Destinations: Day Trips

While our quiet treasure remains peacefully secluded from the "outside world," a variety of interesting destinations are within easy reach.

Historic Apalachicola is just 25 miles east of Port St. Joe, on Highway 98. Once the third largest port on the Gulf of Mexico, Apalachicola's diverse and colorful past remains visible today. There are over 200 historic homes and buildings on the National Register. Visitors stroll wide tree-lined streets where picturesque Victorian homes display the charm of years gone by. Apalachicola offers a unique waterfront shopping district and excellent dining where over 90% of Florida's oysters are harvested from the bountiful waters nearby. The Dixie Theatre, built in 1912, was recently renovated and hosts its Summer Repertory from June thru September. The Apalachicola Municipal Airport lies two miles northwest of downtown and has three 5,000-foot concrete runways capable of accommodating private jet aircraft.

Panama City is less than a onehour drive from Port St. Joe and offers everything you would expect from a bustling, urban community with multiplex theatres, two hospitals, an international airport and more. The Junior Museum is a great rainy day choice for hands-on enlightenment focusing on science, history, cultural studies and the environment. Outdoors, a nature trail through swampland and a pioneer farm further the educational mission. Drive to the Harrison Avenue historic district in the heart of the city for boutiques, eateries and an antique mall. Old St. Andrews, the bayfront's original settlement, lures visitors with unusual shops, salty restaurants and a bustling marina. Area entertainment awaits in the form of bowling, golfing, roller skating and greyhound racing just a little north of town.

Panama City Beach offers a dizzying selection of kiddy rides, go-kart tracks, batting cages, paintball, laser tag, a water park and miniature golf. Nightclubs and lounges keep the nights lively, and shops sell souvenirs ranging from T-shirts and tattoos to African art and resort clothing. Panama City Beach's best attractions lie along Front Beach Road, including Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, Museum of Man and the Sea, and Gulf World Marine Park, which includes educational shows and dolphin encounters.