Things to Do and Restaurants
The first thing I would do is go to our Facebook page and Like it - https://www.facebook.com/CapeSanBlas/ Why? Because I update it with important beach info such as Flag status (Yellow, Red, Double Red etc..), new restaurant openings and local events. There is no lifeguard on duty and knowing if it is a Double Red Flag Day is important. You can also Like the South Fire Gulf Rescue page at https://www.facebook.com/sgcfire/ for beach conditions, or check our website http://steppedonapoptart.com/flag-color/.
Oyster Radio
WOYS 100.5 is the local radio station located in Eastpoint, FL and just a few minutes from the bridge to St. George Island. I recommend that before you leave your home and drive down that you download the radio.net app on your iPhone or Android phone and tune in to Oyster Radio. If you have an Amazon Echo you can have Alexa play the station through the app also. You can also use your Bluetooth in the car and stream the radio station as you drive down. Here is their website for the app - http://woys.radio.net/ . The DJ name is Michael Allen. He has been the voice of Oyster Radio since I was in college in the 1990s. If you are driving near St. George Island or Apalachicola, then you should stop by the radio station and meet him and buy a t-shirt. You can read about the history here - http://www.850businessmagazine.com/February-March-2014/A-Small-Independently- Owned-Radio-Station-Oyster-Radio-i-Standing-the-Test-of-Time/.
Below is a picture of Michael and I from a year ago at the station
Piggly Wiggly
I recommend that you stop at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Port St. Joe if you are traveling through that way- http://www.durenspigglywiggly.com/ While you are shopping go to the fresh fish counter and have them steam you up a few pounds of shrimp with one of their Cajun or other seasonings. You can also get beach chairs and toys there.
Weber’s Little Donut Shop
https://www.facebook.com/WeberLittleDonutShopCapeSanBlas/ Every morning at the Trading Post that has a small donut stand that makes fresh donuts and fried croissants.
RESTAURANTS
Port St Joe
Dockside Seafood and Raw Bar
http://www.docksideseafoodandrawbar.com/
340 Marina Drive, Port St Joe Marina, Port St Joe, FL 850-229-5200
I highly recommend going here and taking a sunset cruise and then eat outside on the deck. Must call days ahead and reserve sunset cruise tickets. The food is good and awesome atmosphere
Indian Pass Raw Bar Uptown
http://indianpassrawbaruptown.com/
411 Reid Avenue - Port St. Joe, FL 32456 (850) 899-9001
Baked, Steamed, Raw and Grilled with an Uptown Flair. Come enjoy your favorites from Indian Pass, along with some great additions for Uptown, including Grilled Oysters, Grilled Shrimp, Steamed Lobster Tails, Indian Pass Kickin Crab & Corn Chowder, Jimmy Mac's Chicken Wings, and Salads.
Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Pizza
406 Reid Avenue ~ Port St. Joe, FL 32456 ~ (850) 229-6262.
Really good wood fired pizza. Get there early like before 6 to avoid long waits.
Peppers Mexican Grill
https://www.peppersmexicancantina.com/
Others I have not been to but heard good things about —
Sunset Coastal Grill http://www.sunsetcoastalgrill.com (850) 229-9200
Provisions http://www.provisionsfl.com (850) 229-5200
The Thirsty Goat http://www.thethirstgoat.com (850) 229-6262
Apalachicola
Up the Creek Raw Bar
http://www.upthecreekrawbar.com/ 850-653-2525
Sit in or outside and overlooks the bay.
FISHING
Fish 'N Xpress 49 Passenger Party Fishing Boat. Leaves out of Port St. Joe Marina.
Wednesday - Sunday 9:30 - 4:30 Bottom Fishing.
Shark Fishing 3 1/2 hour trips (Seasonal, catch and release) and Sunset Dolphin Cruises! Call 850-227-8200 for more information!
