Cape San Blas, Florida | Things to Do, Places to Eat & Stay

Cape San Blas Florida

Cape San Blas is a peaceful 17-mile peninsula located along Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast, part of what’s known as the Forgotten Coast. Framed by the calm, clear waters of St. Joseph Bay to the east and the emerald green Gulf of Mexico to the west, this unspoiled stretch of shoreline offers one of Florida’s most relaxing and naturally beautiful beach destinations. 

Cape San Blas delivers a laid-back coastal experience where wide beaches, coastal dunes, and natural beauty take center stage. Outdoor recreation is a way of life here, from kayaking and paddleboarding in St. Joseph Bay to fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, biking, and beachcombing along miles of uncrowded shoreline. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, consistently ranked among Florida’s best beaches, anchors the Cape with pristine sand and scenic trails.

Where to Stay in Cape San Blas

Inns & B&Bs

Cape San Blas Inn is a classic bed & breakfast overlooking St. Joseph Bay with easy beach access and relaxed vibes. 

Camping & Cabins

Camping and cabins in the state park offer immersive nature experiences, though rustic conditions apply. Facilities vary; check current status before booking

Vacation Rental Stays

Most rentals are single-family homes or condos, many pet-friendly and right on or near the beach.

Cape San Blas Vacation Rentals

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Things To Do in and near Cape San Blas

Salinas Park

Salinas Park is a scenic outdoor area on Cape San Blas Road in Port St. Joe, overlooking the calm waters of St. Joseph Bay. Its grassy picnic areas, shaded spots, and easy beach access make it a favorite destination for families, couples, and visitors seeking a relaxing day in nature. The park is perfect for picnics, walking, photography, or simply taking in the bay’s serene views.

Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating in the protected waters of St. Joseph Bay. The park’s convenient location along Cape San Blas Road also provides quick access to nearby attractions such as St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, pristine Gulf beaches, and local dining spots.

With beautiful sunrises and sunsets, a peaceful atmosphere, and plenty of open space, Salinas Park is an ideal spot to unwind, explore the bay, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Florida Coast.

Camping and RVing

Cape San Blas is an incredible spot for camping, offering opportunities to stay close to nature while enjoying the area’s stunning landscapes. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park features both tent and RV camping options, many of which are just steps away from the beach. With minimal light pollution, the cape is also a prime location for stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible, creating a magical backdrop for an evening outdoors.

Indian Pass Campground in Port St. Joe, Florida, offers rustic, pet-friendly RV and tent camping on the Gulf coast, featuring waterfront views, a boat ramp, and close proximity to the Indian Pass Raw Bar. The campground provides 7 waterfront and 22 interior sites with water and electric hookups (no sewer, but a dump station is available). 

CSB Fish n’ Camp is a perfect place to go camping and enjoy some outdoor activities. This establishment has campgrounds, RV sites, and other camping facilities. You can hike, bike, boat, fish, host a bonfire, or spend an outdoor retreat in the area.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is located near Cape San Blas, off U.S. 98. Here, you can enjoy the unspoilt white sand, forest, and high dunes. There are trails, cabins, campgrounds, and picnic areas in the park. You will also get an opportunity to spot the hundreds of bird species that are known to fly over this area.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a crown jewel of Cape San Blas, offering miles of undeveloped shoreline and lush nature trails. This state park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching. The park’s pristine beaches are a haven for sea turtles, shorebirds, and other wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Visitors can paddle along the bay’s calm waters, where you’ll often spot stingrays, crabs, and an array of fish. The park’s trails wind through dunes and maritime forests, providing breathtaking views and opportunities to connect with nature.

Serenity Trail

The Serenity Trail in Cape San Blas features a scenic boardwalk that winds through coastal wetlands and offers elevated views of St. Joseph Bay. This design provides an easy, accessible walking experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings without navigating sandy or uneven terrain. Along the boardwalk, interpretive signs highlight local plants, birds, and other wildlife, making it both a relaxing and educational outing for all ages.

