St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Miles of white sand beaches, striking dunes, 2,516 acre park. It is surrounded on 3 sides by the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Joseph Bay. Dr. Beach rated it #1 in the USA in 2002. Excellent snorkeling, swimming, birding, shelling, crabbing, hiking, fishing, bating andscalloping. Boat ramp available. Located just outside of Barrier Dunes! You can walk to the State Park via the beach, drive or Bike from Barrier Dunes.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
The Cape San Blas Lighthouse now had a giftshop and is open for visitors. Open Wednesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the charge to climb the tower is $5. Children under 10 are free with adult.
As you come onto the Cape, the Lighthouse is located on the Left 
turn on the dirt road right after the weather station and before the "rock wall" area. It has a sign for the military base, but it is fine to drive down and see it. There is some excellent shelling on the beach to the left of the lighthouse--go explore!
Salinas Park
The first park you’ll get to after turning onto Cape San Blas Road, is a beautiful beach front park offering picnic areas, restrooms, and boardwalks that’ll take you straight to the beach.. This is where the horseback riding companies meet you to go riding ON the beach! See our Things to Do Page or the Links page for information on companies that will take you horseback riding on the Cape San Blas, FL beaches!
Black's Island: Sits out in the middle of the bay--good snorkeling and scalloping! Watch for the sandbars if you are boating!
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center
St. Vincent Island is an unspoiled barrier island at the west end of Apalachicola Bay. The refuge is open during daylight hours. It is only accessible by boat and no facilities are available. Visitor’s Center is located on the north end of Market Street in Apalachicola. Thre are no dogs allowed on on St. Vincent Island, but it's a great place to explore! 850-653-8808. See links page for shuttle link!
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Encompassing over 246,000 acres in Apalachicola Bay, it is the 2nd largest Estuarine Research Reserve system in the nation. Educational center located at the north end of Market Street. Exhibits on the flora and fauna of the area, an aviary and live giant fish tanks. 850-653-8063. 
Cape Palms Park
It is about five miles down Cape San Blas Road. This new park provides public access, covered pavilions, restrooms, showers, grills, playground and covered deck.
Apalachicola National Forest
It is the second largest in Florida, after the Everglades Park. A subtropical jungle, hosting Florida Panthers, Florida Bears and Alligators in the bayous formed by the delta of the Apalachicola River.
St. George Island State Park
This 9-mile long reserve is one of 3 barrier islands that separate Apalachicola Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. The Reserve’s remoteness and wilderness qualities provide an opportunity to explore and enjoy a remnant of Florida’s original natural landscape. It is also home to the Cape St. George Lighthouse and lighthouse keeper’s quarters. Built in 1852, the lighthouse stands 72 feet tall . Shell collecting is very good. Accessible only by boat. 850-927-2111.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
Located in Carrabelle. The base was used as an amphibious training facility for the Normandy Invasion. 697-8575.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park. 200 Allen Memorial Way.
Located in Port St. Joe. Florida’s first state convention was held there in 1830. The state’s first constitution was drafted and signed at this location. 850-653-3333 .
John Gorrie Museum State Park.
John Gorrie invented a machine that produced ice, laying the groundwork for modern refrigeration and air-conditioning. A replica of Gorrie's ice-machine, built from the specification of his 1851 patent, is on display at the museum.
Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory
202 Clark Drive., Panacea. This laboratory maintains a 25,000 gallon aquarium and has exhibits of native marine life, bays and marshes. 984-8297.
St. Joe Wildlife Sanctuary
Located north of Port St. Joe on Hwy. 71. The sanctuary houses a permanent hospital and rehabilitation center for sick, injured and orphaned animals. Educational opportunities are for the public. 850-229-WING.
Apalachicola Historic District
Many fine old home and buildings dating from the 1930s. A scenic walking tour of the town acquaints visitors with sites such as cotton warehouses, which house the City’s once-prosperous cotton export of the 1800s, a sponge exchange and Victorian homes nestled amid magnolias. Map available at the Chamber of Commerce office on Main Street.
There is also some fun shopping in Apalch--here are just a few of the places you can go!
Chez Funk Outfitters Kid's Port-
Old Fashioned Toy Store
Fogotten Coast Outfitters The Tin Shed - Lots to explore!
Wakulla Springs
Wakulla Springs is one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs featuring glass bottom and river-boat tours. 850-224-5950.
Tate’s Hell State Forest
Acres of forest for hiking and biking. North of Carrabelle on State Route 67. 850-697-3734.
Port St Joe Shopping Directory
Carrabelle: Located on the Carrabelle River East of Cape San Blas. See the World's smallest police station station in the downtown area. Visit the Crooked River Lighthouse. Located newa Carrabelle Beach, the lighthouse was built in 1895 and has recently been deeded to the City of Carrabelle.
Dog Island: Accessible only by boat. Dog Island has a rich maritime history! Littered around the coves and waters of Dog Island are the remais of shipwrecks and other aspects of regional maritime culture.
Apalachicola National Forest.
the Apalachicola National Forest, located between Tallahassee and the Apalachicola River, boasts over 564,000 acres where your leashed pet will be most welcome when you hit the trails! Despite the fact that this area is one of the most popular of the national forests on the east coast, there are still remote, quiet and remote areas of the park. There are also short interpretive trails for those who are seeing a shorter walk with Fido. Dogs are also permitted at the numerous lakes here, again, as long as they are kept on a leash. There is also a 31 mile Apalachee Savannah Scenic byway, which is on the western flank of the forest.
Gulf World Marine Park In Panama City Beach. If you need a great outing for the kids---be a trainer for a day and swim with the dolphins or enjoy the Splach Magic Laser Show at night and journey around the world!
RETURN TO HOME PAGE
THINGS TO DO PAGE for additional options!
Thanks to the Gulf County Tourism Development Council for the great maps.
View of the tip of Cape San Blas from the entrance to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park! Pristine!
The park is just outside the gates to Barrier Dunes!
The beach at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park! Doesn't get any better than this!
Mr. Crab! A crab we found in a shell while exploring the bay!
Docking the boat at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park! It's nice to have the park so close...we park the boat and are back at The Cape Escape I and II in 5 minutes!
Shrimp boats in Apalachicola. Apalach has some GREAT seafood restaurants! See our PLACES TO EAT page!
Ryan Wright shows off his great catch while Charter fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Return to HOME Page
See more Pictures in and around Cape San Blas on our PICTURES page!