FISHING GUIDES
Book Me A Charter Join us for a fun filled day on the water! Do you prefer inshore fishing in the Apalachicola or Port St. Joe Bay, or Offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico? Local and Native to the area, this is our backyard. We offer both full and half day charters. We are a family friendly guide service. Give us a call 850-653-2622 we would love to hear from you. Fishing Port St. Joe with Captain Gary Goodrich. Fishing, sightseeing, eco tours and boating makes Port St Joe top on the list for a "real Florida" vacation. Call Captain Gary Goodrich at 850-229-3474.
Tall Tales Fishing with Captain Tim Harvey who was born and raised in the Apalachicola and St. Joseph Bays. He has over 30 years' experience catching the inshore species in the Forgotten Coast area, including Redfish, Trout, Shark, Tarpon and Tripletail. See our website for more details!
SAILING
3 hour sailing trips either up the Apalachicola River or out into the Apalachicola Bay. Sailing trips 7 days a week and limit of 6 guests per trip. Reservations requested. PET FRIENDLY TRIP!
Wind Catcher Sailing Charters. Enjoy sailing for the Apalachicola Marina with Wind Catcher. 2.5 hour day sails with soda & snacks provided. BYO beer, wine, etc. They also have 1/2 day, full day & overnight excursions as well as a Romantic Starlight Sail for 2. 850- 653-3881
Seahorse Water Safaris. 850-227-1099. RENT YOUR OWN SAILBOAT. Rents 12 1 Bravo sailboats with furling sail and they are very easy to sail. They also offer sailing with Captains as well! Great service! Open March 15th - October 31st.
GOLF
St. Joe Bay Country Club offers an 18-hole championship golf course located along the beautiful St. Joseph Bay—IO minutes away. Visitors are welcome. 850-227-1751.
St. James Bay Country Club is an 18 hole, resort-style course. 850-697-9606.
Wildwood Country Club - 18-hole, PAR 72 course at 3870 Coastal Hwy in Crawfordville. 850-926-4653.
Putt n Fuss Fun Park: If your "short people" feel the need to play putt putt, try Putt n Fuss in Eastpoint!
You can enjoy a golf cart in and around Barrier Dunes by calling St. Joe Rent-All at 850-227- 2112
SNORKLING
St. Joe Bay and the Gulf both offer great snorkeling! If you don't have your own equipment you can buy or rent what you need at Scallop Cove or The Trading Post, both on Cape San Blas! You can walk straight out from the shore or take a boat out in the ocean or the bay! You can book a snorkel trip, among other things, with Seahorse Water Safaris.
CRUISE BOAT CHARTERS
Seahorse Water Safaris. 850-227-1099. Port St. Joe Marina
Windcatcher Sailing Charters. Apalachicola. 850-653-3881
PARASAILING
Available on the beach behind the El' Governor Motel in Mexico Beach.
KAYAKING, CANOEING, BOATING
St. Joseph Bay is an outstanding place for new or experienced boaters alike since the waters are so calm! You may see sting ray, horseshoe crab, blue crab, starfish, redfish, mullet, live shells or schools of bait fish. In the deeper channels around Black's Island you frequently see bottle-nosed dolphin or sea turtles. If you are bringing your own boat - St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has a boat ramp and it's right outside the gates to Barrier Dunes!
We love taking a boat out to the tip of Cape San Blas & anchoring just off the beach & exploring the coast--we always find lots of "treasures"!
Happy Ours Kayak & Bike Outpost
Need a boat rental?
Check out Happy Ours Kayak & Canoe Outpost is located directly on St. Joseph Bay (AKA Cape San Blas!) & offers guided & unguided trips, & kayak sales. They specialize in guided eco-tours by a certified Florida Master Naturalist in Coastal Systems. Their guided snorkeling trips are fantastic as they introduce you to the underwater world & important habitat of saltwater bays. If you are a first-time scalloper, a guided snorkeling trip is a must to find out where & how to collect & clean these tasty morsels. Kayak fishing is the fastest growing segment of the kayaking sport & the lush grass beds of St. Joseph Bay is a haven for trout and redfish, while the sand flats attract flounder. Happy Ours is fully equipped with expert guides & fishing kayaks. Paddling instruction is offered free with all rentals, & delivery to other launch sites is available by request. Stop by and say hello to Dan and Debbie & don't forget to visit "Regent" & "Lizzie" & "Flopsy" at their petting zoo! Happy Ours has added PADDLE BOARDS as an option now!
