From biking and hiking to snorkeling and camping and all things in between, the outdoors of Gulf County truly are great 24/7, 365 days a year. To soak in all you can under the Gulf County sun while you’re here, check out these parks, businesses, and spots to stay.
Get Out There at Your Own Pace at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
No matter if you’re looking for self-paced exploration or a guided experience, you can savor the great outdoors of Gulf County just how you see fit. Rated as one of the top beaches in the country, T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is home to 20 miles of pristine shore splashing with glimmering surf. Relax on the sun-kissed sand with a beach chair and a good book or stroll for shells as you take in the diverse wildlife around you at your leisure. When midday heat beacons you to the water, paddle, snorkel, or even scuba dive to explore under sea level. You can also camp, boat, and fish while at the park – with entry to St. Joseph Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, it is a fisherman’s dream. For an easy-going, half-mile walk, Maritime Hammock Nature Trail traverses three distinct ecological landscapes sure to be an educational and enjoyable hit with the entire family.
Explore with Local Experts on a Guided Tour
Some of the most legendary stories on the water center on a “fish story.” To make your own that you’ll reminisce about for days to come, let Captain Joey Romanelli at St. Vincent Island Shuttle Services and Fishing Charters show you the untouched natural masterpiece that is St. Vincent Island. Guided daytime fishing charters or nighttime sharking trips will help you throw a line to try your pole at wrangling in a tarpon, shark, kings, redfish, or trout. Day Trips are also offered to the St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge to bask in the tranquility of unobstructed beach views– 9 miles, to be exact. From roaming San Bar Deer weighing 500-600 pounds to snowy plovers in protected nesting sites, this 12,300-acre island is a secluded wildlife haven.
Vacation is about FUN, and About Fun Charters wants to make sure your vacation to Gulf County is the best it can be. Their chartered boating tours around Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, and Mexico Beach make the experience all about you. Choose from 2 to 6-hour trips for up to 6 people to embark on a completely customizable journey, from birding to ecotours and dolphin cruises.
Off the Map Expeditions is ready to show you the renowned dark waters of Dead Lakes – a mix of river, lake, and swamp and full of wonder. Best accessed by water, take a guided kayak or pontoon boat tour as you witness what your littles may call a Floridian underwater zoo – from osprey and heron to alligators and turtles. Kayak tours are 3-4 hours for 2-10 people and are appropriate for all levels. For the most laidback trip, take a pontoon boat tour to marvel at the best of the area’s wildlife while learning more about local history.
Stay Where the Magic Continues
Who says the only time to check out of the great outdoors is before the sun starts to set? Good news: in Gulf County, the great outdoors can go home with you with stays at Dead Lakes & Howard Creek RV Campgrounds and Presnell’s Bayside Marina and RV Resort! Continue to admire the mythical Dead Lakes area day and night with spacious and pet-friendly RV sites at Dead Lakes & Howard Creek RV Campgrounds. Boat ramps provide access to Dead Lakes and the Apalachicola River, perfect for fishing or kayaking. You can also hop on on-site hiking trails if you’d prefer to stay on land.
To be a resident of St. Joseph Bay for the duration of your stay, Presnell’s Bayside Marina and RV Resort has all the bells and whistles you need like Wi-Fi and cable TV while the surroundings will make you put your phone down. As a full-service marina, you’ll find boat launches, pontoon and paddle board rentals, a general store, and even a heated pool and clubhouse on-site. After you tie up your boat, relax and unwind with a casual round of cornhole or smores by the fire pits before retiring to your RV for the night.
The Outdoors: Great in Gulf County
Whether you’re looking for some fresh air in a pastime that’s tried and true or new to you while in town, every day is a good day to get out in Gulf County. For more about what to get up to while you’re visiting, click here.