Port St. Joe, Florida

Port St. Joe sits along scenic St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Home to about 4,000 residents, it is known for its small-town atmosphere, walkable downtown, and easy access to boating, fishing, paddling, and nearby Gulf beaches.

Port St. Joe, a small town in the Florida Panhandle — An aerial view of Port St. Joe, a small coastal city on St. Joseph Bay and part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. The image shows the city’s compact downtown, waterfront, marina entrance, residential neighborhoods, and the largely undeveloped landscape surrounding the community. Port St. Joe serves as a local center for boating, fishing, and access to the beaches and natural areas around St. Joseph Bay. Photo credit: Jacob Boomsma; licensed.

About The Community

The area is closely tied to Florida history and is often called Florida’s “Constitution City” because the state’s first constitutional convention met at old St. Joseph in 1838. That nearby antebellum boomtown declined after yellow fever and a major hurricane ended its short-lived prosperity. Today, that story is interpreted at Constitution Convention Museum State Park, which also preserves archaeological and regional history exhibits.

The St. Joseph Point Lighthouse stands along the waterfront in Port St. Joe, Florida, overlooking the waters of St. Joseph Bay. The lighthouse reflects the area’s long maritime history and its close connection to the bay and Gulf of Mexico. Today, the waterfront around Port St. Joe remains a popular setting for boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Photo credit: Stephanie Sellers; licensed.

Modern Port St. Joe developed in the 20th century as a working port, mill town, and coastal getaway. Visitors were drawn to the white-sand beaches, bay views, and excellent fishing, while the paper mill became a major part of the local economy for decades. Today, the community blends that heritage with a relaxed waterfront identity centered on nature, recreation, and small-town charm.

Important Links (Suggest / Report)

Port St. Joe is a strong base for outdoor recreation on St. Joseph Bay and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Popular activities include surf fishing, scalloping, diving, birding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, shelling, and seasonal wildlife watching. Port St. Joe Marina and local outfitters provide access to the bay, though charter schedules, rentals, and launch conditions can vary by season, weather, and operator.

Vicinity of Port St. Joe

Additional Details

Downtown Port St. Joe mixes restored storefronts, local shops and restaurants, and attractive public spaces while retaining the feel of a historic Gulf Coast seaport. It is an easy place to stroll, browse, and pause for views of the bay.

The Port St. Joe Marina in Port St. Joe, Florida — The Port St. Joe Marina provides access to St. Joseph Bay from the waterfront in Port St. Joe, Florida. The marina serves recreational boaters and anglers exploring the bay and nearby waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Its location also reflects the city’s longstanding connection to boating, fishing, and the coastal environment of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Photo credit: Stephanie Sellers; licensed.

Shipyard Cove was once a repair area for sailing vessels in the 19th century. In the 1990s, the site was preserved for public use and became a waterfront park. The restored Maddox House remains a notable local landmark, and the area includes walking paths, picnic space, and a bayside beach along St. Joseph Bay between Port St. Joe Marina and Frank Pate Park.

Old Florida streetscape in Port St. Joe — Port St. Joe is a small coastal community along St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County and part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. This aerial view shows the city’s compact downtown street grid, residential neighborhoods, and low-rise development extending inland from the waterfront. The community retains much of its Old Florida character while serving as a gateway to boating, fishing, beaches, and outdoor recreation around St. Joseph Bay. Photo credit: Jacob Boomsma; licensed.

Frank Pate Park, on the site of the former Port Inn, is a favorite waterfront stop for both residents and visitors. Amenities have included picnic areas, a playground, tennis courts, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier, though facilities may change over time. One of the park’s biggest draws is the view across the bay toward St. Joseph Peninsula, especially at sunset.

>>> Back to List of Florida Travel