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Not all of Florida is how it is often depicted: the luxurious life of Miami, hordes of tourists visiting Disney World, or affordable retreats for people who want to spend their golden years in paradise.
There are still hidden idyllic coastlines with a homely charm waiting to be discovered.
Even though Florida continues to destroy tourism recordsthere are lesser-known hideaways to escape city life in favor of gleaming white sands and vibrant waters in a relaxed community.
One town claims to be a “small town with a big heart” and welcomes anyone longing for a glimpse into “Old Florida.”
What some people sayForgotten coast‘, this side of Florida is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Miami and the excitement of Orlando.
Port St. Joe anchors the region with picturesque lighthouses, beachfront cottages and crowd-free beaches for your next sunny getaway, whether you visit winter or spring.
Coastal charm of Port St. Joe
For small-town Florida charm, many vacationers choose Southwest Florida, full of gems like Venice, Punta Gorda, Siesta Key or my secret slice of paradise, Nokomis.
However, some of these are still a bit high-end and don’t exactly exude the ‘Southern charm’ like their neighbors.
Port St. Joe throws a curveball into Florida’s chic towns with true Southern charm, where you’ll feel like a local instead of a tourist frequented with overpriced boardwalk ice cream parlors, neon T-shirts and tacky trinkets.
The city’s historic downtown area is very walkable and a great way to start your day at a local favorite Sand Dollar Cafe for delicious comfort food while looking out at the towering Cape San Blas Lighthouse.
What St. Joe shares with its Florida counterparts is that seafood is still king. The white marlin and oysterette is a must-visit and serves handcrafted cocktails, fried parmesan oysters and coconut shrimp in a blissful seaside atmosphere.
Another unique attraction is the Forgotten Coastal Sea Turtle Centerjust outside the center, where you will want to mark the breeding season in your calendar: May 1 – October 31.
For history buffs, Port St. Joe’s claim to fame is the birthplace of the Florida Constitution, which you can learn more about by visiting the Constitution Convention Museum State Park.
Beautiful white sandy beaches
Port St. Joe is the perfect tranquil escape layered with sugary white sand. In fact, the entire ‘Forgotten Coast’ is dotted with beautiful paradise towns, such as Mexico Beach and Indian Pass.
However, Port St. Joe is undoubtedly the best place to base yourself and enjoy the easy access to multiple stretches of white sand and the conveniences of restaurants, bars, boutiques and hotels.
In fact, Port St. Joe was once the Sunshine State’s largest city in the 19th century, despite now having fewer than 4,000 residents.
Tourism plays a key role in this small town’s economy, and there is no greater draw than the scenic beaches of St. Joe.
These are the top 3 beach locations you can visit during your holiday:
- St. Joe’s Beach
- Cape San Blas
- TH Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Located near the main strip, St. Joe Beach is perhaps the most popular, with one recent beachgoer claiming it is a ‘pristine beach with surprisingly easy access’. Absolutely no “no parking” signs along the highway, very hospitable!’
Don’t hesitate to book a last-minute winter holiday either. Port St. Joe experiences mild winters with persistently sunny days in the mid-60s, while spring warms into the 70s.
Plan your trip accordingly: fun festivals and beach huts
Port St. Joe may come across as a sleepy town, but there are plenty of lively events held throughout the year to further entice this coastal town as a destination town.
They return to the Florida Coastal Conservancy and host the annual Forgotten Coastal Sea Turtle Festivalwhich attracts one of the largest visitors in the region.
For a full list of fun events, visit Gulf Counties ‘Events’ page.
Port St. Joe is not the place to splurge on luxury resorts, but rather to cozy up by the beach in quaint cottages.
Many are private rentals, but that is also possible book directly with the following 3 properties:
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
