House - Rating 4.9 (62 Reviews)

Special Shell


Bedroom 2 bedrooms
Bathroom 2 full
Guests 6 guests
Pets Allowed Pets Allowed
Flexible Dates Flexible

  • Address: 9310 Cockles Avenue
  • Location: St. Joe Beach
  • Type: House

Description Description
Top Reasons to Book this Near Beach Home:

* 9-person swim-spa
* Private, fenced-in yard
* Screened-in porch with seating for 6
* Outdoor fireplace and covered grill area
* Attached garage with extra refrigerator and sink
* Outdoor shower with hot and cold water

* Professionally Managed; 24/7 Service
* This property is not available to adults under the age of 25
* We LOVE Snowbirds! Low Monthly Winter Rates

**Pet Friendly, max quantity, type, and additional fees do apply**

Special Shell is a comfortable coastal home built for relaxing and entertaining. Inside, you'll find an open-concept living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and two well-appointed bedrooms. Step outside to your own private oasis: a 9-person swim-spa, screened-in porch, outdoor fireplace, and covered grill area, all within a private, fenced-in yard. With an attached garage that includes an extra refrigerator and sink, Special Shell has everything you need for a memorable stay on the Forgotten Coast.

Property Layout

Single-Level Home:
Open-concept living/dining/kitchen, smart TV, sleeper sofa
Fully-equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, island with seating for 2
Dining area for 6
Laundry room with full-size washer and dryer
Master bedroom with king-size bed, smart TV, walk-in closet
Full bathroom with soaking tub, bidet
Guest bedroom with queen-size bed, smart TV
Second full bathroom with custom tile shower
Attached garage with additional refrigerator and sink

Outdoor amenities:
Private, fenced-in yard
Screened-in porch with seating for 6
Outdoor dining/seating area
9-person swim-spa
Outdoor fireplace
Covered grill area
Outdoor shower with hot and cold water

CHECK IN IS AT 4PM. No exceptions at this time.

Area Attractions:

Port St. Joe blends small-town Southern character with easy access to some of the Gulf Coast's most beautiful natural landscapes. The historic downtown offers locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants along Reid Avenue, where visitors can browse for art, antiques, and handmade goods before sitting down to a plate of fresh oysters or grilled grouper.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore just outside of town. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the country, featuring miles of undeveloped shoreline, coastal dunes, and pine flatwoods teeming with wildlife. The park's bay side is a top destination for scalloping in season, and its trails offer excellent birdwatching, especially during migration. Port St. Joe also serves as a convenient launching point for boat tours, offshore fishing charters, and paddling trips through the calm waters of St. Joseph Bay.

Availability Calendar Availability Calendar
Clear Dates

Bedding Bedding
User User
Living Room
Sleeps: 2
1 Double Sleeper Sofa

Open-concept living/dining/kitchen with smart TV and sleeper sofa

User User
Guest Bedroom
Sleeps: 2
1 Queen

Queen bed, smart TV

User User
Master Bedroom
Sleeps: 2
1 King

King bed, smart TV, walk-in closet


Amenities 20 Amenities
Beach/Bay Proximity
  • Beach Access
  • Near Beach
Kitchen
  • Dishes/Utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
Nearby Activities
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Tennis
Nearby Attractions
  • Cape San Blas Lighthouse
  • St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
  • T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Property Features
  • Air Conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Heating
  • Kitchen
  • Private Hot Tub
  • Television
Property Policies
  • No Beach Gear
  • No Smoking


Location Snowbird Extended Stays on Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Make Florida’s Forgotten Coast your winter home-away-from-home. Book a fully furnished condo or beach house for 28 nights or more and receive 5% off your snowbird stay with promo code WELOVESNOWBIRDS. Valid on new bookings made now through January 1, 2027 for travel October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.



*Offer is valid on new online bookings made now through January 1, 2027, for stays of 28 nights or more with travel between October 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. Exclusions and additional restrictions may apply to select properties.


