PORT ST. JOE, FLORIDA

Port St. Joe is on Florida's "Forgotten Coast" at the intersection of US-98 and State Road 71 about 23 miles west of Apalachicola in Gulf County. Its population is about 3,811.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse and Buildings
Photographic Destinations by Bob Kyle

The Forgotten Coast is the stretch along the Gulf Coast in the Florida panhandle along US-98 between Mexico Beach and Shell Point and St. Marks.

The town of St. Joseph was founded in 1835. As a deepwater seaport, shipping through the bay was abundant, followed by the railroad coming in, and the small town became a bustling port.

It quickly grew into the largest city in the state of Florida at the time, with 12,000 residents by 1837.

In 1838 delegates arrived to draw up the first State Constitution here, in preparation for Florida becoming the 27th state in 1845.

The town's prosperity did not last however. There was a large fire in 1841, and it was one of the early victims of several coastal yellow fever epidemics, causing many of those who survived to leave.

By 1842 residents were numbered to be only 400-500.

T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

This was followed by destructive hurricanes in 1843 and 1851. The storms destroyed railroad equipment on top of a decline in cotton prices, and the railroad went bankrupt. By this point the town was largely abandoned.

A new town was founded nearby when the railroad returned to the area in 1909. Town founders decided on the more casual name of "Port St. Joe" and that's what it's been named ever since.

The Town of Port St. Joe is on the shore of St. Joseph Bay, an arm of the Gulf of Mexico that is about 15 miles long in the north-south direction and 6 miles wide.

St. Joseph Bay and Port St Joe, Florida

For most of the twentieth century, Port St. Joe was known to tourists and Floridians as a smelly paper mill town.  

The St. Joe Company opened a large paper mill in 1938 and the town prospered with good jobs in the mill and surrounding forests.

Tourists, however, usually sped through the town to get away from the stinky paper mill smell. 

Locals, however, said it smelled like "bread and butter" to them.

St Joe Company Paper Mill in Port St Joe, Florida 1938-1999

The mill closed in 1999 and along with it went most of the area's good paying jobs.  Unemployment soared to 20%.  The town lost half its population. 

The buildings on the mill site have since been demolished, leaving a large open site on St. Joseph Bay that will no doubt be developed. 

That's the bad news, especially if you worked at the paper mill.

The good news is that tourists rediscovered Port St. Joe and started coming to stay again on their weekends and vacations, finding it a great place to build vacation homes and permanent residences.

The Port St. Joe area became known as the lost city, and visitors were (and still are) drawn to its natural beauty, finding a restful respite from the rush of life in busier areas.

The Forgotten Coast is a name created by local chambers of commerce after the paper mill closed to describe this area of the Gulf coast and generate some enthusiasm for tourism.

Many of the permanent residents of this coast say it's one of the best things about it, and want to remain forgotten, and send me emails asking me to stop writing about their quiet area of the state. 

Sorry, too late! 

Shops on Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe

St. Joseph Peninsula is the barrier island that protects the waters of the bay.  

Most of the peninsula is taken up by the nine mile long St. Joseph Peninsula State Park with some of the finest beaches in the world.

This brings visitors from around the world coming to have a great time in the water, from fishing and boating to snorkeling and shelling.

The peninsula also has the largest number of Loggerhead Sea Turtles in northwest Florida, and they nest from May to October.

Several years ago Dr. Beach pronounced it the best beach in the United States.

The bay has a narrow opening to the Gulf on its north end and is connected to the mainland on the south through Cape San Blas.

The bay is known for its abundant scallop population and many people flock to the area for scallop season between July 1 and September 24.

Downtown Port St Joe, Florida

These physical advantages made Port St. Joe an important early port in this part of the state, and the port still has an active operation.  

Even when the Gulf of Mexico is rough and stormy, the bay stays nice and calm and perfect for boating and fishing.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse Relocated to Port St Joe

A popular spot to visit in town is the Cape San Blas Lighthouse that was relocated some years ago from the cape into Port St. Joe.

Modern Port St. Joe has nice marinas, motels and inns, many restaurants and shops, and is emerging as a laid back tourist destination.

Local governments have so far done a good job of preventing the proliferation of high rise hotel and condos that soar above the not so forgotten coast to the west.

