Cape San Blas & Port St. Joe Area..Need Your Help Please

[beckster]

Hi guys,
Our family (including 2- 6 year olds) is making some last minute plans for our annual SoWal getaway.
The theme this year is "Budget Price, Decent House". I've done some deep deep Googling and discovered the Cape San Blas area, which is very affordable. After seeing alot of the property pics, we like the natural appeal of it, but have some concerns. We've never been there and have a few questions:
Are the beaches in good shape?
Are they as pretty as SoWal area? Blue water, white sand, waves etc.
As remote as it sounds?
My boys are nature lovers and are pretty easily pleased, although we would love to have a pool as an option.
How far from Panama City would it really be?
Anything else I should know? Has anyone been there recently?
I do have a pretty solid back-up plan if the reviews for the Cape aren't so good....found some affordable new bungalows behind Tom Thumb that should do the trick for a nice week.
We were in Seaside/Seacrest the last week of June last year and boy, the beaches looked really sad. We're inspired by some of the recent posts and ready to come back "home".
Thanks for your help!!
Beckster

[Cil]

Hi beckster

I live in the Port St Joe area (actually quite close to the Cape) and can attempt some of your questions.
Panama City is about 40 minutes away.
Hurricane Dennis hit the Cape last summer and there was some damage but everything looks good right now.
The water here has been quite clear the past few days, there has been some June Grass but apparently not as much as in SoWal--certainly none on the actual beaches.
The impression that I get is that the Cape's beaches are not, overall, as fine as SoWal. But I have not spent that much time in SoWal, so I dunno.
I do know that the sand is awfully white and as I said, the water has been quite clear. Nice sandbar. Plenty of dolphins. The bayous around here are like miniature nature shows--always something to see.
If you want a pool, you need to stay at a place that has one.
It is pretty remote out on the Cape, but there are *some* restaurants, and there is *some* shopping. The Loggerhead on the Cape is pricey but we enjoyed the food. Coneheads has icecream. Scallop Cove has some basic necessities--but I typically just drive into PSJ or Apalachicola.
If you like, PM me and I can go into further detail.
I edited this and fixed the link! Thanks again SJ.
Loggerhead Grill

[Smiling JOe]

I think you meant loggerheadgrill.com

[Cil]

oops
heehee
Thanks SJ.
That indeed was what I meant!

And obviously y'all know more than I do about the area.
I just visited the St Joseph Peninsula State Park for the first time two months ago.
It's beautiful.
The shelling on the Cape is very good; much better than were I am now, which is in between Indian Pass and the Cape.
I just came back from a walk down the beach. This certainly is a gorgeous place.

[aquaticbiology]

ok, if you're going to invade my favorite beach, please be respectful of the nature around you and follow all the following rules to the letter

there is nothing but natural beauty there - be sure its the same way when you leave

this is not south walton or panama city beach - there is nothing but nothing there - and how wonderful that is!

there is really no 'city' to go to locally, it is miles away and is only a small town, and is on eastern time

privacy is everything to the other residents, and yes you can find stretches of beach to sunbathe nude if you like (some beaches are very remote) - i've never sunbathed nude, but going down the beach fishing the 'rut' i've passed people on the beach who were

carry cellphones (that work in the area) or walky-talky radios just in case something goes horribly wrong - there is usually no one around to hear your screaming and call for help

its turtle season, use red filters on flashlights and lamps at night and keep your house dark on the side facing the sea - watch your car headlights as well

beware of animals on the road, especially at night - deer, possums, racoons, etc.

go down to panacea to jack rudloe's gulf specimen company aquarium (http://www.gulfspecimen.org/Visit.html), take the tour and buy at least one book, then go on the boat tour at wakulla springs (http://www.floridastateparks.org/wak...otos-Visit.cfm)

eat a shovelnose at angelo's overlooking ochlockonee bay on your way to/from panacea

this is the real florida - don't drag anything from the beach like coconuts or driftwood into your house - they will stink ritcheously and have billions of insects inside them

there is absolutely nowhere for kids to go to 'do something' except the park store for hand-dipped ice cream, and that may be some miles away