Seahorse Water Safaris - Rents kayaks, Pontoon Boats, Runabouts and does a variety of trips. We love taking out a pontoon boat in the bay for a whole day—fish, snorkel, watch the dolphins play, visit the tip of the Cape where there are no roads for the last 7 miles—it's pristine! They even have a pontoon boat that will pull a tube! Don't miss a day on the bay while you're on the Cape!
Scallop Cove - Great folks here and right on the Cape! They will deliver a kayak or canoe (or most anything you need to rent rent) directly to your Barrier Dunes Rental and pick it up at the end or your stay!
HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH!
There are several companies and they bring the horses to Salinas Park, about 1 mile past the C30 junction on the Cape.
Two-Bit Stable Horseback Riding: Kymber Lewandowski 850-227-4744.
You can also call Broke A Toe at 850-899-RIDE
OYSTERING
Apalachicola oysters are world famous! Join the native guides of Book Me a Charter and go catch the freshest oysters in the world on your own oyster boat!
BIKING
An 8-mile bay side and beach side bike trail is now open along Cape San Blas Road (on Cape San Blas!
It runs from Salinas Park to St. Joseph Peninsula State Park! You will also find 20 miles of bike lanes between Panama City & Port St. Joe on Highways 98 & C-30.
It's a great area to bike as the roads are flat and smooth! Riding in the State Park is a lot of fun—
Be sure to get off & explore on the paths & the beach and bay! Bring a picnic lunch & make a day of it!
Bike Rentals are available at Scallop Cove located ON Cape San Blas.
7 Hills Bicycle Tour
The Seven Hills to the Sea Bicycle Tour is a 283 mile loop around the "Panhandle". Each day you have one of Florida's beautiful state parks as your destination. These Parks are all equipped with campgrounds featuring all the amenities, including showers!
CRABBING
Family Fun and Great Eating! You can do this on the beach and in the bay--one of our favorite places is at the end of Indian Pass, but you can go crabbing on Cape San Blas or just about anywhere! One method is to use a crab cage—this is great for catching a LOT of crabs, but not near as much fun as crabbing with a string and a chicken neck! You can get a crab cage at Scallop Cove
What you will need:
Fishing line, string or twine
Chicken Necks (any part of the chicken really)
Stick/pole or something to secure the line to
A long handle net (not too long or it gets in the way)
Bucket that will hold water and is deep enough the crabs can't crawl out of. Deep cooler works too!
My kids look forward to crabbing each time we go to the beach almost as much as the beach itself! We stop at the Piggly Wiggly on the way through Port St. Joe and buy some chicken necks or wings and freeze them—we freeze them after each time and use them all week.
We have the bases of palm fronds that we use for sticks and have the string (about 25 ft.) already tied to them and wrapped around the fat end of the palm branch because it means less wrapping!
Gather up your gear and a few drinks and snacks and pick your favorite spot! We like the end of Indian Pass so far, but have heard success stories from St. Joseph State Park, the surf in front of Barrier Dunes on a calm day, the Stump Hole on Cape San Blas (the skinny part of the Cape with the rock wall) and the last Bridge before you get to Indian Pass Raw Bar (don't get in water here—alligators are a possibility).
Throw your line out about 15 feet & wait a few minutes! When you pull the line, a little and feel some extra weight—he's there! Pull him in slowly and have a net waiting! Scoop him up and put it into your bucket of water!
When you get home—only cook the live ones. All you do is drop them into boiling water with Old Bay Seasoning and wait for it to boil again. They'll turn pink—a lot like cooking shrimp! Dump them out and dinner is ready!
