Port St. Joe, Florida
This small coastal deep water port community is rich in both history and resources. Known as "The Constitution City," Port St. Joe, Florida lives in history books because it was here in 1838 that delegates from all counties in Territorial Florida assembled to draft Florida's first State Constitution. This document was the basis of Florida government until the Civil War.Port St. Joe has miles of beautiful beaches where visitors can sunbathe to their heart's content. Two beach areas, Cape San Blas and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, have the distinction of being named among the best beaches in the country by Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach).
The "Cape" as it is commonly known, is truly what "discovering Old Florida" is all about. A rare, beautiful peninsula nestled in a curve of Florida's big bend, over 17 miles of white sandy beaches border the peninsula. Favorite activities on the Cape are swimming, sunbathing, surf fishing, seashell hunting, snorkeling and exploring. It is a place where one can sit in the sun, read a book and listen to the sounds of the sea.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is another jewel of the Panhandle. This 2,516-acre park is bounded on three sides by the waters of St. Joseph Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. There are miles of pristine white sand beaches, striking dune formations, and a heavily forested interior of the island. Noted as an excellent bird watching area with sightings of 209 species recorded, it is in a premier location in the eastern United States for observing hawks during their fall migration. Many species can be seen including the endangered peregrine falcon and the bald eagle.
Anglers will find the St. Joe area a paradise of fishing opportunities. The Gulf of Mexico, freshwater lakes and rivers, St. Joseph Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway provide excellent fishing sites and challenges. If sailing the high seas aboard one of the many charters offered doesn't exactly fit your fancy, then surf fishing off the coastline may be more your style. Or you may enjoy trolling along the rivers and lakes to catch the "big one." Both salt and freshwater opportunities abound, so put on your deck shoes and head for the water. Chances are it won't be far away.
For an interesting day trip, head east on SR 98 to Apalachicola. The long gorgeous beaches on St. George's Island are among the nation's best. Try the famous Apalachicola oysters, and tour one of the area's nature preserves.
Port St. Joe, while predominantly a residential community, is a great respite if you are looking for an out-of-the-way spot to enjoy a Florida vacation. With sugar soft beaches, nature preserves, and unspeakably beautiful sunsets, you will be tempted to make your stay permanent.
