By Carrie | Updated: June 03, 2025
This article highlights top hiking trails in Port St. Joe, Florida—including Maritime Hammock, St. Joseph Bay, and Loggerhead Run—while showcasing the area's year-round appeal and scenic Gulf views.
Hiking in the Port St. Joe, Florida, area offers a unique and exhilarating outdoor experience that showcases the natural beauty of the region.
I spent a few winter weeks in Port St. Joe last year, and the hikes quickly became part of my daily rhythm. Some mornings I'd head out early, coffee in hand, just to walk a quiet trail before the rest of the world woke up.
Situated along the pristine Gulf Coast, this charming coastal town is surrounded by a diverse landscape that caters to hikers of all skill levels. The mild climate of Florida's Gulf Coast allows for year-round hiking. The winter season is especially attractive for those looking to escape colder climates, making Port St. Joe a popular destination for snowbirds.
Book your hiking adventure in one of the Florida Gulf Coast vacation rentals offered by Pristine Properties Vacation Rentals. Whether you're looking for a cozy beachfront cottage, a spacious beach house, a luxurious condo with Gulf views, or a pet-friendly rental, you'll find the perfect fit for your group or family in Mexico Beach, Indian Pass, Cape San Blas, and Port St Joe. Many of our vacation rentals are situated along the stunning Gulf of Mexico. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing and watching early light stretch across the Gulf is better than any alarm clock.
The 3 Best Hiking Trails in Port St Joe, Florida
This is one of the most popular hiking trails at T.H. Stone St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St Joe, Florida. This half-mile trail winds through three distinct natural communities that feature a coastal hammock, sand scrub, and depression marsh. Along the way, you can find two benches overlooking the bay shore, great for taking a break and soaking in the quiet view.
I paused at one of those benches with a packed lunch during one of my visits and ended up staying longer than planned. Watching the water shift colors as the clouds passed was oddly calming—no cell service, no rush, just peace.
This is generally considered an easy trail with breathtaking views of T.H. Stone St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. It is just one mile long and takes most people less than half an hour to complete. On this sandy trail, you will see dunes, flatland ecosystems, and beautiful bay views. This is also a great hiking trail in Florida for birdwatching.
This trail is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, which makes it an excellent spot to catch migratory species during winter and spring months.
I'm not a serious birder, but I still counted at least five different species in one walk the last time I visited, including a great egret that seemed completely unbothered by my presence. I didn't need binoculars; they were that close.
This is an easy but long hiking trail in Port St Joe, Florida, at 9 to 11 miles (depending on where you start) and just 59 feet in elevation gain. It takes most people around three hours to complete. Along the way, you'll find spots with beach access and restaurants.
When I hiked this trail, I didn't hike the full 11 miles, but I did a section that passed a little seafood shack where I stopped for shrimp tacos. It was one of those detours that made the hike even better—sweaty, sandy, and happy.
Planning a short weekend escape or a longer snowbird stay? Pristine Properties Vacation Rentals has rentals close to the trails and beach alike—ideal for staying active and unwinding all in one place. And if you're heading west along the coast, Pensacola Beach Properties has great vacation homes for soaking in another side of the Gulf—same sunshine, new adventures.
