Gulf County, Florida, has the perfect getaway options for any budget. Centrally located on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, this diverse destination is known as a “low-rise” destination and an ideal spot to disconnect from the rest of the world. It’s combination of coastal beauty and diverse vacation options makes it a popular spot for a wide range of visitors.
These three options offer suggestions for planning a Gulf County getaway to match any budget.
Spend
Lodging: A beach house on St. Joe Beach, or Cape San Blas on St. Joseph Peninsula, is the perfect spot to enjoy the sun and sand and provides the perfect home base for all the Gulf County explorations on the agenda. There are homes for groups both big and small offering a home away from home for just the right vacation vibe.
Dining: It’s easy to see why Krazyfish Grille (113 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7878) is a local favorite. The laid-back atmosphere, inventive drink menu and coastal specialty entrees combine for the classic Gulf County dining experience. LongBill’s Restaurant (7650 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-250-4310) is another spot with a fun, casual atmosphere and a menu filled with local favorites.
Outdoor fun: Bike rentals are easy all along the coast and offer an excellent way to enjoy a day outdoors. If shopping is the preferred pastime, Port St. Joe’s popular Reid Avenue is the place to find local specialties and one-of-a-kind deals.
Save
Lodging: Camping is popular throughout Gulf County. Some may want to rough it on a beach camping trip, but many choose an RV park with all the amenities. Dead Lakes RV Park & Campground (482 Gary Rowell Road, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465; 850-340-0645) in Wewahitchka offers a spot to enjoy nature, fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, or simply relaxing. Water’s Edge RV Park (8300 County Road 30A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456;
850-229-8600) is situated on scenic Indian Pass Lagoon and has spacious sites and a general store onsite.
Dining: Enjoying meals “at home” during a visit to Gulf County is easy. Duren’s Piggly Wiggly (125 W. Highway 98, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8398) is the perfect spot for stocking the vacation rental for meals, picnics and more. Cape Tradin’ Post (4975 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8775) also has all the goods for an excellent meal to enjoy during a night in with the crew.
Outdoor fun: There are plenty of ways to enjoy Gulf County without breaking the bank. Of course, building castles along the white sand beaches is a favorite, as is snorkeling or casting a line from the shore fishing to see what’s biting. Off the beach, exploring Gulf County to find four fun murals makes a fun scavenger hunt and reveals some great selfie spots.
Splurge
Lodging: Black’s Island (2049 FL-30A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 888-908-6001) gives guests the experience of a “private island getaway” just moments from the mainland. Here, 26 luxurious bungalows sit on a seven-acre island surrounded by the pristine waters of St. Joseph Bay, just a 10-minute boat ride (the only access is by boat) from the mainland. There’s a four-story clubhouse with observation deck, a pool, white sand beaches and a 1,200-foot boardwalk. A new Mainland Hotel with views of the island is scheduled to open in late 2022, offering another lodging option.
Dining: For a special treat, an in-home chef-prepared meal by Your Table, Our Chef is a fabulous way to create a special occasion out of any meal. For a night out, The View on Old 98 (51 Good Morning Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-247-0317) serves fresh and inventive Asian and American cuisine with a waterfront view overlooking Cape San Blas.
Outdoor fun: A horseback ride along the beach is a special experience and Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding (Port St Joe, Florida 32456; 850-899-RIDE) provides trips for individuals and groups. To get out on the water, a trip with About Fun Charters (521 5th Street, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-340-1035) offers both fishing and nature excursions.
If you go
Many choose to bring their four-legged friends on vacation here because Gulf County beaches are pet-friendly. To keep the beaches and waters healthy for all the flora and fauna that call this home, learn the rules for protecting these shores and be sure to Leave No Trace after your visit.
For more I-10 information, visit www.i10exitguide.com, the Internet’s largest and most complete website devoted to Interstate 10. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit from California to Florida!
Traveling another route? Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide and I-95 Exit Guide.
