PORT ST. JOE
Where
Port St. Joe is home to just one beach, and it’s a beauty. George Core Park (aka Lighthouse Park) is located at 162 Miss Zola's Drive, Port St. Joe, FL 32456. Here’s a map of and information about beach accesses and parks in Gulf County.
Vibe
Beloved family favorite with a shallow, tranquil beach and a magnificent lighthouse.
Laid-back, welcoming, and soothing to the toes as well as the soul, this generous city park encompasses the Cape San Blas Lighthouse as well as shaded picnic areas and a kid-friendly beach.
See, feel
Free parking welcomes you to George Core Park, a lush, generous greenspace anchoring the friendly village of Port St. Joe. Rows of palms frame the brick-paver pathway leading to the lighthouse, a handsome black and white structure that lifts the eye and dominates the horizon. Beyond it, pines part around a sand path, revealing the park’s beach, a narrow, curving ribbon of white sand. Popular but only crowded during events, you won’t have to fight for a spot to plant your beach umbrella.
Extremely shallow far out into the bay, this beach is ideal for little ones. Here, you’ll see toddlers wading in the clear, placid water; kids splashing on floaties; and kayakers and fishermen.
On or near the beach
Bask in the sun; cool off with a dip; or try your luck fishing—it’s all good at Core Park.
For more action, rent a kayak (or bring your own), and launch from the beach for a gorgeous saltwater paddle. Or discover the Bay Walk Trail, promising a pine-scented stroll by the water, connecting to Jetty Park and Maddox Park.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse invites visitors to climb its spiraling stairs, a thigh-burning endeavor up 131 steps rewarded by epic views of St. Joseph Bay.
Fuel the adventures with a picnic in the shade. Or head into Downtown Port St. Joe, tempting visitors with fresh local seafood to wood-fired pizza, sizzling steaks and roadside barbeque; check out restaurants here.
Accessibility
George Core Park offers ADA parking, and the lighthouse’s gift shop and keeper’s quarters are wheelchair accessible.
Facilities
You’ll find shaded picnic tables at the park; the Cape San Blas Lighthouse and its three related buildings—which include a gift shop that sells souvenirs and drinks; a petite but pretty lake; and an event stage. Fighting Conch Rentals offers everything you need for your beach day, including kayaks; beach chairs; tents; and cabanas.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
Parking is free and rarely fills, unless there’s an event at the park.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PORT ST. JOE
Q. Where is Port St. Joe, and what beaches are there?
A. Port St. Joe is a small waterfront town in Gulf County on Florida's Panhandle, with about 43 miles of shoreline nearby. The beaches range from calm bayfront parks in town to the Gulf beaches of the Cape San Blas peninsula.
At the tip of the peninsula is T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. See the Visit Gulf County beaches guide for an overview.
Q. What is the main beach in town?
A. In town, George Core Park (also called Lighthouse Park) is home to the relocated Cape San Blas Lighthouse and a bayfront beach along the Bay Walk. The bay water here is calm and shallow, which many families with young children appreciate.
For more on the town and peninsula, see Visit Gulf County's Cape San Blas guide.
Q. Tell me about St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
A. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park sits at the end of the Cape San Blas peninsula, with Gulf beaches on one side and St. Joseph Bay on the other. It is open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year, and charges an entrance fee (typically per vehicle), with separate rates for pedestrians and cyclists.
Because fees change, check the current amount on the park's hours and fees page.
Q. Are there lifeguards?
A. No. The beaches in and around Port St. Joe are not staffed with lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk.
The Gulf and bay waters are often calm and, in places, very shallow, but conditions vary and are never guaranteed, so check conditions before entering the water and keep a close eye on children.
Q. What amenities and camping are available?
A. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has a developed campground, cabins and primitive wilderness campsites, plus restrooms, outdoor rinse showers, a concession and a fish-cleaning station.
In-town and county parks, such as Salinas Park, offer free parking and beach access; see Salinas Park Gulfside and Salinas Park Bayside.
Q. What can I do around Port St. Joe?
A. Popular activities include shelling, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, biking and birdwatching; the state park alone has recorded hundreds of bird species.
The Cape San Blas area also has a long, paved trail for biking and walking. See Visit Gulf County for more.
Q. Can I go scalloping?
A. Yes, St. Joseph Bay is a popular recreational bay scallop area. In St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County the season is Aug. 16-Sept. 24. The harvest season is set each year by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and can change, so check the current dates and bag limits on the FWC bay scallops page.
A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to harvest scallops, with limited exemptions.
Q. Are the beaches accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
A. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers beach wheelchairs and an electric powered mobility device for loan, along with accessible boardwalks, restrooms and rinse/shower stations. Contact the park to arrange a beach wheelchair.
Salinas Park Bayside also has an accessible boardwalk trail. For more options, check out the FWC wheelchair-friendly beaches resource.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. Leashed pets are welcome at Salinas Park, both Gulfside and bayside. At the state park, leashed pets are allowed in designated areas such as the campground and some day-use areas, but not on the beach, in cabins or in the wilderness preserve.
Confirm current rules on the official park page before bringing your dog.
Q. What about sea turtles?
A. The area's Gulf beaches are sea turtle nesting grounds, generally from late spring through fall. Stay off the dunes, don't disturb marked nests, and avoid using bright, non-turtle-friendly lights on the beach at night during nesting season.
Q. Where can I eat?
A. Downtown Port St. Joe tempts visitors with fresh local seafood to wood-fired pizza, sizzling steaks and roadside barbeque; check out restaurants here.
Q. When is the best time to visit?
A. The area is a year-round destination, with mild, comfortable weather in spring and fall and the warmest water in summer. In winter, the average water temperature in Port St. Joe drops to between 62°F and 66°F (17°C to 19°C), making it too cool for casual swimming without a wetsuit.
Whenever you go, check the forecast and current conditions before heading out.
