Expanding Options for Fun in Gulf County, Florida

Park amenities, recreation facilities and dining options add variety to low-rise destination

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Gulf County, Florida | I-10 Exit Guide

Gulf County, Florida, is known as a low-rise, bide-your-time and do-what-you-want kind of destination. But in this idyllic location on the central Gulf Coast, many choose to take advantage of the diverse coastal landscape for an active outdoor getaway. Just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, Gulf County is home to beautifulĀ beachesĀ and lots of ways to enjoy them. Those options are expanding this year, with new facilities and new opportunities for fun.

Many visitorsā€™ first ā€œah haā€ moment here is when they realize they can even pick which time zone they want to be in. This is the only county in the state with two time zones and there is a newĀ selfie chairĀ (corner of CR 386 and Highway 98) for immortalizing visitorsā€™ time travel while they are here. In fact, there are quite aĀ few selfie spotsĀ throughout the county for those looking for photo opportunities to share.

Of course, the beautiful beaches and waters of Gulf County have long been the main attraction. Each community here, along this 43-mile stretch of shoreline and inlands, as well, has a personality all its own and there is plenty ofĀ accessĀ for enjoying the variety of outdoor activities. From strolling the waterfront parks ofĀ Port St. Joe, the countyā€™s central hub, to paddling and shelling onĀ St. Joseph Bay, to taking an eco-tour through theĀ Dead LakesĀ in the inland community ofĀ Wewahitchka, there is unmatched variety both to the landscape and the ways to experience it. Those ways have recently expanded.

Port South MarinaĀ (340 Marina Drive, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-797-3489), located on the eastern shore of St. Joseph Bay, has renovated its facilities and now offers even more extensive and personalized service to those heading out on the water. Those bringing their boat can take advantage of the expanded transient docking as well as a new dock store. This is also a hub forĀ fishing charters and pontoon rentals. Dry storage and wet slips are available for those looking for long-term options.

Two popular parks have also increased their recreational opportunities.Ā T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State ParkĀ (8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe Florida 32456; 850-227-1327, Reservations: 800-326-3521) is known as an oasis for those who want to get away from it all. Its 20 miles of pristine beaches include dunes along the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to one side and marshes along St. Joseph Bay. The newly re-opened Shady Pines campground features 36 standard campsites and 10 tent-only sites. The spots have a full slate of amenities, including some with paved surfaces and accessible picnic tables and grills. Two new bathhouses provide showers and restrooms. There are also 14 primitive sites in the parkā€™s Wilderness Preserve, which can be reached by hiking trail or kayak.

Known locally as Rish Park,Ā William J. ā€œBilly Joeā€ Rish Recreation AreaĀ (6773 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1876) is popular for its white-sand beaches and blue Gulf waters. But the park has recently added amenities that make it more accessible for those with disabilities.Ā Two family-style cabins can sleep up to five people and are surrounded by a boardwalk. An accessible recreation area includes a day use park, boardwalk and an Olympic-size pool with chair lift and wheelchair ramp. Beach wheelchairs, motorized beach wheelchairs, boardwalk scooters and water wheelchairs are also available for park guests.

There are exciting updates to venues for those who prefer to hit the links and the courts, too.Ā St. Joseph Bay Golf ClubĀ (700 Country Club Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1751), a par-72, 18-hole course, has undergone an upgrade and is very welcoming to golfers of all ages and skill levels.Ā Wide open fairways favor players of all handicaps but water on 14 of the 18 provides a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Pickleball courts have gained popularity atĀ Frank Pate ParkĀ (502 Monument Ave, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456) and even more so atĀ Salinas Park BaysideĀ (280 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456). In addition to new courts at this waterfront park, there is a bayfront boardwalk, volleyball area and more.Ā 

New on the food scene

AtĀ The White Marlin & OysteretteĀ (602 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-308-0938) diners can enjoy unmatched views of St. Joseph Bay while savoring specialties from a carefully curated menu. Hand-crafted cocktails, locally sourced ingredients and spectacular sunsets are a winning combination at the areaā€™s newest eatery. Also new on the dining scene isĀ Huntā€™s Oyster Bar on St. Joe BayĀ (1937 SR 30A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-2285), serving the freshest of seafood in a causal atmosphere overlooking the bay.

Beverages hold top billing atĀ Tap Root PSJĀ (212 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-387-1290), but food is on the menu, as well. This self-proclaimed dive bar proudly features Florida beers and live entertainment.Ā 

Where to stay

Gulf County has a wide array ofĀ lodging choicesĀ to fit any groupā€™s needs. There areĀ vacation rental homesĀ of all sizes andĀ inns and cottages, each with a character all its own.Ā Camping, both primitive beach camping and full hook-up RV sites, is a popular way to enjoy this coastal area, as well.


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