Location Location

Reviews Rating 4.9 (62)
Rating 5
Very clean and modern. Nice, quiet neighborhood. 2 blocks from a beautiful beach. The only negative for me was one of personal preference. There is an 8 foot privacy fence enclosing the entire property. I assume this is so because the hot tub is in the front yard. Personally, I prefer to see more of my surroundings than the sky. But, if your priority is security; this wouldn’t be an issue.
- Reviewed On: 9/18/2026
Rating 5
Perfect house for a relaxing beach stay!! The fenced in front and back yards were perfect for ours dogs. The house was in a quiet neighborhood and directly across from a public beach access. Lots of beach amenities including chairs and a cart. Hot tub/swim spa was huge and user friendly! Will definitely stay here again when we are back in the area!
- Reviewed On: 8/19/2026
Rating 4
Fantastic location to the beach, only a 5 minute easy walk- loved the backyard for the dogs very secure fenced in area.
- Reviewed On: 8/4/2026
Rating 5
We had a great stay. The house was easy to find, the swim spa was great for our daughter, and the fenced yard was perfect for our pets.
- Reviewed On: 8/1/2026
Rating 5
We loved it! We had everything we needed and more! Will definitely recommend and visit again!
- Reviewed On: 7/25/2026
Rating 5
What a beautiful cozy home! The outside area was very private. The screened porch and swim spa were amazing. The two blocks to the beach was an easy, quick walk. The fact that we could take are golden retriever made it perfect. We can’t wait to go back.
- Reviewed On: 7/21/2026
Rating 5
Beautiful house and very responsive host!
- Reviewed On: 6/29/2026
Rating 5
This is a wonderful home! It was perfect for our family. I personally loved the deep soaking tub, the hot tub & the wrap around privacy fence. If you are looking for relaxation, privacy & a pet friendly home, this is your place. The beach is within walking distance. We would stay here again!
- Reviewed On: 6/26/2026
Rating 5
This place is phenomenal!!! Very clean, and privacy is paramount! So cool, new , and very thought out by the owner. Do it.
- Reviewed On: 6/22/2026
Rating 5
We had a wonderful vacation at The Special Shell! The house, the privacy and the location were 10/10. We will definitely be back again!
- Reviewed On: 6/21/2026
Rating 5
Wonderful stay! Loved the area!
- Reviewed On: 6/8/2026
Rating 5
This is a very nice place to stay, we had a great vacation! The kitchen and living room are nicely furnished with comfortable furniture and a large TV. The pots and pans in the kitchen are in decent shape and we had no trouble cooking. The beds were comfortable and everything was pretty clean. The backyard was very nice for our dogs to do their business and the tall fence makes for a nice private area. The swim spa was a lot of fun for us and our 8-year-old and 1-year-old, We were in it pretty much every day! The host told me that it was serviced every week and I can attest to that, it was serviced while we were staying there and no issues with the water not being kept clean and treated properly. The host was pretty quick in answering any questions I had and taking care of one minor issue we asked about. There were 4 nice beach chairs and a cart provided which was very much appreciated for the short walk to the beach. Overall I would recommend this place to anyone!
- Reviewed On: 6/1/2026
Rating 5
My Husband and our two dogs loved our time at the Special Shell! It was the perfect place for our pups and was a very short and easy walk to the beach. We will definitely be back!
- Reviewed On: 5/21/2026
Rating 5
Special Shell was perfect for the two of us! It was VERY clean and welcoming. We enjoyed the art throughout the home. The hot tub was great for the cooler nights we had. The beach is a 5 minute walk to the beach. We appreciated the large beach cart !! We would return to Special Shell!
- Reviewed On: 5/4/2026
Rating 5
We absolutely loved Special Shell. The house was well stocked and was beautiful and very clean. The added touches of the screened in porch, outdoor shower, and the spa Jacuzzi was amazing. We loved the privacy of the high fence and the short walk to the beach. We enjoyed the quietness of the small town feel but didn’t mind the short drives to some great places to eat. We will definitely be booking this place again in the future. Great host and great house.
- Reviewed On: 4/26/2026
Rating 5
