St. Joseph Peninsula State Park - Florida

Address:8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe, Florida

With 2.5 miles of gorgeous Gulf beaches, it's no wonder the activities at St. Andrews are all about the water, which is inviting for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as kayaking and canoeing. Both deep sea jetty and surf fishing are available here, where the waters are flowing with sea trout, bonito, dolphin, and bluefish. If visiting, take advantage of the boat tours, which go from the park mainland to Shell Island. The rolling dunes and marshes here are filled with wildlife and perfect for picnicking or just relaxing in the fresh salty air. Park goers are always invited to enjoy the full facility camping available and the Friday night campfire circles, where park rangers talk about local history and plant life.

With miles of white sugar sand, this park has one of the top-rated beaches in the United States. Sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming are popular activities along the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay. Offshore, canoeists and kayakers can take in a superb view of the high dunes and sand pine scrub. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and bicycling. As a coastal barrier peninsula, St. Joseph provides excellent opportunities for bird watching; over 240 species have been sighted in the park. A boat ramp is located at Eagle Harbor on the bay side. Campers can stay in a full-facility campground, a short walk from the beach, or at primitive campsites in the wilderness preserve. Eight cabins on the bay side offer alternative overnight accommodations.