SCALLOPING
Scallop season runs from July 1 to September 10 each year. If you can swim, float or walk- since you can go 2 miles or more in a foot or 2 of water, you can scallop. Scalloping is a perfect activity for families because scallops are found in shallow, grassy areas making them easy targets for kids!
What You'll Need:
FL Saltwater Fishing License. Not needed if you are not using mask and snorkel. You can purchase one by calling 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA or http://www.floridaconservation.org. You can also pick one up in Scallop Cove on Cape San Blas!
Regulation Dive Flag (must be flying before anyone gets into the water, even if wading out from shore!)
You can rent them or buy them at Scallop Cove right on Cape San Blas, FL.
Snorkel Gear - Not required, but helpful!
Mesh Bag - To put all those scallops in!
Boat - not required as you can walk out from the Bay side beach of the State Park! We used kayaks and had lots of fun!
Once you have everything you need, get your boat, or wade into the water. Once you see a few scallops lying on top of the sea grasses, start collecting. Be sure to store the scallops on ice immediately after harvesting. This opens the shells & makes cleaning easier. You are allowed 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or 1 pint of scallop meat per day. Depending on the number of people on board a vessel, they're limited to a maximum of 10 gallons of whole scallops in the shell, or 1/2 gallon of meat on board a vessel at any time.
BE A RESPONSIBLE SCALLOPER...DON'T GO OVER THE LIMIT!
St. Joseph Bay's world famous scallop season begins July 1 and runs through September 10. Most will say the best scalloping is at the south end or head of the bay. The best way to reach these scallops is by boat.
If you would like to book an organized Scallop Trip, contact Seahorse Water Safaris. Or just visit St. Joe Bay...its s easy and good eats!
DIVING
There are several options for dive charters:
Daly's Dock & Dive Charters, equipment and full service marine center. Port St. Joe. 850-229- 6330.
Seahorse Water Safaris. They also rent equipment and boats!
For a great DIVE MAP go to the Seahorse Water Safaris link & click on "Dive Boat Trips".
SHELLING
There are a wide variety of shells and other treasures on both the Cape San Blas beaches and the St. Joseph Bay side of the Cape! I would recommend going down to the Cape San Blas lighthouse area (take your first right after you pass the "stump hole" if you are coming from Barrier Dunes). This area has HUGE shells, especially after a storm!
MASSAGE & PAMPERING!
Riverfront Therapy. Enjoy a relaxing massage! Therapeutic & relaxation massage for stress reduction, pain and fatigue. Light or deep tissue work. Kathy brings her table right to you so enjoy a massage on Cape San Blas in the comfort of your own Barrier Dunes Vacation Rental! Sassy Nails. 308 Williams Ave., Port St. Joe. 850-229-7009 - Complete nail care and tanning services.
Shoreline Skincare & Massage. 315 Williams Ave., Port St. Joe. 850-227-1953
Permanent Make-up, Microdermabrasion, Facials, Waxing, Light Therapy, Swedish, Deep Tissue and Hot Stone Massage.
JET SKIING
You are welcome to bring your own. There is a hose under all of our Barrier Dunes rentals to wash off the salt water when you are finished. If you aren't lucky enough to own one, you can rent them behind Toucan's in Mexico Beach.
TURTLE SEASON
Turtle season in Gulf County runs from May 1 to October 31. The Cape San Blas beaches are prime nesting grounds for Loggerhead & Greenback turtles. During the first half of the season, pregnant sea turtles drag themselves upon the Gulf County beaches to lay their eggs. During the second half of the season, thousands of tiny hatchlings hatch and make their way to the Gulf of Mexico! If you see a square area marked off by warning tape, it's a turtle nest! Please stay clear and keep your dog clear! If you take a walk in the evening or early morning, you might be lucky enough to see some!
There are always several nests in and around Barrier Dunes during turtle nesting season!
