Gulf County, Florida, is centrally located on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Its collection of laid-back beach towns has become a haven for those with a sense of adventure who are looking for low-rise fun. Just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, this is a beach destination that offers fun ways to reconnect with each other and is the perfect spot to disconnect from the rest of the world.
While fun in the sun is the name of the game for most visitors, many also enjoy a bit of nightlife while vacationing here. It is, however, a different kind of nightlife in Gulf County. The only neon around is the “open” sign that shines in the windows of the local area restaurants that serve famous Gulf seafood dinners. A place for live music, enjoyed with an after-dinner libation, can definitely be found. Here though, the most popular ways to enjoy the evening involve waterfront sunsets, family game nights, campfires and wide-open spaces.
After a day at the beach or out exploring the variety of waters, both gulf and inland, the area has to enjoy, a downtown stroll in Port St. Joe is the perfect way to wind down. The restaurants and shops of this quaint business district are within walking distance of parks, playgrounds and a marina, all on the shores of St. Joseph Bay.
Evenings officially begin with sunset and St. Joe Beach, with its west-facing, white sand beach, it is the perfect spot to take it in. Pausing to sit back, relax and celebrate the sunset is a coastal tradition.
Those looking for laid back, local music spots will find the Haughty Heron (117 Sailors Cove, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-3463) or Scallop RePUBlic (411 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-9009) are the perfect options.
For a little nighttime shore fishing or a family bon fire, Indian Pass, with its “old Florida” feel and uncrowded beaches is a favorite. While its shores are known for horseback riding and beach driving in the daytime, evenings here are popular for those who want to relax under the stars and listen to the waves hit the shoreline.
Just around the bend, Cape San Blas is located on the St. Joseph peninsula. It has both beach camping areas and a wealth of low-rise, single-family vacation rental homes. It is also home to T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park (8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe Florida 32456; 850-227-1327), a wildlife haven stretching miles into Gulf waters. While currently limited to day-use following damage from Hurricane Michael, this wildlife haven is traditionally a favorite for both RV and primitive campers who truly want to get away from it all and planning has already begun on the campsites for the future.
Gulf County’s lodging choices offer a range of ways to spend time just the way you want. Vacation rental homes, from small to large, rustic to modern, are popular and offer the perfect options for any getaway–or get together. Camping, both primitive beach camping and full hook-up RV sites, is a popular way to enjoy this coastal area, as well.
No matter the group, the time of year or reason for visit, the beaches and neighborhoods of Gulf County welcome those who are looking for an opportunity to connect with each other in their own space, on their own time. Taking time to enjoy a different kind of nightlife is how many vacation memories and treasured traditions are made here.
WHERE TO EAT
For those who want to spend mealtime “at home” here, there are a whole host of delicious options. Cape Trading Post (4975 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-8775) is the perfect spot to stock up on provisions to create meals of your own. For a special treat, an in-home, chef-prepared meal by Your Table, Our Chef is a fabulous way to create a special occasion. And, of course, to-go meals from one of the many fine restaurants in the area are a favorite way to enjoy the local favorites.
For a true local’s dining experience, these restaurants are a must:
Indian Pass Raw Bar (8391 County Road 30A, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-227-1670) is known for its raw, baked and steamed oysters and a full menu of other delicious seafood. This family-owned business has been serving since 1929 and is an iconic Gulf County spot.
Krazyfish Grille (113 Monument Avenue, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-229-7878) features a menu inspired by fresh, coastal favorites, coupled with a casual atmosphere and specialty drinks.
Shipwreck Raw Bar (7008 West Highway 98, Port St. Joe, Florida 32456; 850-647-5050) is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The extensive menu ranges from breakfast favorites to seafood baskets to steak and shrimp dinners. And of course, there are oysters!
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