Located along Florida’s Forgotten Coast between the Gulf of Mexico and Apalachicola Bay, St. Joseph Peninsula is a haven of natural wonder and coastal majesty. With ten miles of pristine white sand beaches, some of the tallest sand dunes east of the Mississippi, and thriving maritime forests, the area serves as a worthy day trip from St. George Island – especially for those looking to expand their exploration of Florida’s unspoiled natural treasures. It’s also the ideal location to plan a full day of fun and discovery at T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, where wildlife, outdoor recreation, and nature beautifully combine.
Dedicated in name to the former landowner and Gulf County community leader, T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park opened in 1967. Also known as St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, the land once served to host military training after the Stone family sold it to the United States government in 1940. The park occupies more than 2,700 acres between Apalachicola and Port St. Joe at the tip of Cape San Blas – a perfect location to take in both sunrises and sunsets from practically the same spot… just shift your beach chair and enjoy the brilliant display!
Popular activities at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
One of the biggest draws to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is the beach, and this comes as no surprise when you consider that Dr. Beach once ranked it the top beach in the country! Popular watersports from snorkeling to kayaking or just simply swimming in the crystal blue waters are sure to provide hours of scenic enjoyment, but the fun doesn’t end there!
Wildlife Spotting
Bring your camera and maybe a set of binoculars for year-round wildlife spotting along the Florida coast! Among the many native species that frequent the area, you’re likely to encounter deer, otter, raccoon, squirrels, opossum, armadillo and occasionally fox, coyote, and bobcat. During the summer season, sea turtles make their way to the area’s beaches to lay their eggs. More than 240 species of shore and wading birds, such as egrets, great blue heron, snowy plover, and pelicans, are known to feed and nest at the park, especially during fall and spring Gulf Coast migrations between Canada and South America. The park is said to be the most productive shorebird nesting beach in the Florida Panhandle.
Boating And Fishing
The crystal clear waters of St. Joseph Bay are ideal for boating, fishing and mild watersport exploration. Launch from the paved boat ramp at Eagle Harbor for just $5. Picnic shelters, beach access, fish-cleaning station, and restrooms are conveniently located nearby. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent. Scuba diving is limited at the park, but the snorkeling here is great, and excellent scuba spots can be found offshore, including several artificial reefs and wrecks just north of the park. Boaters looking to combine a little sport with their cruise may wish to consider fishing or scalloping, depending on the season. Common catches include speckled trout, red drum, flounder, mullet, bluefish, whiting, and shark. Scalloping season runs from July 1 through September 24. A Florida fishing license is required for fresh or saltwater fishing.
Hiking, Biking, And Exploration
There are three hiking trails in the state park. The Maritime Hammock Trail briefly winds through a coastal hammock ecosystem, passing fragile habitats. The Bayview Nature Trail is a short walk through scenic stands of maritime oak and salt marsh along the bay side. The more extensive Wilderness Preserve Trail meanders through six miles of unspoiled coastal ecosystems and natural scrub, with an extension into the wilderness area at the westernmost tip of the St Joseph Peninsula. Nearly four miles of paved road offer multi-use pathways shared with motorists, with a paved biking trail extending nearly nine miles beyond the park. During your explorations, keep an eye out for seashells, as well as artifacts and remains of shell tools and pottery from early Native American settlers!
Know Before You Go
When visiting Florida beaches, always be sure to heed warning flags when present. Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents. Red flags indicate that high surf or high currents create a potential for hazard. Yellow flags advise to swim with caution and stay close to shore. A green flag means that the waters are safe. Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
The southern end of the state park is open for day-use beach access. Pets are not allowed on beaches, along the natural shoreline, in picnic shelters, in the restrooms, or in the wilderness area. Where allowed, pets must be on a six-foot handheld leash and not left unattended.
There is limited visitor parking available. Fees are $6 per vehicle. The park is open 365 days a year, from 8AM to sunset. Onsite amenities include the Scallop Cove II for concessions and recreational equipment rental, public beaches, picnic areas, camping facilities, restrooms, a boat ramp, and a visitor center.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located near Port St. Joe on Cape San Blas Road. From US 98 eastbound, turn onto SR30-A east. From Apalachicola, take US 98 West, turning left on C-30A, then left on C-30E.
T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port Saint Joe, FL 32456 • (850) 227-1327 •
