Past VISIT FLORIDA staff
In online travel forums, yous can find users jokingly trying to dissuade others from visiting T. H. Rock Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.
With miles of untamed coast, 35-human foot-high sand dunes, maritime forests, and abundant wildlife, it'southward non surprising that many want to keep this park along Florida's "forgotten coast" to themselves.
The ii,716-acre state park, situated between Apalachicola and Port St. Joe , sits at the tip of Greatcoat San Blas and is flanked by the Gulf of United mexican states and the bay. Despite being regarded as a best-kept secret, in 2002 it was named the peak embankment in the country by Dr. Beach and is frequently listed equally a top beach in national publications. The Florida park contains 10 miles of white sandy shoreline, some of the tallest sand dunes due east of the Mississippi, and the opportunity to see sunrises and sunsets -- only a few yards apart in some spots.
Summertime, when virtually schools are out, is the most popular flavour at this family-friendly state park. The Comiskeys of Peachtree City, Ga., arrived for a two-week camping trip as presently every bit school was out in belatedly May.
"Information technology's the perfect place for kids," said Monique Comiskey, who with her husband, Philip, has two teenage girls and a 10-yr-old son.
"We've been coming here for viii years, since our son was two. This is what our kids know the beach to be," she said, sweeping her arm beyond the area of an uncrowded shore. "There'southward no arcade, no mini-golf. Nosotros're not one on top of the other on the sand, and there's plenty of room for them to run around."
The Comiskeys were intrigued when they first heard almost the state park from a friend. "We came for a 3-day weekend simply to see what it was all about, and we couldn't believe it," Monique said. "The showtime fourth dimension we came the water was calm and a beautiful emerald green. This week information technology's been windier and choppy, with more waves. You only never know. Usually we stay out hither all twenty-four hour period, through dusk."
Afterwards their commencement trip, the family started to visit St. Joseph several times a year and more recently added a winter vacation to their agenda.
"We've been coming for Thanksgiving for three years. Nosotros cook all of Thanksgiving dinner and turkey on the grill. And nosotros're not alone -- the campground is full. It'due south a really fun fourth dimension."
Popular activities at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Wildlife viewing
Deer are often sighted along the paved park drive, especially near Bayview picnic area. Other animals you might meet include otter, raccoon, squirrels, opossum, armadillo and occasionally fob, coyote, and bobcat. Shore and wading birds, including egrets, dandy bluish heron, and pelicans, feed and nest at the park. Sea turtles come onto the beach during the summertime to lay their eggs, and in the autumn and spring the park is a end for migrating birds and monarch butterflies. The park is an excellent birding area, with sightings of 243 species recorded.
Fishing and scalloping
Line-fishing is extremely popular here -- a Florida fishing license is required for fresh or saltwater. Fish defenseless in the waters around the park include speckled trout, red pulsate, flounder, mullet, bluefish, whiting and shark. Bay scalloping is a top action during the flavor -- July 1 through Sept. 24. Recreational scallopers are limited to ii gallons of whole bay scallops in the beat out per twenty-four hours and need a saltwater license and dive flag. The preferred method is gliding over grass beds in shallow h2o using a mask and snorkel to look for the shells.
Boating
Boaters relish the articulate water of St. Joseph Bay for cruising, fishing and snorkeling. At Eagle Harbor, a paved ramp and deep-water access tin can adjust virtually trailered vessels. The park has a marina, only but vessels of registered campers and cabin guests are permitted to exit boats overnight. Near the ramp are picnic shelters, a embankment access, outdoor shower, fish-cleaning station and restrooms. Launch fee is $5. Also at Hawkeye Harbor, the concessionaire Scallop Cove Too rents kayaks and canoes. (Winter rentals from Scallop Cove on Cape San Blas.)
Hiking and nature viewing
The state park contains iii trails. The 45-infinitesimal Maritime Hammock Trail winds through a coastal hammock to a secluded spot along the shore of St. Joseph Bay. The 45-minute Bayview Nature Trail passes through maritime oak, salt marsh, and scrub and runs alongside the bay, with benches overlooking the water along the way. The Wilderness Preserve Trail runs for six miles through ane,750 acres of unspoiled littoral ecosystem and sand pine scrub. Overnight camping is allowed past state or water, and a permit is required for all uses.
Bicycling
The park has nearly four miles of paved route that are shared with motorists, and a paved bike trail extends most nine miles across the park to Salinas Park on Greatcoat San Blas.
When you go…
T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Route, Port St. Joe
850-227-1327
floridastateparks.org/park/St-Joseph
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