there is absolutely nowhere to go to eat except the grill or driving over an hour (one way, two hour+ round trip) to angelo's - bring lots of food and be sure your place has ways to cook it

the port st joe walmart is old and smells funny

don't get run over by a turtle watch kid on a atv - possibly a retarded person

beware of any animals that act drunk - possibly rabid (literally, keep away from all animals, especially those that show problems with balance, etc)

when you take out your trash, put it in the elevated bin - if it gets thrown around by animals, pick it up

if the wind drops, there will be mosquitos that appear to be larger than a suv

there is no such thing as boredom where you are going, just cases of having 'too much funn' with mother nature

have funn, be safe, bring lots of sunscreen and film - at the rate its going away, this pristine wilderness will be gone in another few years - you have been given the chance to see something and be somewhere special, bear it in mind and make it the best trip ever - tell the kids so they will understand that this is probably the only time they will ever see a beach without condos and to enjoy going native with nature

[Cil]

Aquatic

What Walmart in Port St Joe? Do you mean the Dollar Store(s)?
Or the Piggly Wiggly? It's been remodeled but it's true that it's not exactly a state-of-the-art Publix.
The nearest SprawlMart that I know of is in Panama City.

beware of animals on the road, especially at night - deer, possums, racoons, etc.

Saw a dead river otter on 30A today.
See a grey fox in the back yard quite often. :)

there is absolutely nowhere to go to eat except the grill or driving over an hour (one way, two hour+ round trip) to angelo's - bring lots of food and be sure your place has ways to cook it

There are a few decent places to eat in PSJ: Dockside Cafe (owned by the Loggerhead folks), Pepper's, and exquisite, imaginative food at a little hole in the wall called Provisions. Getting there from the Cape is not that bad.
But it involves driving.
There is good shrimp to be had at several places. The Raw Bar on 30A is supposed to be open but I haven't checked it out yet.
I definitely would stock up on groceries (and liquor!) before coming here.

It is wonderful indeed to be on a beach with no high rises.

[DD]

aquatic: i loved your post! i have just visited the cape a couple of times on a day trip, but thought it was wonderful and would love to stay there for a week or so. i could literally see no one but the wildlife for a week and be perfectly entertained. unfortunately, i am sure you are right that this won't last forever..wish it could.

[Ocean Lover]

Good info AB, you sure tell it like it is...

[aquaticbiology]

Aquatic

What Walmart in Port St Joe? Do you mean the Dollar Store(s)?
Or the Piggly Wiggly? It's been remodeled but it's true that it's not exactly a state-of-the-art Publix.
The nearest SprawlMart that I know of is in Panama City.

i ran out of medicine one time (dropped the dang bottle into the toilet, ruining it) so we docked at indian pass campground and took a ride with some man named joe (which i thought was fitting) in a pick-up truck to a ancient non-super-center wal-mart that smelled like a sour mop, but they did have a pharmacy, it was actually open and i was able to get my meds - thanks again, br joe, where ever you are

[Cil]

Wow, Aquatic, am I still mystified about the ancient walmart, but I sure am glad you were able to get your meds--thank goodness for joe and his pickup.
It really is important to try to stay healthy around here.

[kurt]

I can vouch for the skeeters. Camping there means you are in your tent at sundown. The coons are as big as a Volkswagon and scavenge day and night. The Alligators also are much larger and meaner on the cape and surrounding areas. I have also seen a black bear up close that was bigger than my 4runner. The wild hogs will hunt you down and remove your privates with their tusks. Beware the wolf packs that like to shred and eat children.

[Cil]

[beckster]

Hey, I got twin boys. I ain't skeert o' nothin'!!!!
Thanks for all the information. We've decided to go for it and do something different and enjoy nature. I'm waiting to hear back from the rental agency and make my booking today. We live in Houston, so driving to go somewhere for dinner doesn't effect us at all.
From the pics I've seen, the Cape looks beautiful!! Everytime we go to Shell Island I always think how great it would be to find a place that looks like that to stay. I believe we have. We are really glad to have found this little place that sounds so special.
Don't worry Aquatic, we'll be careful and appreciate your very informative post. The marine life tour you posted is perfect for the boys.
I'll be checking back here for more info. I appreciate the help!
Beckster

[aquaticbiology]

The marine life tour you posted is perfect for the boys.
Beckster

you will all get a blast out of it

make sure your tour guide shows you the seahorses and make sure the kids hold the cowrie shells!

there's cowrie shells and seahorses living in the our nw florida ocean? - yep!

whee!