The raised pathway also gives visitors a unique perspective on the bay and surrounding marshes, making wildlife observation easier and more enjoyable. The trail is ideal for casual walks, birdwatching, and photography, offering a peaceful escape into nature while staying close to park amenities. Its gentle design and natural beauty make the Serenity Trail a favorite spot for those seeking a quiet and accessible outdoor experience in Cape San Blas.

St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge

The nearby St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge is a great natural side trip with undeveloped beaches and wildlife trails. St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge is a remote, undeveloped barrier island located just offshore from Apalachicola, Florida. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, the island offers a rare look at Florida’s Gulf Coast as it existed long before development. The refuge spans more than 12,000 acres of beaches, dunes, freshwater lakes, pine forests, and marshes, creating a diverse and largely untouched natural environment.

The island is best known for its wildlife. Visitors may spot white-tailed deer, bald eagles, shorebirds, and migratory birds throughout the year. St. Vincent Island also plays an important role in conservation efforts, including habitat protection for threatened and endangered species. Its quiet beaches are ideal for shelling, photography, and peaceful walks, with very little human activity to interrupt the experience.

Recreation on St. Vincent Island is intentionally low-impact. Popular activities include hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and primitive camping with permits. There are no services, restaurants, or paved roads, so visitors must come prepared and follow leave-no-trace principles. For travelers staying along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, the refuge offers a memorable day trip or overnight adventure that highlights the region’s natural beauty and wild character.

St. Joseph Bay

St. Joseph Bay is a large, shallow bay located along Florida’s Forgotten Coast, bordered by Port St. Joe to the north and Cape San Blas to the south. Sheltered by the St. Joseph Peninsula, the bay is known for its unusually calm, clear waters and natural shoreline. This protection from the open Gulf of Mexico makes the area especially inviting for families, paddlers, and anyone looking for a quieter coastal experience.

The shallow, clear waters of St. Joseph Bay make it a hotspot for water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. The bay is teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, scallops, and schools of colorful fish, making it an excellent destination for aquatic adventures. For a unique experience, try scalloping during the summer season, a family-friendly activity that allows you to wade into the bay and gather your own fresh scallops. Fishing enthusiasts will also find the bay abundant with redfish, speckled trout, and other popular catches.

Loggerhead Run Bike Path

The Loggerhead Run Bike Path in Cape San Blas, Florida is a scenic, multi-use path that runs nearly the length of the peninsula, offering a safe and enjoyable way to explore the area on foot or by bike. Popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, the paved trail winds through coastal dunes, native vegetation, and quiet neighborhoods, providing easy access to both the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay. Its flat, well-maintained surface makes it suitable for all ages and activity levels.

Named in honor of the loggerhead sea turtles that nest along Cape San Blas beaches, the trail reflects the area’s strong focus on conservation and environmental awareness. Along the route, visitors may spot coastal wildlife and learn more about the local ecosystem through interpretive signage that highlights the unique habitats of Florida’s Forgotten Coast.

Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful morning ride, an afternoon walk, or a sunset stroll, the Loggerhead Run Trail adds a relaxing outdoor experience to any Cape San Blas visit. It’s an ideal way to take in the natural beauty of the cape while staying active and connected to the surrounding landscape.

Biking Adventure

The Cape San Blas Trail is a paved multi-use path that runs the length of the cape, offering a scenic way to explore the area on foot or by bike. The trail provides stunning views of both the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the natural beauty. Rent a bike from one of the local outfitters and enjoy a leisurely ride through this picturesque stretch of paradise.

The Loggerhead Bike Trail stretches eleven miles from Salinas Park to St. Joseph State Park. Biking through this trail is a fun way to see the beauty of Cape San Blas. Just be cautious biking at the first phase of the trail because you’ll be next to some traffic. But traffic gets thinner as you bike further down the road.

