blas, and it’s easy to see why.
The lighthouse has beautiful water views and is a great place to relax or take pictures. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset! If you stay overnight in Cape San Blas (which many people do), visiting the lighthouse will be one of your first stops.
Cape San Blas weather
The best time to visit Cape San Blas is from April to October when the weather is warm and mild.
The winter months are freezing, and biting winds blow off the Gulf of Mexico. July is the warmest month, with temperatures averaging in the 80s.
The humidity levels can be overwhelming in July and August, so consider visiting in June or September. It will also mean you don’t have to deal with hurricane season.
January and February are the coldest months of the year, with temperatures dropping as low as 88 Fahrenheit. It rarely snows on Cape San Blas, but sleet can be seen during harsh winters.
October has average temperatures in the 60s and 70s, but it’s also the beginning of hurricane season. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael brought devastating winds and floods to Florida.
Average temperatures
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59 | 49 |
| Feb | 62 | 52 |
| Mar | 65 | 56 |
| Apr | 70 | 62 |
| May | 76 | 69 |
| Jun | 81 | 74 |
| Jul | 82 | 76 |
| Aug | 82 | 75 |
| Sep | 82 | 73 |
| Oct | 75 | 59 |
| Nov | 68 | 58 |
| Dec | 61 | 51 |
Average humidity and rainfall
| Month | Humidity (%) | Precipitation / Rainfall (mm) | Rainy days (d) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 71 | 48 | 4 |
| Feb | 70 | 38 | 3 |
| Mar | 69 | 42 | 4 |
| Apr | 68 | 46 | 4 |
| May | 68 | 61 | 6 |
| Jun | 76 | 145 | 13 |
| Jul | 79 | 130 | 15 |
| Aug | 79 | 142 | 15 |
| Sep | 79 | 144 | 14 |
| Oct | 71 | 76 | 6 |
| Nov | 69 | 32 | 3 |
| Dec | 72 | 36 | 3 |
Cape San Blas accommodations
Hotels
The Port Inn and Cottages, Ascend Hotel Collection
501 Monument Ave, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
MainStay Suites
3951 US-98, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Cape San Blas Inn
4950 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Turtle Beach Inn
140 Painted Pony Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Dixie Belle Motel
3155 W Hwy 98, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Camping and RV parks
Presnell’s Bayside Marina & RV Resort
2115 County Rd 30A, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Indian Pass Campground
2817 Indian Pass Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
Water’s Edge RV Park
8300 County Rd 30A, Port St Joe, FL 32456, United States
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL 32456, United States
Beachside Serenity at Cape San Blas
Port Saint Joe, FL
Cape San Blas beaches
Cape San Blas beaches in Florida are a seaside paradise. Protected areas, shell-filled marshes, and wildflowers galore have made Cape San Blas a popular vacation destination.
With pristine beaches and state parks, Cape San Blas is the perfect place to go fishing, hiking, and simply relaxing by the ocean.
Cape San Blas is a peninsula in the panhandle of Florida near Apalachicola. It’s a popular destination for vacationers seeking sandy beaches and small-town charm.
The area has plenty of options for visitors who want to spend time on the beach, from public beaches with free parking to private beaches requiring an entrance fee (or annual membership).
Is Cape San Blas a good beach?
Yes, Cape San Blas is a fantastic beach. It’s one of the best beaches in Florida and among the best beaches in the world!
When you visit Cape San Blas, you’ll find:
- Do you like to go fishing or scuba diving? You can do both at Cape San Blas! There is a wide variety of activities to choose from during your vacation.
- There are many things to see and do while on vacation with kids. There’s plenty of wildlife here for them to observe and explore—and then there are all those delicious seafood restaurants so they can eat what they’ve discovered!
- There is lots of space for everyone at this beach. With nine miles stretching out along this sandy shoreline (and more if you extend your walk toward St James City), there are lots for everyone to enjoy, whether it be surfing or swimming or just relaxing in the sand with family members or friends!