St. Joseph Catholic Mission Church, Port St. Joe, Florida

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT

Krazyfish Grille
113 Monument Avenue
Port St. Joe, Florida 32456
Tel: 850-229-7878

Locals and visitors to the Forgotten Coast have an easy time remembering Krazy Fish.  They come on a regular basis not only from Port St. Joe but  from the beach towns in either direction.

Krazyfish uses locally sourced fresh food and their most popular items are made daily.  For a restaurant with such an extensive seafood menu, the owner, Mark Haddock, has an especially appropriate name.

Read more about Krazyfish Grille.

THINGS TO DO IN PORT ST. JOE, FLORIDA

Cape San Blas Lighthouse 
George Core Park, 200 Miss Zola’s Dr., Port St. Joe, FL 32456, (850) 229-8261  
 
Standing tall with its rich history and breathtaking views, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse is more than just a beacon for ships. It’s a beacon for visitors, too, offering panoramic vistas of the Gulf that are second to none.

Climb to the top for a picture-perfect moment, or enjoy the surrounding park for a peaceful picnic. It’s our favorite spot for sunset views that you simply won't find anywhere else.  Enjoy the gift shop while you’re there. 

Constitution Convention Museum State Park 
200 Allen Memorial Way, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 | (850) 229-8029  
Delve into the fascinating history of Florida at the Constitution Convention Museum State Park. It’s not just a museum; it's a journey back in time to when Florida's first Constitution was drafted.

The exhibits are engaging and informative, making history come alive in a way that's both fun and educational. You'll enjoy the well-preserved artifacts and stories of early Floridian politics and lifestyle. Plus, the park itself offers lovely trails and picnic areas. 

Port St. Joe Marina 
340 Marina Drive, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 | (850) 227-9393 
 
Whether you’re an avid sailor or simply love the water, the Port St. Joe Marina is a must-visit. With its serene views, excellent fishing spots, and boat rental services, it’s the perfect place to spend a day on the water.

Don’t miss the chance to book a sunset cruise; it's an unforgettable experience, with the sky and sea bathed in colors you have to see to believe. 

T.H. Stone Memorial / St. Joseph Peninsula State Park 
8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St. Joe, FL | (850) 227-1327  
 
For nature lovers and beach enthusiasts, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is paradise found. With miles of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, it's ideal for swimming, hiking, bird watching, and simply relaxing.

The park's untouched beauty makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Remember to bring your camera; the natural scenery here is stunning. 

Port City Trail 
Begins at Frank Pate Park, Port St. Joe, FL | (850) 229-8261 
 
Stretch your legs and take in the local scenery on the Port City Trail. The trail begins at Frank Pate Park, at the intersection of US-Highway 98 and US-Highway 71.

This four mile paved pathway winds through the heart of Port St. Joe, offering a safe and scenic route for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. Along the way, you’ll pass by historic sites, local shops, and beautiful waterfront views.

It’s a wonderful way to explore the city at your own pace and get a little exercise, too. Restrooms and water fountains are available. 

Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center 
1001 10th Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 
 
Conservation meets education at the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center, where you can learn all about the efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. The center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs that are as enlightening as they are enjoyable.

If you're visiting during the right season, you might even have the chance to participate in a turtle release, a truly memorable experience. 

Peppers Mexican Grill and Cantina 
224 Reid Avenue, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 | (850) 229-8540  
 
Spice up your visit with a meal at Peppers Mexican Grill and Cantina. Known for its authentic flavors and festive atmosphere, it’s the go-to spot for delicious tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.

The service is always friendly, and the outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying the Florida weather. It’s a great place to relax and refuel after a day of adventure. Vegetarian meals are also available. 

Port St. Joe Saltair Farmer's Market 
George Core Park on Miss Zola’s Dr, Port St. Joe  (850) 229-8261 
 
Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Saltair Farmer's Market. The market occurs on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays starting in January thru the third weekend of December. Market hours are 9am to 1pm.

It’s a vibrant gathering of farmers, artisans, and food vendors. Here, you can sample fresh, locally-grown produce, homemade goods, and gourmet treats. It's not just shopping; it's an experience that allows you to connect with the community and discover the flavors of the region.