If you don’t have your own bike, there are bike rentals operating in Cape San Blas. You can rent a bike throughout the course of your stay.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse

For a touch of local history and iconic Gulf Coast views, visit the Cape San Blas Lighthouse. Originally built in 1885, this historic lighthouse has been relocated and restored several times due to shifting shorelines and hurricanes. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the cape and surrounding waters. The nearby grounds include a museum and gift shop where you can learn more about the area’s maritime heritage.

The Cape San Blas Lighthouse offers majestic views of the Gulf and the surrounding landscape. In the 19th and 20th centuries, this iconic landmark served to warn mariners of navigational hazards. Today, the historic lighthouse is one of the tourist attractions in Cape San Blas.

Turtle Watching

Turtle Watching is a special seasonal experience along the beaches of Cape San Blas, where loggerhead sea turtles return each year to nest. From late spring through early fall, visitors may spot turtle tracks at sunrise or witness hatchlings making their way to the Gulf, offering a memorable glimpse into one of nature’s most remarkable coastal events. You can see sea turtles in Cape San Blas mainly during nesting season, which runs from May through October, with peak activity between June and August.

During this time, nesting females, primarily loggerhead turtles, usually come ashore at night, especially on quiet, dark beaches. Turtle tracks and marked nests are often visible early in the morning before foot traffic smooths the sand. Hatchlings typically emerge from July through October, about 45 to 60 days after a nest is laid, and are most often seen at dusk or overnight.

If you are hoping to spot turtles, it is important to follow proper guidelines. Never use flashlights or flash photography on the beach at night, keep a safe distance from marked nests, and avoid leaving beach furniture, digging holes, or using lights that could disorient nesting turtles or hatchlings.

Dolphin Watch

Intelligent and adorable, dolphins are marine creatures that many people want to see in person. If you’re in Cape San Blas, you have a good chance of spotting a pod of dolphins in the morning.

Bring your binoculars to see them hunting for food in the pristine water of the Gulf, captivating anyone with their leaps and dances. Just remember that dolphins are shy and sensitive creatures. So, give them space and try not to approach or touch them.

Relax on Secluded Beaches

Beaches in Cape San Blas, Florida are known for their natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and unspoiled coastal landscape. Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay, the shoreline features soft, sugar-white sand, clear turquoise waters, and wide open spaces that rarely feel crowded. Unlike more developed beach destinations, Cape San Blas offers a peaceful setting where dunes, sea oats, and coastal wildlife take center stage, creating a true Old Florida beach experience.

The beaches along Cape San Blas are ideal for swimming, shelling, beachcombing, and sunset watching, with gentle surf and shallow areas that are family-friendly. Many sections are pet-friendly, making them popular with travelers bringing dogs along for their beach vacation. Nearby St. Joseph Peninsula State Park adds miles of pristine coastline, offering both Gulf-facing beaches with rolling waves and calmer bay-side beaches perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, or simply space to unwind, The Forgotten Coast Beaches deliver a laid-back coastal escape unlike anywhere else in Florida. Many visitors bring their furry friends along, as the beaches here are famously pet-friendly.

Scalloping in St. Joseph Bay

During the summer months, scalloping is a favorite activity in the bay’s shallow, clear waters. Families and visitors can snorkel or wade to collect bay scallops while enjoying the calm, protected environment. Recreational scallopers are required to have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops during the open season. There are a few exceptions, such as if you are wading from shore without swimming or using a vessel and have a no-cost shoreline fishing license, or if certain other license exemptions apply

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular ways to experience the natural beauty of the Gulf and surrounding waters near Cape San Blas. These activities offer a fun mix of light adventure and relaxation, letting you move at your own pace while enjoying open water views and coastal scenery. While out on the water, paddlers often spot dolphins, schools of fish, and occasionally flying fish, adding an exciting wildlife element to the experience.

