Your Guide to St Joseph Peninsula State Park

Visiting St Joseph Peninsula State Park is like stepping into a tranquil paradise where nature's beauty unfolds before your eyes. I still remember arriving just after sunrise and watching the morning mist lift off the bay. It felt like the whole park was waking up with me.

This hidden gem is nestled along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, offering a serene escape from everyday life. Explore this enchanting area by booking your stay with Pristine Properties Vacation Rentals. We have a stunning array of vacation rentals in the Cape San Blas area, with pet-friendly options, private pools, and rentals right on the beachfront.

10 Popular Activities at St Joseph Peninsula State Park

1. Snorkeling

The clear waters of St. Joseph Bay are perfect for a snorkeling adventure. Some creatures you may find include horseshoe crabs, sea horses, and brittle stars. You can purchase dive flags from local vendors. 

2. Swimming 

Enjoy sunbathing on 10 miles of sugar-white sand beaches or take a dip in the pleasantly warm water.

3. Kayaking/Canoeing

St Joseph Peninsula State Park is an enchanting place to enjoy canoeing and kayaking. During your journey, there will be breathtaking views of the sand, pine scrub, and high dunes. 

One of my favorite moments was gliding past a group of pelicans perched on driftwood, totally unbothered by my kayak. The quiet out there is unreal.

4. Fishing

Florida residents can fish from the Bayshore or beach without a fishing license. You'll need to grab a fishing license, though, if you're not a resident. Check out the website for the most up-to-date regulations. Some of the most popular fishes at St Joseph Peninsula State Park include bluefish, speckled trout, whiting, red drum, mullet, and flounder. I've had the best luck near the jetty with a simple shrimp bait rig—reeled in a hefty red drum that gave me a serious fight.

5. Bird-Watching

St Joseph Peninsula State Park is a coastal barrier peninsula with excellent bird-watching opportunities. Over 247 bird species have been sighted at St Joseph Peninsula State Park. 

I'm no expert birder, but I was thrilled to spot a reddish egret doing its funny zigzag hunting dance near the marsh. I even had to Google it later to figure out what I saw, because I wasn't sure at first.

6. Boating

There is a boat ramp and small marina that can service 15–18 small boats. There is also an outdoor shower and fish cleaning station. Make sure to check for local red tide updates before planning your beach day.

7. Loggerhead Sea Turtles

St Joseph Peninsula State Park is a nesting spot for loggerhead sea turtles from May to October. The nesting sites are marked so people can avoid disturbing them. Please avoid using artificial lights during this time so you don't confuse and disorient the sea turtles. 

One evening in late July, I was lucky enough to join a ranger-led walk and watch hatchlings make their way to the ocean. It was quietly magical, and no flashlights were allowed, which made it even more quirky.

8. Sand Dunes

Explore some of the highest and oldest sand dunes in Florida. Please do not climb or play on the sand dunes, as they are an important habitat for the endangered St. Andrews beach mouse and sea oats. 

9. Scalloping

You can harvest bay scallops from the clear waters of St. Joseph Bay from July 1 - September 10. You can purchase fishing licenses and dive flags from local vendors. 

10.Hiking Trails

Explore the hiking trails at St Joseph Peninsula State Park. The Maritime Hammock Trail is half a mile long and takes you through a coastal hammock environment and the St. Joseph Bay shores. It's a short trail but very peaceful. When I visited, I saw only a few people while hiking, accompanied by the sounds of birds and the soft rustle of palmettos.

Tip: Bring water shoes if snorkeling, fishing, or scalloping. Some areas of the bay floor are rocky and can surprise you while snorkeling.