My wife and I stayed here for a short visit for a relaxed beach vacation and it exceeded all of our expectations. We wish our visit could have been longer. The property accommodated all of our and pet’s needs, especially the privacy fence. The home was very clean and well maintained. Easy walk to the beach and just wait till you see the hot tub! We would definitely consider going back and staying at this same property.
- Reviewed On: 4/21/2026
Rating 5
Had an absolutely wonderful time! The house was perfect. Easy walk to the beach and not too far from town, etc.
- Reviewed On: 4/17/2026
Rating 5
One of the best places I have stayed in a long time. They were honest and everything was exactly as they described. Very easy to walk or drive right down to the beach. Lots of space, very clean, and we loved everything about it.
- Reviewed On: 4/11/2026
Rating 5
Great place.
- Reviewed On: 4/5/2026
Rating 5
The house was easy to find, clean and the perfect spot for our family of 4. The hot tub was a really great feature for everyone. Backyard was perfect to run my active tennis ball loving dog and I enjoyed the screen porch. The beach access areas were easy to get to once we figured out the calmest route to take with children. Loved the beach cart! That was amazing to have. The beach was gorgeous and not overpopulated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would trnt this home again, no questions.
- Reviewed On: 2/27/2026
Rating 5
Good amenities. Enjoyed the hot tub. Because we have a dog, we loved the fenced yard. Liked the location - walking distance to the dog park and only a short 2-block walk to the Gulf Beach
- Reviewed On: 2/19/2026
Rating 5
Great spot! Host was very friendly and responsive. Would definitely stay here again.
- Reviewed On: 1/26/2026
Rating 5
Wonderful little place close to the beach, and has the real feel of home. Has everything you need. Was fairly clean, minus some dog hair on the couch, and also the closest shelving, could have used a maybe better vacuuming. Some dog poop was left in the backyard from the previous people that stayed there. All in all we would return again!
- Reviewed On: 1/22/2026
Rating 5
This home is even better than the beautiful pictures. I felt safe and cozy. The privacy fence and the ample lighting (indoor and outdoor) stood out to me. I arrived in the evening so the outdoor lighting was a great help! The shower has perfect water pressure (I have thick hair and could shampoo with no issues). The tub was the perfect size and the hot tub felt great after a long day! I would definitely stay here again!
- Reviewed On: 1/16/2026
Rating 5
Special Shell is a lovely home. It was perfect for four adults and a fur baby. Loved the area…two block walk to the beautiful beach and many good eating places nearby.
- Reviewed On: 1/13/2026
Rating 5
This place was perfect for us. We took advantage of the hot tub on some cool nights. Easy walk to beach. We loved it. Amy is super responsive.
- Reviewed On: 1/3/2026
Rating 5
This place was perfect for my husband and our dogs. It was perfectly placed, quiet, and just amazing! Will be back again
- Reviewed On: 12/29/2025
Rating 5
Beautiful home. 3 mins walk to the beach. Large hot tub and fire pit on the patio was very nice for cool nights. Great location and very clean. Would definitely stay here again.
- Reviewed On: 12/25/2025
Rating 5
We had an absolutely fantastic stay at Special Shell!From the moment we arrived, everything was spotless, well-organized, and exactly as pictured. The location could not have been better — Beacon Hill truly is a hidden-gem area: peaceful, charming, and just a short, easy walk to the beach (so convenient for sunrise strolls and late-afternoon waves). The hot tub was the highlight for us — a 10+-person spa-style tub that felt AMAZING during the chilly Thanksgiving weekend. We spent hours relaxing, laughing, and soaking after beach walks; it really made the holiday feel extra special. Inside, the home was comfortable and welcoming. Everything from bedding to kitchen setup was clean and ready. Check-in was smooth, communication with the host was easy, and the whole vibe felt relaxed yet luxurious. All in all — 5 stars across the board. If you’re looking for a tranquil, beach-close getaway with a spacious hot tub and a neighborhood that feels like a secret oasis, this place delivers!
- Reviewed On: 11/30/2025
Rating 5
