Where is Port St. Joe located?
Port St. Joe is located along Florida’s Panhandle on St. Joseph Bay, just east of Mexico Beach and about 20 minutes north of Cape San Blas. It’s part of the peaceful Forgotten Coast, known for its preserved natural beauty and slower pace.
What makes Port St. Joe a great destination for families?
Families love Port St. Joe because it offers a blend of small-town charm, beautiful coastal scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s quieter than many Florida beach destinations but still provides everything you need for a comfortable vacation: restaurants, parks, beach access, trails, and family-friendly attractions. The town is clean, safe, and welcoming, making it easy for families to slow down and enjoy quality time together.
Are there beaches in Port St. Joe?
Yes! While Port St. Joe is located on the bay, families can enjoy the nearby white-sand beaches that make this part of Florida so special.
• WindMark Beach:
A calm, shallow beach perfect for young children. Families enjoy bike paths, hammocks, and boardwalks surrounding the beach.
A calm, shallow beach perfect for young children. Families enjoy bike paths, hammocks, and boardwalks surrounding the beach.
• St. Joseph Peninsula (Cape San Blas):
Just a short drive south, Cape San Blas offers miles of pet-friendly shoreline, gentle waves, and some of the best shelling in the state.
Just a short drive south, Cape San Blas offers miles of pet-friendly shoreline, gentle waves, and some of the best shelling in the state.
• Mexico Beach (nearby):
About 10 minutes away, offering wide sandy shores and a family-friendly vibe.
About 10 minutes away, offering wide sandy shores and a family-friendly vibe.
Port St. Joe’s bayfront location also allows for snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, and exploring shallow waters filled with marine life.
What vacation rentals are available in Port St. Joe?
Families can choose from:
- Beach houses
- Bayfront homes
- Townhomes
- Condos
- Cottages within walking distance of downtown
Many rentals offer outdoor showers, full kitchens, screened porches, pet-friendly options, and easy access to both the bay and Gulf beaches.
What are the best things to do with kids in Port St. Joe?
• Visit St. Joseph Bay:
Known for incredibly clear water, the bay is perfect for snorkelling, scalloping (seasonal), paddleboarding, and looking for marine life like starfish and seahorses.
Known for incredibly clear water, the bay is perfect for snorkelling, scalloping (seasonal), paddleboarding, and looking for marine life like starfish and seahorses.
• Explore T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park:
The park includes miles of untouched beaches, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
The park includes miles of untouched beaches, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
• Walk or bike downtown Port St. Joe:
Reid Avenue has local shops, boutiques, ice cream, and family-friendly restaurants.
Reid Avenue has local shops, boutiques, ice cream, and family-friendly restaurants.
• Learn history at Constitution Convention Museum State Park:
A kid-friendly museum showcasing the history of Florida’s first constitution.
A kid-friendly museum showcasing the history of Florida’s first constitution.
• Take a fishing charter:
St. Joseph Bay and the surrounding Gulf waters provide easy and enjoyable fishing experiences for beginners and families.
St. Joseph Bay and the surrounding Gulf waters provide easy and enjoyable fishing experiences for beginners and families.
• Enjoy community events:
Port St. Joe hosts seasonal markets, festivals, parades, and live music that make the town feel especially welcoming to families.
Port St. Joe hosts seasonal markets, festivals, parades, and live music that make the town feel especially welcoming to families.
What wildlife can families expect to see?
Port St. Joe is full of natural wonders. Families often see:
- Dolphins in St. Joseph Bay
- Crabs and starfish in shallow water
- Sea turtles (summer nesting)
- Herons, pelicans, and osprey
- Deer along Cape San Blas trails
The bay is especially famous for its seahorses, scallops, and incredible underwater ecosystem.
Where can families eat in Port St. Joe?
There are plenty of casual, kid-friendly restaurants:
• Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina: Popular for Tex-Mex and family dinners.
• Krazyfish Grille: Fresh seafood, sushi, burgers, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Sweet Bunz Donuts: A must-stop for breakfast treats.
• Sand Dollar Café: Southern comfort food and daily specials.
• Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Kitchen: Great pizza for the whole family.
• Krazyfish Grille: Fresh seafood, sushi, burgers, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Sweet Bunz Donuts: A must-stop for breakfast treats.
• Sand Dollar Café: Southern comfort food and daily specials.
• Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Kitchen: Great pizza for the whole family.
Nearby Cape San Blas also offers seafood markets and restaurants perfect for lunch after a beach day.
Are grocery stores and conveniences nearby?
Yes. Port St. Joe has grocery stores, pharmacies, beach shops, and general stores. Larger supermarkets are within a short drive, and many vacation rentals are stocked with starter supplies.
Is Port St. Joe safe for families?
Port St. Joe is known for being clean, friendly, and safe. The community is small and close-knit, and the overall pace is calm and relaxed, making it ideal for families with children.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
Spring and summer are the most popular months for beach vacations and bay activities. Fall is warm, peaceful, and excellent for fishing and scalloping. Winters are mild compared to most of the US, making Port St. Joe a fantastic year-round destination. Follow us for more travel tips.
Final Thoughts
Port St. Joe vacation rentals in Florida offer a relaxed family vacation filled with natural beauty, outdoor fun, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re snorkelling in St. Joseph Bay, exploring nature trails, enjoying downtown shops, or watching a Gulf sunset, this charming coastal town provides a memorable getaway for families of all ages.