Is the water clear at Cape San Blas?
At Cape San Blas, you get more than your money’s worth with the clarity of water.
You can see the bottom of the water, which may not sound like much to some people, but catching fish in their natural habitat is incredible.
There are tons of shells on the sea floor and even sand! Many beaches have clear water, but few have this clarity.
Does Cape San Blas have public beach access?
Public access means anyone who wants to go there can freely access the beach.
It is good because if you’re just a visitor, you don’t have to worry about paying an entrance fee or parking your car in a lot. Instead, you can walk down onto the sand and enjoy yourself!
However, public access is not always possible. For example, private property may prevent you from entering certain parts of the shoreline even though it’s technically “public” land.
Additionally, beaches may be closed during the winter due to dangerous conditions like high waves or freezing temperatures (which would make swimming very dangerous).
Public beaches are also not always safe for swimming; they often have currents that can pull swimmers out into open water or rip up their surfboards when trying to catch waves.
This situation limits these areas for people who aren’t strong swimmers but want to enjoy themselves.
Can you swim in Cape San Blas?
Yes, you can swim in Cape San Blas. The water is clear, but there are no lifeguards. You’ll want to stay close to shore because the water gets shallow quickly, and the waves can be intense.
The beach is clean and free of trash, but you must be careful of sand fleas if you spend a lot of time on dry land (they’re tiny bugs that bite).
Is Cape San Blas blue water?
Cape San Blas beaches are great for swimming. The water is shallow, clear, and warm.
You will want to wear sandals or water shoes as the sand is soft and very fine, so it feels like you are walking on powdery snow when you leave the beach.
Be sure to bring binoculars if you plan to see any of our many birds or other wildlife that call Cape San Blas home!
Does Port St Joe have a beach?
Yes, Port St Joe does have a beach. It’s not as well-known as some other beaches in the area, and it’s not a tourist destination like Panama City Beach, but it’s still a great place to relax and enjoy time with your family.
The beach is small and has only one street (Shelby Avenue), so you’re guaranteed to feel relaxed while walking along the shoreline.
There are plenty of places where you can sit, relax, and take in nature while close to home or travel over an hour away for dinner at one of St Joe’s restaurants.
Are there Gators in Cape San Blas?
Gators are not common in Cape San Blas. So there’s only one place where you’ll likely see a gator: around the dunes at Cape San Blas State Park.
If you spot an alligator visiting this part of the peninsula, please leave it alone! Alligators are wild animals that deserve our respect just as we would any other animal; don’t try to touch or feed them if you see one on your trip!
Feeding an alligator can be illegal and dangerous for them and humans alike—alligators grow to maturity quickly enough without our help. Hence, we don’t need to give them snacks like french fries or pizza crusts.
They may look cute, but remember that alligators are hazardous animals with powerful jaws full of sharp teeth!
It’s best not to disturb them; if they feel threatened by your presence close enough for interaction, they’ll attack defensively, so keep your distance from these reptiles when possible (especially if they’re smaller than six feet long).
Cape San Blas beaches are not crowded.
If you like sugar-white sand, emerald waters, and a little privacy on your vacation, then the secluded beaches of Cape San Blas might be just what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a beach that isn’t developed, these are the beaches for you. In addition, these beaches have not been commercialized, so there’s no need to worry about big crowds or paying high prices at an over-priced restaurant just because it has a view of the ocean.
Getting there may be tricky as they are not easy to get to, and they aren’t on many people’s radars when looking at Florida beaches.
The Cape San Blas beaches are some of the best in Florida, and there’s something for everyone.
This place has a unique culture because it’s very remote, and they take pride in their environment, so if you’re interested in exploring this natural paradise, plan your trip today!
Cape San Blas restaurants
Whether you spend your Cape San Blas vacation on the beach or exploring local stores and boutiques, you’ll be ready for a bite to eat at some point.
In this guide, we’ll talk about some of our favorite restaurants in Cape San Blas and the surrounding area.