Seeing sea turtles laying their eggs or seeing the eggs hatch is just one of many great things you can experience at Cape San Blas, FL (note: these are official turtle patrol folks — never touch a sea turtle nest or egg!
LIVE THEATRE AND MOVIES
Dixie Theatre in Apalachicola has a great calendar of live theatre and movies year around!
FITNESS AND EXERCISE
I often get asked if there is a workout room at Barrier Dunes, but there is not. If you are interested in staying in shape, and walking, biking, swimming and snorkeling won't do it for you, you can contact Coastal Fitness in Port St. Joe. Located at 2775 Garrison Avenue - Phone 850-229-1900.
You can also enjoy an aerobics and body toning class at the firehouse just down the road from Barrier Dunes a week from November to March. This class is run by Cheryl Bullerdick (a 5 x winter resident of Barrier Dunes). Contact Cheryl Bullerdick for the days and locations! boxer.bb@hotmail.com or call her at 850-229-2521. This fitness class has gotten rave reviews from those that have attended in the past!
BIRD WATCHING
Birding seasons are Fall through Springl Enjoy Northern Gannet, White and Brown Pelicans, Cormorants, Herons, Egrets, Geese, Blue Winged Teal, Bald Eagle, Dunlin, Northern Harrier, Black Bellied Plover, Snowy Plover, Wilson's Plover, Royal Tern, Forester's Tern, Caspian Tern, Geese, and America Kestral to name a few!
SHOPPING
Port St. Joe
Amigos. 218 Reid Ave. Latino flavor fresh breads, tortilla, cheeses and a variety of sauces, canned goods, sodas, chips, CDs, shirts, hats and more.
Bay Antique's. 301 Reid Ave. Art, antiques and collectible curios. Beach to Bay Interiors. 414 Reid Ave.
Ed's Red Hot Sauce. 2911 Garrison Ave. Locally made hot sauce and cocktail sauce shipped anywhere in the world.
Expressions from the Heart Florist and Gift Shop. 200B Reid Ave. Full service florist.
Frost's Pottery Garden. 2950 W. Why 98. Pottery from around the world, exotic plants, Adirondacks and oak rockers. Gift shop has painted glass, copper art, blown glass, jewelry, candles, beach items, handmade baskets, shells, outside rugs and fountains.
Joseph's Cottage. 209 7th Street. Home and gift shop.
Palm Tree Books. 306 Reid Ave. Enjoy coffee and tea as well as new and used books, music and Wi-Fi available.
Persnickety. 210 Reid Ave. A boutique with gifts, ladies and children's clothes, invitations, pet boutique items & an assortment of unique gifts.
Petals by the Bay. 208 Reid Ave.,
Portside Trading Company. 328 Reid Ave. Gifts & decorating items.
Up-tempo Sports & Fitness. 317 Williams Ave. Sports shoes, apparel & accessories by all the top brands.
Apalachicola, Florida (about 25 minutes from Cape San Blas):
Apalachicola Antique Mall- 118 Market Street, Apalachicola, FL. 850-653-3894.
Antiques, collectibles and funky vintage Florida!
Artemis Gallery in High Cotton Marketplace- 18 Seventh Street, Apalachicola FL. 850- 6538990. Unique gallery featuring exquisite fine art, clothing, accessories and gifts.
Avenue E- 15 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL. 850-653-1411. Unique home furnishings and antiques.
Betsy's Downtown. 67 Commerce St., Apalachicola. 850-653-1290. A unity bookstore. Betsy's Sunflower. 14 Avenue D. Apalachee. 850-653-9144. Kitchen, Garden and Gourmet.
Chez Funk- 88 Market Street, Apalachicola. 850-653-3885. Antiques, gifts and painted furniture.
Smokehouse Antiques- 16 Ave. E, Apalach. 850-653-3550. Antiques, art, photography, fountains, ironwork.
The Chestnut Tree- 79 Market Street, Apalach. 850-653-2084.
