Destinations: Port St. Joe

A small town with a big heart - sitting right on the edge of one of Florida's most pristine bays, home to the best tasting scallops in Florida!

Our Visitor Welcome Center, right next to the boat ramp, makes the perfect first stop with free maps, brochures and a panoramic, elevated view of the bay where helpful volunteers will point you in the direction of scallops, shopping and more.

From this location you can explore our downtown district or marina waterfront district, both within walking distance. The Bay Walk Trail starts here and connects from Port St. Joe Marina past the boat ramp and over to Sunset Coastal Grill. Also, from this vantage point you can connect to the new Port City Trail offering marked distances to walkers, joggers and bikers as the fourmile long, 10-foot wide paved surface winds its way through parks and historic features.

It's a good idea to stock up in Port St. Joe if you're heading to any of the beaches. Great places to shop or grab a bite to eat are scattered all over town, on or near the bay and throughout the downtown district. Restaurants, diners and bistros offer everything from upscale and trendy to ethnic and southern cuisine, many with outdoor dining areas. One thing you won't have trouble finding is plenty of fresh seafood! Whether you're shopping or just browsing, Downtown Historic Reid Avenue might be just the place to find a unique gift, home furnishings or local art. No matter why you're here, you'll be touched by this unhurried place.

We seem to celebrate everything around here and fun festivals are something we do a lot of, from our annual Scallop Festival to farmer's markets in our town square (check out our Calendar of Events page.) Frank Pate Park, right in the middle of town, is where a good bit of it happens. The park offers lighted tennis courts, covered picnic tables, a playground for kids, boat launch and a fishing pier. Maddox Park at Shipyard Cove, once a repair yard for sailing vessels in the 19th century, includes walking trails, a boardwalk over the salt marsh, picnic tables and restrooms.