Beach Bound Vacation Rentals · Things to do
Beach days, and everything after.
Paddle the bay, ride horses on the sand, fish the flats, then head into Port St. Joe for dinner. Here's what Michelle tells her guests to do on the Cape.
On the water
Gulf on one side, bay on the other.
The Cape is a thin strip of sand between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay, so open water is never more than a short walk away.
Kayak and paddleboard
St. Joseph Bay sits on the calm side of the Cape. Shallow, clear and easy for first-timers.
More on Visit Gulf ↗Fishing
Surf-cast from the beach, wade the bay flats for redfish and trout, or book a charter offshore.
More on Visit Gulf ↗Scalloping
Snorkel the seagrass for bay scallops in years when FWC opens the season, usually mid-August to late September. It stayed closed in 2026.
More on Visit Gulf ↗Snorkeling
The bay's seagrass beds are full of life a few feet from shore.
More on Visit Gulf ↗Boating and sailing
Rent a pontoon, take a sunset cruise or sail the bay.
More on Visit Gulf ↗Shelling
Walk the sand at Indian Pass and the Cape after a storm or at low tide.
More on Visit Gulf ↗On land
Trails, dunes and a lighthouse.
For the mornings you want to dry off: horses on the beach, a long bike ride, or a walk through the state park.
Horseback rides on the beach
Guided rides along the sand on the Cape, at sunrise or sunset.
Bike the Loggerhead Run
A paved path that follows the Cape for miles, close to the homes.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
High dunes, quiet trails and miles of beach at the tip of the Cape. Dogs stay home for this one.
Monarchs on the Cape
Monarch butterflies rest at the state park on their fall migration south.
Cape San Blas Lighthouse
The lighthouse now stands in Port St. Joe's George Core Park, a short drive from the Cape.
Beach days with the dog
Dogs are welcome on most Gulf County beaches, and in seven of the eight homes.
Eating out
Fresh off the boat.
Gulf shrimp, grouper and oysters, served without fuss in the small towns around the Cape.
- 🦐Port St. JoeThe closest town to the Cape, with seafood spots, coffee and a farmers market.
- 🦪ApalachicolaAbout 40 minutes east, famous for its oysters.
- 🍹Mexico BeachCasual beachside places on the way west.
- 🛒Groceries for the houseStock the kitchen in Port St. Joe before you head out to the Cape.
When to visit
Find your season.
Each bar shows the typical Gulf water temperature for that month, and the colour shows how busy the coast gets. September and October bring warm water and fewer people.
Cool, sunny, emptyJan
Quiet beachesFeb
Warming upMar
Spring breaks, book aheadApr
Swimming weatherMay
Summer startsJun
Busiest monthJul
Warmest waterAug
Warm water, fewer peopleSep
Monarchs pass throughOct
Thanksgiving weekNov
Holidays on the GulfDec
What's on
Concerts, markets and fishing days.
Gulf County keeps a calendar of farmers markets, concerts, guided preserve tours and free fishing days. Check it before you pick your week.