St. Joseph Bay is especially well suited for paddleboarding and kayaking thanks to its generally calm, shallow waters and clear conditions. This makes it a great option for beginners as well as more experienced paddlers. Exploring the bay allows you to glide over seagrass beds, follow the shoreline, and enjoy peaceful stretches of water away from crowds.

In Cape San Blas, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks from companies such as Sand Flea Rentals and Happy Ours Kayak. You can have the company drop these goodies at your rental house and pick them up at the end of your stay. 

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Cape San Blas offers a unique and memorable experience of horseback riding along the shoreline. Horseback Riding on the Beach in Cape San Blas offers one of the most unique and memorable ways to experience Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Riding along the shoreline with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and rolling dunes on the other creates a peaceful, scenic adventure that’s hard to match. Guided beach rides allow visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Cape at a relaxed pace, with the sound of waves and wide-open views adding to the experience. This activity is especially popular for couples, families, and anyone looking for something beyond the typical day at the beach.

Local outfitters such as Rockin’ M Ranch and Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding provide guided tours where you can enjoy a peaceful ride on the beach, taking in the Gulf views and the soothing sound of the waves. It’s an unforgettable way to explore the cape and the Forgotten Coast of Florida.

Day Trip to Apalachicola

Just a short drive from Cape San Blas, the charming coastal town of Apalachicola offers a delightful day trip. Known for its historic charm and world-class oysters, Apalachicola is a great place to explore quaint shops, art galleries, and historic landmarks. Visit the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve to learn about the region’s unique ecosystems, or simply wander the streets and enjoy the relaxed pace of this Old Florida gem.

Port St. Joe

Port St. Joe is a charming coastal town located just north of Cape San Blas along Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Known for its relaxed pace and small-town feel, the town blends Old Florida character with a growing arts and dining scene. Historic buildings, local boutiques, and friendly storefronts line the downtown area, making it easy to explore on foot and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

The town’s shops and galleries showcase local artists, handmade goods, and coastal-inspired décor, giving visitors a sense of the region’s creative spirit. Dining options range from casual seafood spots to cozy cafés and family-owned restaurants, many serving fresh Gulf seafood and Southern favorites. Live music, seasonal events, and waterfront views add to the inviting experience.

Beyond downtown, Port St. Joe offers access to St. Joseph Bay, known for its clear, calm waters and excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, scalloping, and snorkeling. Whether used as a home base or a day-trip destination from Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe provides a welcoming mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty that reflects the heart of the Forgotten Coast.

Indian Pass Beach

Indian Pass Beach, a short drive from Cape San Blas, located on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, is a quiet and unspoiled destination perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful coastal retreat. Known for its sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets, the beach offers a serene environment away from the crowds of more popular Florida destinations. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, picnicking, spectacular sunsets, and fishing along the Gulf.

The area surrounding Indian Pass Beach is also ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing are popular activities, with opportunities to see shorebirds, dolphins, and sea turtles. Nearby nature preserves and state parks provide trails for hiking and birdwatching, allowing visitors to fully experience the region’s natural beauty.

Places to Eat in and near Cape San Blas

No visit to Cape San Blas is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The area is known for its fresh Gulf seafood, including shrimp, oysters, scallops, and grouper. Local restaurants and seafood shacks serve up delicious dishes that highlight the flavors of the Gulf. Be sure to try the catch of the day, and don’t miss out on a traditional seafood boil.

LongBill’s on Cape San Blas is a popular, family-friendly favorite serving everything from seafood and pizza to sandwiches, with hours that often include breakfast through dinner. Skully’s Low Country Boil is well known for its seasonal low country boil dinners and fresh local seafood, while Peachy’s Beach Eats delivers casual tacos and seafood with a fun, beachy vibe. Scallop Cove combines a general store and café, making it a convenient stop for breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, snacks, and even beer or wine. Bayside Bites is a highly rated local favorite for relaxed lunch and dinner, and Cone Heads 8020 rounds out the options with classic beach-diner fare like burgers and seafood, typically open seasonally.