Great spot to take our dogs with us! We loved the short walk to the beach and the hot tub was great for once the sun went down.
- Reviewed On: 11/9/2025
Rating 5
Great place! Wonderful location! Owners are super nice and accommodating. Will definitely look them up in the future.
- Reviewed On: 10/24/2025
Rating 5
Loved the fence for our dog. Easy walk to beach. It was lovely.
- Reviewed On: 9/30/2025
Rating 5
The place was perfect for our anniversary getaway. I’ve been visiting this part of the coast since I was a small child, it’s always peaceful and relaxing. Amy was very helpful and clear with instructions through the whole process. We will definitely return!
- Reviewed On: 9/22/2025
Rating 5
We had a great trip, place was perfect for us! The host was great as well, 10/10 recommend
- Reviewed On: 9/19/2025
Rating 4
Great stay for a quick weekend getaway, loved the short walk to the beach.
- Reviewed On: 8/25/2025
Rating 5
What a beautiful place - the home is lovely and the patio area with the swim spa is beautiful! It’s great for grilling and hanging out. And the screened porch is great for drinking coffee at sunrise. The beds were comfortable - and the outdoor shower is a great extra. Amy was very responsive and wonderful to work with! Also, make sure you take the short walk to the beach for sunset.
- Reviewed On: 8/22/2025
Rating 5
Very nice house, clean and convenient location! Would love to come back
- Reviewed On: 8/7/2025
Rating 4
Overall Special Shell was a great stay. We had two issues, the air conditioner was not cooling properly and the grass in the back yard needed mowing for our dog. The AC worked, but never met the desired temperature to sleep comfortably. I addressed these two issues as soon as we checked in, but unfortunately the grass wasn’t cut nor the air fixed while we stayed. The back room is small and warmer than the rest of the house especially with the AC not running correctly. Amy was quick to respond and apologized for the two issues not being fixed. The house was nicely decorated, clean, and not a far walk to the beach. The hot tub was working great and a plus after a long day. We loved the screened in porch area as well.
- Reviewed On: 7/25/2025
Rating 5
Very nice, quiet, and clean house I recommend it for 2 couples or 1 couple with 2 same sex children.Only a2 blocks from beach.
- Reviewed On: 7/20/2025
Rating 4
Overall our stay was great, the area is just what we were looking for and the house was very close to the beach. House was nice but layout was inconvenient at times. Main bathroom connects house to the garage. Gates have latches on the inside and outside which, at times, made it frustrating when people are coming/going. TV on the porch wasn't working and the grill is charcoal, I was told it was supplied gas. Not huge issues but those are the reasons I'm not giving it 5 stars. Thanks!
- Reviewed On: 7/12/2025
Rating 5
We loved Amy’s place! The house is super close to the beach that we walked everyday and then enjoyed the hot tub at night. We were able to bring our dog and with the fenced in yard, we didn’t have to worry about her running off. Great spot!
- Reviewed On: 7/7/2025
Rating 5
This beach house was a wonderful retreat—clean, cozy, and very comfortable. Just three blocks from the ocean, it was an easy walk to the beach. The neighborhood was quiet and peaceful, and the house had everything we needed for a relaxing stay. We’d definitely come back for another visit!
- Reviewed On: 6/14/2025
Rating 5
We had a great time!: We loved this place. Perfect for us! The swim spa was great,it helped so much with muscle tension. The outdoor shower was amazing,i loved it in the moonlight. Our dog loved the yard you don't have to worry because there's no way to get out, the fence is very secure. The house was decorated beautifully. So close to the beach, we watched fireworks on the beach our last night there, they was amazing. I love that the beaches are dog friendly. Just can't say enough good things about this place, no complaints at all.
- Reviewed On: 6/7/2025
Rating 5
Loved this home! Had such a great stay, super close to the beach and the outdoor area was fantastic. Especially loved the hot tub/swim spa. Would stay again and highly recommend!
- Reviewed On: 6/3/2025
Rating 5