Indian Pass Raw Bar
Indian Pass Raw Bar is the place to go if you want a large selection of seafood, beer, wine, and liquor. Their menu is vast, and they offer a variety of food choices that are all delicious!
They have everything from burgers to crab cakes. This restaurant has a beautiful view overlooking the water, so it’s great for people watching or enjoying the sunset with friends.
If you plan on visiting this restaurant during peak season (spring through fall), I suggest making reservations because they get busy!
The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas
The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood. This restaurant has been serving up some of the best seafood for years, and it’s one of the only places where you can find fresh oysters from Apalachicola Bay.
The menu includes other items like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, but the natural attraction is the fresh seafood from local waters, such as grouper, amberjack, and flounder.
The menu features the usual suspects: chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches, and more. But if you want something other than fried food, The Smokehouse offers various healthier options.
For example, you can order grilled chicken breast or shrimp skewers with sides like baked beans or coleslaw. The restaurant also offers a full bar with an extensive wine list.
Skully’s Low Country Boil
facebook.com/Skullys-Low-Country-Boil
Skully’s Low Country Boil is a great place to explore the unique seafood offerings of Cape San Blas. As you might guess from its name, this restaurant serves various fresh seafood dishes in an “all-you-can-eat” style.
If you aren’t familiar with Low Country Boil, it is essentially a variation of Cajun cuisine originating in the southern United States.
At Skully’s, they serve everything from shrimp and crab to oysters and clams—all cooked together in one pot.
In addition to their traditional menu items served with cornbread muffins or hush puppies (fried balls), there are more adventurous options like alligator tail meat—which tastes similar to chicken but has an extra texture from the scales!
St. Joe Shrimp Co. at the Cape
St. Joe Shrimp Co. at the Cape San Blas is an excellent place for seafood, and it’s also just a nice place to go out to eat with your family if you’re staying in Port St. Joe or Panama City Beach. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, so kids are welcome, too!
Their menu offers some of the best shrimp; check out the blackened shrimp scampi, spicy cajun shrimp linguine, and blackened grouper sandwich!
They also have fresh raw oysters served on ice with lemon wedges for $4 per dozen here at this restaurant by the water!
LongBill’s on Cape San Blas
If you’re looking for a casual place to enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the scene, LongBill’s is the place to go. This restaurant is located on Cape San Blas’ beach.
It has a full bar and serves delicious seafood dishes like shrimp and grits or jambalaya pasta. The menu also includes lighter options like salads, burgers, and sandwiches if that’s more your speed.
Scallop RePUBlic
It is the place to go if you’re looking for a casual dining experience with a menu that includes seafood platters, hand-cut steaks, salads, and sandwiches.
Krazyfish Grille
It is a family-friendly restaurant, so you can bring your kids here without worrying about them making a mess on the floor or walls.
It’s also great for taking dates and other significant others since indoor and outdoor seating is available.
The menu has plenty of variety, so everyone at your party will find something they like. And don’t forget about their delicious desserts!
Krazyfish Grille offers an excellent atmosphere with its open-air design and large windows that let in lots of natural light.
The staff is attentive, making it easy for customers to dine at their tables and ordering food from waitpersons passing by every few minutes (so don’t hesitate).
They even have live music on Friday nights—listening to pop songs while enjoying your meal is always fun!
Ronnie B’s Steak and Seafood
Ronnie B’s Steak and Seafood is a seafood restaurant in Cape San Blas.
The restaurant has a full bar and accepts debit cards, cash, and checks for payment.
Ronnie B’s has a deck with an ocean view (weather permitting), so you can enjoy your meal outside on the patio if you prefer!
They also have an indoor dining area, so no matter how you want to eat your food, Ronnie B’s can accommodate you!
Ronnie B’s has a kids’ menu, including fried shrimp or chicken tenders with fries or apple slices served with ranch dressing at no additional cost!
Sand Dollar Cafe
In the middle of Cape San Blas, Sand Dollar Cafe is a casual restaurant serving seafood and breakfast. They also have a lunch menu as well as dinner options.
