
Cape San Blas is a secluded paradise with serene beaches, emerald-green water, and a relaxed atmosphere, located just 20 minutes south of Port St. Joe on Florida's Northwest Coast. Known as The Cape to locals, it offers a laid-back vibe with family-friendly activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, and hiking. Cape San Blas is a narrow stretch of land that extends out from Port St. Joe, curving around St. Joseph Bay and separating it from the Gulf of Mexico to the south. The area boasts tall dunes, abundant wildlife, and pristine white-sand beaches, making it a must-visit destination.
What You'll Learn
- Cape San Blas is a secluded paradise with serene beaches, emerald-green water, and a laid-back atmosphere
- The area offers family-friendly activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and snorkelling
- Cape San Blas is home to the Loggerhead Trail, an 8.7-mile paved pathway for biking and hiking
- The T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a must-see with its tall dunes, abundant wildlife, and pristine white-sand beaches
- Cape San Blas has a rich history, including four lighthouses and a Confederate saltworks destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War
Cape San Blas is a secluded paradise with serene beaches, emerald-green water, and a laid-back atmosphere
This narrow stretch of land curves around St. Joseph Bay, providing a unique setting with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. The local community is welcoming and friendly, creating a relaxed and family-friendly environment. The area is known for its soft, white sand beaches and spectacular sand dunes, offering a pristine and unspoiled natural experience.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Cape San Blas has plenty to offer. The eight-mile Loggerhead Trail is perfect for biking, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. Horseback riding on the beach is also a popular activity, with Salinas Park Gulf Side offering a unique starting point for riders. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a must-visit destination, with 1,900 acres of tranquil beaches and hiking trails. The park is a sanctuary for wildlife and offers a peaceful escape for visitors.
The waters of Cape San Blas are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and fishing. The Gulf waters are glistening and emerald-green, providing a stunning backdrop for water activities. Visitors can also explore St. Joseph Bay, which is teeming with aquatic life and is a popular spot for scalloping in the summer.
When it comes to dining, Cape San Blas has a variety of options. Skully's Low Country Boil offers a laid-back atmosphere and a delicious menu, including fresh Gulf shrimp and Southern-style gumbo. The Smokehouse on Cape San Blas is another popular choice, serving up slow-smoked meats and Southern sides. For a sweeter treat, Cape San Blas Coffee & Ice Cream offers a range of flavours to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Cape San Blas is a hidden gem on Florida's Forgotten Coast. With its serene beaches, emerald-green waters, and laid-back atmosphere, it offers a secluded paradise for those seeking relaxation and a break from the crowds. The natural beauty of the area, combined with its range of activities and welcoming community, makes it a unique and memorable destination.
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The area offers family-friendly activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and snorkelling
Cape San Blas is a 17-mile peninsula nestled between St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, just 20 minutes from Port St. Joe. The area offers a laid-back vibe and is known for its family-friendly activities, including fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, biking, hiking, and snorkelling.
For fishing enthusiasts, Port St. Joe marina offers charter boats that take you to the tip of Cape San Blas, where you can enjoy the clear, shallow water and white sand. St. Joseph Bay, on the north side of Cape San Blas, is a popular spot for scalloping in the summer. You can wade out from the shore or use a mask and snorkel to glide over the grass beds and scoop up scallops.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities in Cape San Blas. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Happy Ours Kayak and Bike Outpost and explore the clear waters of St. Joseph Bay. The eight-mile Loggerhead Trail, which starts at Salinas Park, offers a scenic route for biking and hiking. Salinas Park also offers beach access, bay access, serenity trails, pickleball courts, and screened-in pavilions for picnics.
If you're looking for a unique experience, horseback riding on the beach is a must-do adventure. You can ride through the surf and even watch dolphins at the same time. Broke A Toe Horseback Riding and Sand N Spur offer horseback riding experiences in the area.
For those interested in snorkelling, there are several tour options available, including the Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise. You can also explore St. Joseph Bay by renting a canoe, kayak, or sailboat and snorkelling to find sand dollars or starfish.
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Cape San Blas is home to the Loggerhead Trail, an 8.7-mile paved pathway for biking and hiking
Cape San Blas is a 20-minute drive from Port St. Joe, Florida, and is known for its serene beaches, emerald-green water, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers a range of family-friendly activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, and hiking.
One of the highlights of Cape San Blas is the Loggerhead Trail, an 8.7-mile paved pathway that runs the length of the Cape. The trail is named after the area's sea turtles and offers stunning views of St. Joseph's Bay. It is a great option for those looking to bike or hike, with the added convenience of being fully paved.
