Beaches of Florida's Forgotten Coast

Gulf County and Franklin County, Florida Beaches

Gulf County Beaches

• Mexico Beach - Wide sugar-white sand beaches with easy public access and classic Old Florida charm. Located about 20–25 minutes west of Cape San Blas, Mexico Beach is known for its wide, open shoreline and classic Old Florida feel. The beaches here are beautifully maintained, with soft white sand and emerald Gulf waters. Public beach access points are spread throughout the town, making it easy to find a quiet stretch of sand.
• St. Joe Beach - Quiet, pet-friendly shoreline with calm Gulf waters near Port St. Joe. Located just 10 minutes from Port St. Joe and about 25 minutes from Cape San Blas, St. Joe Beach offers calm, laid-back coastal charm. This area sits along the Gulf side of St. Joseph Bay and is known for its shallow, gentle waters making it especially family-friendly.
• WindMark Beach - Scenic residential beach community offering peaceful Gulf access along St. Joseph Bay. Just east of Cape San Blas, WindMark Beach is a quieter residential beach with high dunes and plenty of space. It’s ideal for sunset viewing and laid-back beach days.
• Beacon Hill Beach - Laid-back tranquil, gulf-front community situated in South Gulf County, Florida, between Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach. Known for its unique, elevated dune ridge overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, it offers white-sand, uncrowded beaches, a local community park with amenities, and close proximity to Cape San Blas.
• Cape San Blas Beaches - Miles of uncrowded Gulf shoreline known for shelling, sunsets, and natural beauty.The main stretch of white-sand shoreline running along the Gulf of Mexico. Wide, uncrowded, and great for swimming, shelling, long walks, and watching sunsets.
• Money Bayou Beach - Popular for fishing and seasonal scalloping where St. Joseph Bay meets the Gulf. Located on the western edge of the Cape area near the Bay/Gulf confluence. Known for calmer waters and great scalloping waters when in season.
• Scallop Cove Beach - A local favorite beach access spot with relaxed vibes, easy parking, and good access to both beach walking and shallow water areas.
• St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Beaches - Pristine Gulf-side and bay-side beaches within T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Often considered the crown jewel of the region, this park’s beaches feature pristine sugar-white sand and clear Gulf waters. Both the Gulf side and the bay side of the peninsula offer beautiful beach experiences from rolling surf to calm, shallow wading areas.
• Indian Pass Beach - Remote, dune-backed shoreline west of Cape San Blas with excellent shelling. A short drive west of Cape San Blas, Indian Pass offers a wide, quiet shoreline backed by dunes. It’s a classic Forgotten Coast beach with open Gulf views and excellent shelling.
• St. Jospeh Bay Beach - Not far from Cape San Blas, near Port St. Joe, the bay beaches are calmer and great for families, kayaking, paddleboarding, scalloping, and relaxing in shallow waters

Quick Comparison

• Cape San Blas: Most natural and scenic, state park beaches, dunes, wildlife
• Mexico Beach: Wide open Gulf shoreline, easy public access, classic beach town feel
• St. Joe Beach: Calm waters, peaceful setting, close to Port St. Joe

All three share the same beautiful sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf waters, it really comes down to whether you prefer more natural seclusion, a small beach town vibe, or proximity to restaurants and shops.

Franklin County Beaches

• Apalachicola Bay Waterfront Areas - Scenic bay access points near historic Apalachicola.
• St. George Island Beaches - Expansive Gulf beaches with both developed and natural sections.
• Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park - Protected, undeveloped beaches on the eastern end of St. George Island.
• Eastpoint Waterfront - Primarily bay access areas along Apalachicola Bay.
• Carrabelle Beach - Calm, shallow Gulf beach ideal for families.
• Shell Point Beach - Quiet Gulf-front beach with limited crowds.
• Alligator Point Beaches - Secluded Gulf and bay beaches with natural dunes and strong fishing opportunities.
• Bald Point State Park - Mix of Gulf and Ochlockonee Bay shoreline with wildlife viewing and natural habitats.

Map of the Florida's Forgotten Coast

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