Cape San Blas Florida Travel Guide

Cape San Blas Florida

Situated between St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this 17-mile peninsula called Cape San Blas offers a tranquil and pleasurable getaway for all. The turquoise water, white sand, and relaxed atmosphere characteristic of "Florida’s Forgotten Coast" will surely make your stay memorable. With its unspoiled beaches, outdoor adventures, and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect destination for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re paddling through St. Joseph Bay, biking along scenic trails, or stargazing on the beach, Cape San Blas offers a unique Gulf Coast experience that’s sure to leave you refreshed and inspired. Cape San Blas delivers an unforgettable Gulf Coast experience!

Cape San Blas often ranks in top family destinations as well as top beach destinations. In the Florida Panhandle, Cape San Blas allows families to escape the loud noises of the world. Child-friendly parks, shallow waters, and an inviting community with endless outdoor recreational activities are just the beginning.

As our world continues to modernize and reach new heights in technology it is important to find our roots and preserve what is left untouched. In fact, one of the most remote and naturally kept beaches today is found on none other than sunny Florida. Of course, the soft-white sand coast, the inshore dunes, and the grass flats can only belong to the quaint Cape San Blas. This destination will likely bring back feelings of nostalgia with the campfires, children chasing fiddler crabs, kayaking the emerald waters, and watching the sunset. Cape San Blas transports you to a world of its own. Let the peace and quiet surround you without the sounds of busy traffic and bustling streets. Cape San Blas might be the vacation many of us need.

 

---

Book Direct to Save with a Cape San Blas Rental Management Company

 

 

Things To Do in Cape San Blas Florida

Catch Some Scallops

From August to September, people flock to Cape San Blas to catch some scallops. Get a permit at Scallop Cove to try this pleasurable activity. Here you'll know the rules of catching scallops and the number of scallops you’re allowed to catch. Bring a container filled with ice to store your scallops. 

 

Go to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located near Cape San Blas, off U.S. 98. Here, you can enjoy the unspoilt white sand, forest, and high dunes. There are trails, cabins, campgrounds, and picnic areas in the park. You will also get an opportunity to spot the hundreds of bird species that are known to fly over this area. 

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a crown jewel of Cape San Blas, offering miles of undeveloped shoreline and lush nature trails. This state park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching. The park’s pristine beaches are a haven for sea turtles, shorebirds, and other wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Visitors can paddle along the bay’s calm waters, where you’ll often spot stingrays, crabs, and an array of fish. The park’s trails wind through dunes and maritime forests, providing breathtaking views and opportunities to connect with nature.

 

Discover the Beauty of St. Joseph Bay

The shallow, clear waters of St. Joseph Bay make it a hotspot for water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. The bay is teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, scallops, and schools of colorful fish, making it an excellent destination for aquatic adventures. For a unique experience, try scalloping during the summer season, a family-friendly activity that allows you to wade into the bay and gather your own fresh scallops. Fishing enthusiasts will also find the bay abundant with redfish, speckled trout, and other popular catches.

 

Visit the Cape San Blas Lighthouse

For a touch of local history and iconic Gulf Coast views, visit the Cape San Blas Lighthouse. Originally built in 1885, this historic lighthouse has been relocated and restored several times due to shifting shorelines and hurricanes. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the cape and surrounding waters. The nearby grounds include a museum and gift shop where you can learn more about the area’s maritime heritage.

The Cape San Blas Lighthouse offers majestic views of the Gulf and the surrounding landscape. In the 19th and 20th centuries, this iconic landmark served to warn mariners of navigational hazards. Today, the historic lighthouse is one of the tourist attractions in Cape San Blas. 

 

Camp Under the Stars

Cape San Blas is an incredible spot for camping, offering opportunities to stay close to nature while enjoying the area’s stunning landscapes. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park features both tent and RV camping options, many of which are just steps away from the beach. With minimal light pollution, the cape is also a prime location for stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible, creating a magical backdrop for an evening outdoors.

