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

Cape San Blas Forgotten Coast

Cape San Blas is a peaceful, 17-mile peninsula on Florida’s northwest gulf coast, framed by St. Joseph Bay on the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west. Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and unhurried pace, the Cape is perfect for travelers seeking nature, relaxation, and authentic coastal experiences.

Cape San Blas is a quiet beach destination known for sugar-white sand, emerald Gulf waters, and some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the state. This narrow peninsula stretches between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay, offering visitors both lively beachfront scenery and calm, crystal-clear bay waters. It’s the kind of place travelers come to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with nature.

Unlike crowded resort towns, 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.

 

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Things To Do in Cape San Blas

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.

 

Discover the Beauty of St. Joseph Bay

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.

Salinas Park

Salinas Park is a scenic outdoor area on Cape San Blas, 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.

Visit the 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. 

 

Camp Under the Stars

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.

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. Make sure to book your stay in advance at CSB Fish n’ Camp. 

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. 

Savor Fresh Gulf Seafood

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.

Seafood is a no-brainer choice when you’re on the coast and want something to fill your tummy. You can find a great selection of restaurants in Cape San Blas, including Cone Heads 8020, Skully’s Low Country Boil, Peachy’s Beach Eats, and Indian Pass Raw Bar. 

If you’re craving for baked goods, visit Weber’s Little Donut Shop. You can find this store near the Cape Trading Post. Try their mouth-watering fried croissants and donuts with various toppings. 

Relax on Secluded Beaches

Cape San Blas is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, offering soft white sand and clear, warm waters. Unlike the crowded beaches of more commercialized destinations, the beaches here are peaceful and uncrowded, making them ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Stroll along the shoreline to collect unique shells, spot dolphins playing in the waves, or simply relax and soak up the stunning Gulf Coast views. Many visitors bring their furry friends along, as the beaches here are famously pet-friendly.

 

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. 

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

The benefits you can get by kayaking and paddleboarding in the Gulf are adrenaline and wondrous sights. In this fun adventure you might also spot humpback whales, dolphins, and flying fish. 

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. 

Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

Cape San Blas offers a unique and memorable experience: horseback riding along the shoreline. 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, perfect for couples, families, or anyone seeking a special adventure.

 

Take a 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.

Takeaway

You can have lots of fun 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 the activities in our list when you spend your vacation in Cape San Blas. 

Map of Cape San Blas Florida

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