By Lauren Tjaden
Cape San Blas is a 17-mile peninsula nestled between St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on Northwest Florida’s Forgotten Coast. There are tons of Cape San Blas activities that offer peace, seclusion and empty sweeps of sugar sand. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, family and friends.
Read on for our top 10 activities in Cape San Blas.
1. Lie on the beach
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, which encompasses the north end of the Cape, is home to one of the most highly acclaimed beaches in the nation. But almost anywhere on the peninsula, you’ll have expanses of soft, white sand and emerald-hued waters practically to yourself.
2. Scoop up scallops
Scalloping is easy in shallow St. Joseph Bay, and your whole gang can enjoy the treasure hunt. You can use a mask and snorkel to glide over the grass beds. Or just wade out from the shore, try to spot the myriad of glowing blue eyes that rim the scallops’ shells, and then scoop up the critters. Open harvest season starts in late June and runs through late September of each year.
3. Ride horses
Cape San Blas offers horseback riding right on the beach. It's one of the few places in the United States where you can ride a horse on the beach. It’s a must-do adventure; few experiences are as sweet as wading through the surf atop a trusty steed—and watching dolphins frolic at the same time.
4. Go wild
If you really want to get away from it all, you can’t do any better than St. Joseph Peninsula State Park’s 1,900-acre wilderness preserve. It boasts idyllic beaches, plus hiking on its two nature trails. A permit is required to access the wilderness area and nature trail.
5. Indulge in seafood
For the best seafood shack on the planet, check out Indian Pass Raw Bar (8391 Indian Pass Rd, Port St Joe, FL, 850-229-6528). Their menu boasts that ‘Our oysters slept in the bay last night,’ and after tasting them, you’ll be a believer.
6. Play in the bay
St. Joseph Bay’s water is only a few feet deep, making it an ideal playground for your little ones as well as grownups. Rent a canoe, kayak or sailboat, and see who can find the most sand dollars or starfish. Remember your snorkel and mask!
7. Make your heart pound
Exercise is a natural with St. Joseph Bay as a backdrop. Walk, jog or pedal for eight miles on Loggerhead Run Bike Path, a trail that runs the length of the Cape from St. Joseph Peninsula State Park to Salinas Park on Cape San Blas Road.
8. Bring your dog
It’s true—the beaches of Cape San Blas, with the exception of those in the State Park, are pet friendly. You’ll also find accommodations, restaurants, and even sailing trips that welcome your dog.
9. Enjoy the nightlife
If you want a rip-roaring party, you might need to go elsewhere. But for an unforgettable experience, go for a beach stroll under the stars. Or just spread a towel on the sand and enjoy the beauty of the night sky over the waves.
10. Get some shut-eye
Cape San Blas has strict building codes, so you won’t find high-rise motels or condominiums. You can rent a single-family home or single-level condo, camp in a tent, RV or cabin at the State Park, or cozy-up for a good night’s sleep at Cape San Blas Inn Bed & Breakfast.
