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Not all of Florida is how it’s often depicted – the boujee high-life of Miami, hordes of tourists visiting Disney World, or affordable retirement village havens for those looking to live out their golden years in paradise.
There are still hidden idyllic coastlines with down-home charm waiting to be discovered.
Despite Florida continuing to shatter tourism records, there are lesser-known hideaways to escape the city life in favor of gleaming white sand and vibrant waters in a laid-back community.
One town claims to be a ‘small town with a big heart’, welcoming all who yearn for a glimpse into ‘Old Florida’.
What some dub the ‘Forgotten Coast‘, this side of Florida is a far-cry from the hustle and bustle of Miami and the thrills of Orlando.
Port St. Joe anchors the region with picturesque lighthouses, beachside cottages, and crowd-free beaches for your next sunny getaway, whether you visit winter or spring.
For small-town charm in Florida, many vacationers opt for Southwest Florida, teeming with gems like Venice, Punta Gorda, Siesta Key, or my secret slice of paradise, Nokomis.
However, some of these are still a little high-end, not exactly exuding “southern charm” like neighboring states.
Port St. Joe throws a curveball into Florida’s uppity towns with true southern charm, where you’ll feel like a local instead of a tourist being curated to with overpriced boardwalk ice cream shops, neon t-shirts, and tacky trinkets.
The town’s historic downtown district is really walkable and a great way to start your day at local favorite Sand Dollar Cafe for delicious ‘comfort food’ all while overlooking the towering Cape San Blas Lighthouse.
What St. Joe shares with its Florida counterparts is seafood is still king. The White Marlin and Oysterette is a must-visit, serving up hand-crafted cocktails, baked parmesan oysters, and coconut shrimp in a blissful seaside atmosphere.
Another unique attraction is the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center, just outside of downtown, where you’ll want to mark your calendars for nesting season: May 1st – October 31st.
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.
Port St. Joe is the perfect tranquil escape layered with sugary white sand. In fact, the entirety of the ‘Forgotten Coast’ is dotted with delightful paradisal towns, such as Mexico Beach and Indian Pass.
Port St. Joe, though, is undoubtedly the best place to make your base and enjoy the ease of access to multiple stretches of white sand and the conveniences of restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and hotels.
In fact, Port St. Joe was once the Sunshine State’s biggest city in the 1800s despite now being home to less than 4,000 residents.
Tourism plays a key part in this small town’s economy, and there’s no bigger draw than St. Joe’s scenic beaches.
These are the top 3 beach locations to visit on your vacation:
Set near the main strip, St. Joe Beach is arguably the most popular, where one recent beachgoer claimed it’s a ‘pristine beach with surprisingly easy access. Absolutely no “no parking” signs along the highway, very welcoming!’
Don’t hesitate to jet off for a last-minute winter getaway, either. Port St. Joe has mild winters with consistently sunny days in the mid-60s, while springtime boosts into the 70’s.
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 city.
Circling back to the Florida Coastal Conservancy, they host the annual Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Festival, drawing one of the region’s biggest crowds.
For a full list of fun events, check out Gulf County’s ‘Events’ page.
Port St. Joe isn’t the place to splurge on ritzy resorts, but rather cozy up beachside in quaint cottages.
Many are private rentals, but can book directly with the following 3 properties:
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, 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 within the post.
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