Cape San Blas vacation rentals

The little-explored white-sand beaches of Cape San Blas make up the western edge of the Florida Panhandle’s “Forgotten Coast.” But a stay on this tranquil finger of barrier dunes and coco palms will actually have you forgetting everything else. The pristine gulf-front getaway has some of the finest sands in the country, earning it spots on lists of the nation’s top beaches, while the destination’s bay side is defined by pine trees and fishing docks extending over shallow waters and swaying turtle grass. Tight regulations have kept development here limited, with only single-family homes and townhomes gracing the otherwise pristine coastline. Wildlife therefore abounds, and outdoor adventures such as kayaking, stand-up paddling, and cycling are all the more interesting for it.

Like other destinations around the Panhandle, the most temperate months to visit Cape San Blas are May and October, although the biting flies also tend to hit the beaches during those months, which can be unpleasant. Summer days get hot, with temperatures regularly entering the 80s and sometimes the 90s Fahrenheit, and August is the rainiest month, with some scattered storms. From November to February the temperature drops, with averages ranging in the 50s. Whenever you go, you’re unlikely to encounter crowds, and you should definitely pack sun protection and a trusty pair of flip-flops.

The Beach

The fine white sands of Cape San Blas are beloved by humans, and are known widely for the other creatures they host: This dog-friendly beach also welcomes visitors on horseback, a particularly lovely endeavor around sunrise or sunset.

T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

This breathtaking 2,516-acre expanse includes sandy dunes, unspoiled shoreline, and bayfront marsh, along with a 20-mile stretch of the deep-blue Gulf of Mexico. Nesting birds like the snowy plover are protected here, along with sea turtles and the endangered St. Andrew beach mouse. It’s great for a swim, a wilderness hike, a bike ride on Loggerhead Run Bike Path, or a fishing excursion, and the sunsets are magnificent.

Salinas Park

In 2020, this family-friendly park and popular picnicking spot added new hiking trails and an elevated boardwalk overlooking St. Joseph’s Bay. There’s also a pickleball court and some lovely water features, including misting fountains, You can reach the park via the Loggerhead Run Bike Path, which also connects to the neighboring T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.