For something sweet, Weber’s Little Donut Shop is a must-stop. This small, walk-up donut spot is a local favorite known for fresh, made-to-order donuts and is perfect for a quick morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up while exploring the Cape. You can find this store near the Cape Trading Post. Try their mouth-watering fried croissants and donuts with various toppings. 

Just a short drive away in Indian Pass and Port St. Joe, even more dining options open up. Indian Pass Raw Bar is an iconic stop for oysters, fresh Gulf seafood, casual outdoor seating, and live music. St. Joe Shrimp Co. at the Cape is part seafood market, part quick-bite stop, ideal for grabbing fresh shrimp or an easy picnic meal. In Port St. Joe, about 10–20 minutes away, you’ll find favorites like Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Kitchen for pizza and brunch, Provisions for American classics and seafood, Pomodoro Italian Grill and Bar for Italian dishes, and Hunt’s Oyster Bar for a true local oyster-house experience. Farther into Port St. Joe, the dining scene continues with oyster bars, seafood shacks, cafés, grills, and bakeries, making it easy to turn any meal into part of the adventure.

List of places to eat.

Nearby (Cape San Blas & Cape San Blas Road)

LongBill’s on Cape San Blas

Casual spot for seafood, pizza, sandwiches & more; breakfast, lunch & dinner.

St. Joe Shrimp Co. at the Cape

Seafood market with fresh shrimp and take-out bites.

Scallop Cove

General store and cafe with quick bites, breakfast/brunch, beer & snacks. Peachy’s Beach Eats – Casual tacos & BBQ-style seafood near the trading post.

Skully’s Low Country Boil

Seasonal low country boil dinners and Gulf seafood. Good food and good people!

Cone Heads 8020

Beach-side grill with burgers, seafood, pizza & ice cream.

The Cape Smokehouse

Barbecue and smoked specialties (BBQ chicken, ribs, seafood).

Little Donut Shop

Local donut stand with fresh made-to-order sweets.

Nearby (Indian Pass & Port St. Joe)

Raw Bar & Grill

Seafood, oysters & casual eats.

Hunt’s Oyster Bar

On St. Jospeh Bay - Casual dining raw oyster bar & seafood restaurant.

The White Marlin and Oysterette

Offers upscale waterfront dining in Port St. Joe, featuring fresh seafood, oysters, and beef dishes paired with stunning views of St. Joseph Bay, peaceful sunsets, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Provisions

Fresh, healthy, and culturally diverse foods for lunch, dinner, and catering. Restaurant and catering company located near Cape San Blas in Port St. Joe, Florida

Joe Mama’s Wood Fired Kitchen

Artisan wood fired pizzas, appetizers, salads and sandwiches from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients.

Pomodoro Italian Grill & Bar

Homemade Italian restaurant that caters.

Indian Pass Raw Bar

Classic Gulf seafood spot with oysters and fresh catch.

Krazy Fish Grille

Port St. Joe Grill with lively music, a coastal inspired menu making all of their dishes fresh daily.

Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina

Serving only the finest quality of Mexican food made fresh every day in Port St. Joe.

Sand Dollar Cafe

Southern breakfast & lunch comfort dishes

Haughty Heron Bar

Upscale Bar & liquor store featuring a beer garden with weekly live music overlooking St. Joseph Bay next to Port St. Joe Marina.

Takeaway

Whether you’re walking the shoreline, hoseback riding on the beach, kayaking in St. Joseph Bay, or simply watching the sunset, everything here feels calm and unhurried. You can experience a whole lot in Cape San Blas. The beach, the landscape, the historical sites, the locals, and the wildlife are excellent reasons to visit this piece of paradise to be remembered in Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Make sure to try actvities and visit the attractions in our guide when you spend your vacation in Cape San Blas., Florida!

Map of Cape San Blas Florida

Forgotten Coast and St Joseph Bay Area Articles

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