The Loggerhead Trail begins at Salinas Park, located on 30E (or CSB Road). The park offers both beach and bay access, as well as a variety of amenities, including a playground, picnic areas, and screened-in pavilions. It is also the starting point for horseback riding on the beach. From Salinas Park, the trail curves along the peninsula of Cape San Blas, offering beautiful gulf and bay views throughout the ride.
Along the trail, there are several shops and restaurants to explore, as well as vacation rentals. It is recommended to bring sunscreen and water, as there is little shade along the way. The trail ends at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, which offers white sandy beaches, snorkelling, swimming, fishing, and natural areas for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The state park also has various amenities, including parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, a playground, and a concession stand.
The Loggerhead Trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Cape San Blas and get some exercise while taking in the stunning gulf and bay views. It is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors to the area.
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The T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a must-see with its tall dunes, abundant wildlife, and pristine white-sand beaches
Located at the tip of Cape San Blas, the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a must-see with its tall dunes, abundant wildlife, and pristine white-sand beaches. Rated as one of the top beaches in the nation, the park offers 10 miles of tranquil beaches and is a haven for a variety of wildlife.
The park is an excellent location for bird-watching, with numerous species of wading birds, shorebirds, migratory birds, and birds of prey. It is also known for its important habitat for beach nesting birds, sea turtles, and the endangered St. Andrews beach mouse. Other wildlife that can be spotted in the park include deer, bobcat, fox, otter, raccoon, squirrels, opossum, coyote, and armadillo.
In addition to its wildlife, the park offers a variety of activities for visitors. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, shelling, snorkelling, and hiking. The park provides three nature trails, including the Maritime Hammock Nature Trail and the Bayview Trail, which offer scenic walks through different natural communities. The park also has a marina and boat ramp, providing access to both St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico for boaters and scallopers.
For those looking to stay overnight, the park offers a range of options, including the Shady Pines campground, eight cabins, and 14 primitive campsites in the Wilderness Preserve. The cabins are equipped with one bedroom and one bathroom, accommodating up to six people, while the campsites offer a more rustic experience in the park's pristine areas.
The T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a great destination for a day trip or an overnight stay, offering something for everyone in the family, including kids and pets. With its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and range of activities, it is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
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Cape San Blas has a rich history, including four lighthouses and a Confederate saltworks destroyed by Union forces during the Civil War
Cape San Blas, a peninsula in Gulf County, Florida, has a rich history. Located approximately 10 miles (16 km) south-southwest of the town of Port St. Joe, it is known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and natural beauty. Aside from its stunning scenery, Cape San Blas has a fascinating past, including four lighthouses and a Confederate saltworks that played a role in the Civil War.
The Confederate saltworks in Cape San Blas was a crucial part of the Confederate war effort. Salt was essential during the Civil War for preserving food and curing leather. Florida's salt plants worked tirelessly, boiling seawater 24 hours a day to produce salt. At Cape San Blas, the Confederate saltworks processed 150 US bushels (5.3 m3) of salt daily through seawater evaporation. However, this operation came to an abrupt halt in 1862 when a landing party from the Union ship USS Kingfisher destroyed the saltworks.
The story of the Cape San Blas lighthouses is equally intriguing. Between 1849 and 1885, four lighthouses were built at Cape San Blas. The first lighthouse, completed in 1847, suffered a similar fate to the saltworks. It collapsed during a gale in 1851. Congress funded the construction of a second lighthouse, which was finished in 1855 but destroyed by a hurricane in 1856. The third lighthouse, completed in 1858, remained inactive during the Civil War but resumed operations in 1865. However, erosion became a persistent issue, and by 1883, the fourth iron frame lighthouse was built to replace it.
The challenges faced by the lighthouses at Cape San Blas highlight the impact of natural forces in the region. The constant threat of storms and erosion has shaped the history of this coastal area. Despite the setbacks, the construction of each new lighthouse demonstrated the resilience and determination of those responsible for maintaining these vital navigational aids.
Today, Cape San Blas continues to be a popular destination, offering visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational activities. The legacy of the Confederate saltworks and the evolution of the lighthouses over the years contribute to the rich tapestry of this Florida peninsula.
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Frequently asked questions
Cape San Blas is approximately 15-20 minutes away from Port St. Joe by car.
Cape San Blas is known for its serene beaches, emerald-green water, and a relaxed atmosphere. The area offers several family-friendly activities such as fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Some notable attractions include the Loggerhead Trail, Salinas Park, Serenity Trail, and T.H. Sone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
Cape San Blas has a variety of dining options, including Skully's Low Country Boil, The Smokehouse, Cape San Blas Coffee & Ice Cream, and Cone Heads 8020.
Cape San Blas offers a range of accommodations, from beachfront vacation homes and rentals to the Cape San Blas Inn, a bed and breakfast that provides complimentary access to bikes, canoes, kayaks, and standup paddle boards.