Taylor's- 10 Avenue D, Apalach. 850-653-9133. Antiques, collectibles and funky vintage Florida.
Tin Shed Nautica's- 170 Water Street, Apalachicola, Florida. 850-653-3635. Mexico Beach, Florida (about 25 minutes from Cape San Blas, Florida):
Driftwood Inn Gifts. 1701 Hwy. 98. 850-648-5126. T-Shirts, and gift items.
Gulf Food and Gifts. 900-A Hwy. 98. 850-648-5129. Souvenir, beach wear and accessory needs.
Ladyfish. 2802 Hwy 98, Unit B. 850-648-4847. Women's boutique specializing in unique, fun and preppy clothing, jewelry and shoes.
Two Gulls at the Beach. 2802 Hwy. 98. 648-1122. Souvenirs, t-shirts, ladies and men's resort wear and shoes.
Prickly Pears Gourmet Gallery. 101 S. 36st St... 850-648-1115. Gourmet Food, art, chocolate, cheeses, kitchenware and cooking classes.
The Shell Shack. Hwy 98. 850-648-8256. Great shell jewelry and accessories plus a seafood market.
Toucan's Gift Shop. 812 Hwy. 98. 850-648-5861. a vast assortment of t-shirts, souvenirs and gifts. They carry swimsuits for all ages.
Traveling with Kids? Jeanni's Journeys has Kids Only trips! We haven't tried it, but it looks fun and we may next trip! They also have family fun adventures, guided tours and environmental camps in the summer!
MISCELLANEOUS RECREATION
Apalachicola Estuary Tours. 301 Market Street, Apalachicola. 850-653-8687. River Cruises.
NOTE: Have heard GREAT reviews about this tour from several guests!
Island Air Tours: 8 airport Road, Apalachicola. 850-653-2222. Air tours and scenic flights. Shell Island Shuttle. Shell Island is a natural, undeveloped island located in Panama City. It's home to one of the highest concentration of bottle-nosed dolphins and the islands pristine beauty and abundant wildlife make it an enjoyable day! Shuttle, Snorkel package and kayak rentals.
Gulf Marine Specimen Lab. Learning fun for the whole family. Aquarium touch tanks. In Panacea FL. 850-984-5297
Scooter Rentals: Coastal Scooter Rental 850-927-4011 or Jolly Roger Beach Shop 850- 9272999
CHURCHES
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 202 20th Street, Port St. Joe 850-227-1417 First Baptist Church of Port St. Joe
Gulf County Church Information
Port St. Joe Church Information
NEED THE ACTION OF PANAMA CITY?
It's only 50 miles away!
GULF WORLD MARINE PARK:
Need a little more entertainment? Gulf World Marine Park is in Panama City. Park Admission Includes dolphin, sea lion and parrot show, turtle, shark and alligator exhibit and special programs that include: swimming with a dolphin, trainer for a day and dolphin day camp (RSVP's required for special programs. Gulf World is open daily, rain or shine at 9:00 am. Learn more at Gulf World Marine World or call 850234-5271.
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. Intersection of Front Beach Road, Thomas Dr.
and Middle Beach Road in Panama City Beach. 850-230-6113.
Shipwreck Island Water Park: 12201 Middle Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407. 1-800-538-7395 or 850-234-3333. Panama City Beach's ONLY waterpark!
Most seasoned winter visitors recommend newcomers get involved in their winter community. Join a club, volunteer at a school or hospital or your church. Noah's Ark is probably the best place for Snowbirds to find interesting activities.
The Snowbird Club sponsored by the Noah's Ark Ministry is one of the oldest and was founded in 1973. Noah's Ark Ministry has some 1000 club members. Winter activities are open to all winter visitors. The club is led and financed by its members, and is for the recreation, fellowship, travel, enjoyment, and worship needs of its members. The member desk is open November through March from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Noah's Ark is located at 1902 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32417, Tel.: Local 950224-6062 Toll Free: 888-438-55