DAY 4 — TOUR THE DEAD LAKES
For the final day of this itinerary, head to Wewahitchka in northern Gulf County for a guided pontoon boat tour of the Dead Lakes with Off The Map Expeditions. The Dead Lakes, named for the old cypress and tupelo trees killed off when a naturally occurring sandbar dammed the Chipola River, offer a glimpse into the natural history of the area and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Be ready to spot eagles, ospreys, and other birds and wild animals, and keep your binoculars and camera ready.
Afterward, seek out some “Wewahitchka gold,” better known as tupelo honey, and head to Smiley Honey Co. for a free tasting.
TIME ALLOWANCE
This itinerary takes four days to complete, but there’s much more to do in Gulf County and you could easily make it a weeklong vacation.
DISTANCE FROM POPULATION CENTERS
Gulf County is on the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida. Port St. Joe is two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour southeast of Panama City Beach.
WALKING/DRIVING DISTANCE BETWEEN THINGS TO DO
Most destinations in the area are about a 10- to 15-minute drive apart, except for Wewahitchka, which is about a 20-minute drive.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack a swimsuit or two and comfortable clothes suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding. For sun protection, you’ll need sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Towels, coolers, snacks, and plenty of drinking water are essential for a day at the beach, and keep in mind that local shops also rent beach equipment such as carts, bikes, and barbecue grills. It’s also a good idea to pack a waterproof camera, binoculars, and a dry bag for kayaking and riding on the pontoon boat. If you’re prone to motion sickness, having medication such as dramamine and bonine can be helpful. Rain is always a possibility, so it’s good to keep an umbrella or light poncho with you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
No matter what time of year you visit, expect plenty of sun, a laid-back, casual atmosphere, and lots of ways to spend time on the water.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
For this itinerary, guests must be able to get in and out of a kayak and walk on sandy and uneven terrain.
ACCESSIBILITY ENHANCEMENTS/INCLUSION HIGHLIGHTS
Gulf County has many ADA-compliant accommodations. In Port St. Joe, William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area, a 100-acre park along the Gulf of America, provides beach access and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers and has a 4-foot deep swimming pool that is wheelchair accessible. The park also has motorized and non-motorized beach wheelchairs and water wheelchairs available at no charge.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Eco tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding on the beach, seeing sea turtles, tasting tupelo honey, kayaking, and on- and offshore fishing make for an unforgettable vacation.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Dr. Beach ranked T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park No. 1 in 2002. Some of Florida’s top dog beaches are in Gulf County: Cape San Blas and Salinas Park have each received the “5-bone” rating from BringFido.
LODGING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
There are countless options when it comes to finding places to stay in this low-key beach community. Whether you want a bed and breakfast, waterfront cottage, scenic RV campground, or a room at a beach hotel, you’ll find it here.
CULINARY ADVENTURES
Gulf County restaurants have something to satisfy everyone and every mood. For oysters, music, and a laid-back atmosphere, try Indian Pass Raw Bar. For more fresh seafood, check out Krazyfish Grille, Longbill’s, or Shipwreck Raw Bar. Provisions offers a fresh and diverse menu with offerings ranging from international to Southern comfort food and Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina is a local favorite for Mexican food.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES
A scuba diving certification will be necessary if you plan on scuba diving, unless you opt for an introductory course that does not require it. If fishing, you’ll need a saltwater and/or freshwater fishing license.
WHEN TO VISIT AND SEASONAL DIFFERENCES
The warmest weather of the year happens May through September. Summer storms are common, especially in the afternoons, but even so, most days see plenty of sunshine. By October and November, temperatures have cooled a bit and rain and thunderstorms are less frequent. From December through March, daytime temperatures are typically warm and low temperatures seldom drop below 40 degrees.