I tried the “Deluxe Seafood Platter,” which included two crab cakes, two butterfly shrimp, four clams casino, six pieces of frog legs, and corn on the cob.
The food was delicious and very fresh! I loved how their seafood is cooked over a coconut wood fire grill, or charbroilers instead of oil or butter like most restaurants use these days because it’s healthier for you (and tastes better, too).
The service was also excellent – our waitress was amiable and attentive throughout our meal!
Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina
Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina is a Cape San Blas restaurant that offers a variety of food options to choose from.
You can indulge in anything from Mexican, seafood, steak dinners, burgers, and sandwiches. Or, you could order pizza or salads for lunch or dinner. They also have desserts made fresh daily, including ice cream sundaes, brownies, and more!
If you’re looking for something fun while dining out at Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, they offer live music every Friday night and other annual entertainment events!
Cape San Blas fishing charters
Fish in Cape San Blas, Florida! Many people may not know this, but the waters off Cape San Blas are an excellent place to cast your line.
While here, you can reel in various species and see so much wildlife that you won’t want to leave.
It’s a great place to fish year-round.
Cape San Blas is a great place to fish year-round. It’s one of the best fishing spots in Florida, and there is plenty of fish to catch!
You can get up close and personal with redfish, snook, trout, pompano, and more. So whether it’s your first time on the water or you are an experienced angler looking for new challenges (like catching a tarpon), our boat captains know where all the hot spots are off this beautiful peninsula.
There are many different types of fish that you can catch in the area
Cape San Blas is one of the best options if you’re looking for a great fishing spot. You can enjoy excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing year-round.
During the spring, fish begin to enter the Gulf waters. This is an excellent time to target the mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna.
The type of fishing you do will depend on the season
It’s important to note that the kind of fishing you do will depend on the season. The best time to go is in the fall and winter when redfish and snook are abundant.
Redfish are also common during the spring months. Conversely, summertime can be slow, with only a few fish available for reeling.
It’s important to note that if you’re looking for an active fishing experience with plenty of action, this isn’t the place for you!
Redfish are common in the waters off Cape San Blas
Redfish are a popular sport fish. They’re one of the most sought-after fish in Florida waters and can be found in abundance in Cape San Blas’s national seashore.
Redfish are common throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast from Virginia to Texas.
They overgrow (to about 30 pounds) and live for up to 15 years, so it’s not uncommon for anglers to catch redfish that are well over 100 pounds!
There’s no better place than Cape San Blas when it comes to spearfishing
The waters off the coast of this coastal community are known for their great spearfishing and are home to many different types of fish, including redfish.
If you’re looking for a place with spectacular water views and diverse wildlife, look no further than Cape San Blas.
Fishing enthusiasts flock to this Florida community every year.
Fishing enthusiasts flock to this Florida community every year. Cape San Blas is a great fishing place, offering many resources for fishing enthusiasts.
Fishing is a popular activity in the area, and it’s easy to see why: it’s a fun way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors.
Fishing is also an excellent way to relax after a long day at work or school, so if you’re looking for an activity to help you unwind after your next big meeting or presentation, look no further than Cape San Blas!
Cape San Blas vacation
The waters off Cape San Blas offer various fish from May to September. You can catch redfish, trout, and grouper during this time.
In late summer and early fall, tarpon moves into the area. You’ll find dolphins (mahi-mahi), sailfish, and wahoo in abundance during the spring and summer months.
Things to do in Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe, Florida
Cape San Blas is a great place to get away from it all. Of course, you won’t find a lot of people or a lot of buildings there.
What you will find, however, is some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Florida. And you’ll also find an epic beach with no real crowds that you can enjoy on your terms.
It’s not ideally suited to large families or groups, but it’s more than perfect for couples, friends, and small families.
So, if you’re looking for a laid-back beach community to recharge and enjoy quality time with loved ones, I strongly suggest spending a week in Cape San Blas this summer.