CSB Fish n’ Camp is a perfect place to go camping and enjoy some outdoor activities. This establishment has campgrounds, RV sites, and other camping facilities. You can hike, bike, boat, fish, host a bonfire, or spend an outdoor retreat in the area. Make sure to book your stay in advance at CSB Fish n’ Camp. 

 

Dolphin Watch

Intelligent and adorable, dolphins are marine creatures that many people want to see in person. If you’re in Cape San Blas, you have a good chance of spotting a pod of dolphins in the morning. 

Bring your binoculars to see them hunting for food in the pristine water of the Gulf, captivating anyone with their leaps and dances. Just remember that dolphins are shy and sensitive creatures. So, give them space and try not to approach or touch them. 

 

Savor Fresh Gulf Seafood

No visit to Cape San Blas is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The area is known for its fresh Gulf seafood, including shrimp, oysters, scallops, and grouper. Local restaurants and seafood shacks serve up delicious dishes that highlight the flavors of the Gulf. Be sure to try the catch of the day, and don’t miss out on a traditional seafood boil.

Seafood is a no-brainer choice when you’re on the coast and want something to fill your tummy. You can find a great selection of restaurants in Cape San Blas, including Cone Heads 8020, Skully’s Low Country Boil, Peachy’s Beach Eats, and Indian Pass Raw Bar. 

If you’re craving for baked goods, visit Weber’s Little Donut Shop. You can find this store near the Cape Trading Post. Try their mouth-watering fried croissants and donuts with various toppings. 

 

Relax on Secluded Beaches

Cape San Blas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, offering soft white sand and clear, warm waters. Unlike the crowded beaches of more commercialized destinations, the beaches here are peaceful and uncrowded, making them ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Stroll along the shoreline to collect unique shells, spot dolphins playing in the waves, or simply relax and soak up the stunning Gulf Coast views. Many visitors bring their furry friends along, as the beaches here are famously pet-friendly.

 

Biking Adventure

The Cape San Blas Trail is a paved multi-use path that runs the length of the cape, offering a scenic way to explore the area on foot or by bike. The trail provides stunning views of both the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the natural beauty. Rent a bike from one of the local outfitters and enjoy a leisurely ride through this picturesque stretch of paradise.

The Loggerhead Bike Trail stretches eleven miles from Salinas Park to St. Joseph State Park. Biking through this trail is a fun way to see the beauty of Cape San Blas. Just be cautious biking at the first phase of the trail because you’ll be next to some traffic. But traffic gets thinner as you bike further down the road. 

If you don’t have your own bike, there are bike rentals operating in Cape San Blas. You can rent a bike throughout the course of your stay. 

 

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

The benefits you can get by kayaking and paddleboarding in the Gulf are adrenaline and wondrous sights. In this fun adventure you might also spot humpback whales, dolphins, and flying fish. 

In Cape San Blas, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks from companies such as Sand Flea Rentals and Happy Ours Kayak. You can have the company drop these goodies at your rental house and pick them up at the end of your stay. 

 

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

Cape San Blas offers a unique and memorable experience: horseback riding along the shoreline. Local outfitters such as Rockin’ M Ranch and Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding provide guided tours where you can enjoy a peaceful ride on the beach, taking in the Gulf views and the soothing sound of the waves. It’s an unforgettable way to explore the cape, perfect for couples, families, or anyone seeking a special adventure.

 

Take a Day Trip to Apalachicola

Just a short drive from Cape San Blas, the charming coastal town of Apalachicola offers a delightful day trip. Known for its historic charm and world-class oysters, Apalachicola is a great place to explore quaint shops, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Visit the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve to learn about the region’s unique ecosystems, or simply wander the streets and enjoy the relaxed pace of this Old Florida gem.

 

Takeaway

You can have lots of fun in Cape San Blas. The beach, the landscape, the historical sites, the locals, and the wildlife are excellent reasons to visit this piece of paradise to be remembered in Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Make sure to try the activities in our list when you spend your vacation in Cape San Blas. 

Map of Cape San Blas Florida

St Jospeh Bay Area Articles

---

---