This was our first visit to Port St. Joe and this house was perfect for us. We arrived at night and the lighting outside helped us get inside easily. The property is fully gated which made it safe and secure. The house is well stocked for cooking and I love that coffee was provided by the host! The outdoor patio was the perfect area to enjoy the hot tub or watch tv. This is the perfect house for a small family.
- Reviewed On: 5/24/2025
Rating 5
Private and close to several nice beach accesses. Loved the privacy fence and swim spa! Great porch to read and feel the ocean breeze. This home has every option! Very secure yard if you are bringing your pet!
- Reviewed On: 5/12/2025
Rating 5
Amy's was exactly how it was pictured and even better in person! super clean and just an awesome living space, she has thought of everything you would need for a great stay. the location is awesome as well just a short walk to the beautiful beach, we will definitely book w Amy again!!
- Reviewed On: 5/4/2025
Rating 5
We enjoyed our stay at Special Shell. The home had everything we needed. Beautiful home, private yard and quiet neighborhood. Great location and very close to the beach. Thank you homeowners and thank you Sunshine Vacation Rentals for great service.
- Reviewed On: 5/2/2025
Rating 5
The place was very private with a fully fenced in yard. The neighbors were very friendly and welcoming. It was a short walk to the beach. Definitely a great trip.
- Reviewed On: 4/27/2025
Rating 5
Great place for our family of three and our dog! Loved the start items available for use, walking distance to beach (short 2 blocks) and our son (7 yo) was a big fan of the hot tub. The beach cart is excellent! Dog friendly beach :) is always a plus. Thanks for a lovely dog friendly beach home option!
- Reviewed On: 4/14/2025
Rating 5
Great place for our family of three and our dog! Loved the start items available for use, walking distance to beach (short 2 blocks) and our son (7 yo) was a big fan of the hot tub. The beach cart is excellent! Dog friendly beach :) is always a plus. Thanks for a lovely dog friendly beach home option!
- Reviewed On: 4/12/2025
Rating 5
Great spot!: Very nice home and only a block or two from public beach access. Huge hot tub and great patio space.
- Reviewed On: 4/9/2025
Rating 5
Absolutely loved it! Easy walk to the beach. Lots of privacy with the fenced yard. Had the perfect beach getaway!
- Reviewed On: 4/9/2025
Rating 5
Absolutely perfect unit in a perfect location!!
- Reviewed On: 4/3/2025
Rating 5
This house was in a great area and a very close walk to the beach! We really enjoyed how everything was fenced in, it felt very private and comfortable! The hot tub was AMAZING! All around, highly recommend!
- Reviewed On: 3/31/2025
Rating 5
The house and amenities were awesome. Everything was clean, simple instructions, short walk to the beach, and I would highly recommend to stay there. We will be back!
- Reviewed On: 3/31/2025
Rating 5
The house and amenities were awesome. Everything was clean, simple instructions, short walk to the beach, and I would highly recommend to stay there. We will be back!
- Reviewed On: 3/30/2025
Rating 5
PERFECT STAY!!!: Absolutely perfect unit in a perfect location!!
- Reviewed On: 3/26/2025
Rating 5
My husband and I had a wonderful stay at Amy’s place in Port St. Joe. The house was very walkable to the beach and convenient to all of the area activities that we wanted to do. The house had everything we needed to arrive, unpack, and not feel the need to immediately run to the store. We would absolutely stay here again, and I would definitely recommend this stay for anyone visiting the area.
- Reviewed On: 3/22/2025
Rating 5
This house was in a great area and a very close walk to the beach! We really enjoyed how everything was fenced in, it felt very private and comfortable! The hot tub was AMAZING! All around, highly recommend!
- Reviewed On: 3/17/2025
Rating 5
This is a very clean, well-appointed, quiet and private rental. The manager and owner resolved a problem with the swim spa/hot tub immediately. The house is a short two blocks from the beach. The property is surrounded by a tall wooden fence which was great for the dog and for spa privacy. A great place to stay along the Gulf (of Mexico).
- Reviewed On: 3/16/2025
Rating 5
Special Shell was a wonderful, cozy home. It was secluded, with a wonderful hot tub and a quick walk to the beach. The fenced in yard was perfect for the dog. Would definitely recommend, and we are looking forward to our next stay!
- Reviewed On: 2/16/2025
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