[Beach Runner]

One of my friends has a house at Cape San Blas. She says it's beautiful, yet a bit boring for her because there are not many shopping and dining options. On the other hand, her husband loves its remoteness, he has the money, so she doesn't rock the boat. I'd have a hard time being that complaisant.

[Cil]

Well, I understand how the wife feels, but I look at it two ways:

1) Happiness comes from within. It is breathtakingly beautiful here.
I love nature and animals, that's plentiful here, and I love swimming.
I just came back from an absolutely *awesome* swim! I go to town almost every day, do my little thing, or I might go to Apalach; once or twice a month I head to the "big city"--as in Panama. I'm not all that big on shopping, though I'd definitely like more options. I like to cook. What I do miss are movies and museums, but at least there is the Dixie Theater at Apalach.

2) The new town center will come.

Making friends helps. They're only here part of the time, right?
Tell the wife to give me a call and I'll hang out with her.

[Beach Runner]

Tell the wife to give me a call and I'll hang out with her.

I'll tell her next time I see her. Thanks.

[CJ]

It is a wonderful place. I grew up in Grayton beach, and it reminds me of Grayton in the 1960's and 70's. I took my 2 daughters, and my niece to St Joseph St. park last week. We snorkeled the grass beds all afternoon. Found lots of shells and saw all kinds of marine life. In the 1970's we used to get lots of scallops there. Then we headed over to Wakulla Springs and spent the night at the Motel. No T.V.'s., great old timey restaurant, checker boards, heard the gators bellowing in the spring all night. (mating season). Next morning had a great brakfast, then took a river tour, seeing lots of gators, snakes, wood ducks, fish, rare birds, cypress tree's-some as old as 600 years. Very educational for the kids, and quality time spent with them. If you want to experience Florida as it was say about 1940 you will enjoy this trip.

[kurt]

It is a wonderful place. I grew up in Grayton beach, and it reminds me of Grayton in the 1960's and 70's. I took my 2 daughters, and my niece to St Joseph St. park last week. We snorkeled the grass beds all afternoon. Found lots of shells and saw all kinds of marine life. In the 1970's we used to get lots of scallops there. Then we headed over to Wakulla Springs and spent the night at the Motel. No T.V.'s., great old timey restaurant, checker boards, heard the gators bellowing in the spring all night. (mating season). Next morning had a great brakfast, then took a river tour, seeing lots of gators, snakes, wood ducks, fish, rare birds, cypress tree's-some as old as 600 years. Very educational for the kids, and quality time spent with them. If you want to experience Florida as it was say about 1940 you will enjoy this trip.

Somebody forgot to log out CJ?

[CJ]

Yes sorry. I'm at work. I'm stantheman.

[ktschris]

Beckster...when are you planning to go? I'm leaving Saturday morning for my first trip to "The Cape" so I will report in and let you know.

I'm so excited! Although I will miss SoWal, and the opportunity to meet up with alot of people on this board, it's kind of funn to explore a new place. And from what I can tell from a map (I'm very challenged in this area btw) SoWal doesn't seem all that far.

So here is an open invitation to all my buddies on the board to come on down and visit us!

Cil, would love to meet you and compare Colorado stories, pm me if you want. I will post a report when we get back!

[30A Skunkape]

Keep your eyes open for a solitude lovin' SKUNKAPE!

[ktschris]

Will you be there? I'll wear my SoWal gear proudly...and remember, The Otter flies at midnight!

Seriously, you won't be able to miss us...we have 3 houses and a condo. We will look like the Griswalds (sp?) BUT, we always pack what we take!

[30A Skunkape]

Will you be there? I'll wear my SoWal gear proudly...and remember, The Otter flies at midnight!

Seriously, you won't be able to miss us...we have 3 houses and a condo. We will look like the Griswalds (sp?) BUT, we always pack what we take!

No, not me, the 'real' critters-it sounds prehistoric from the description!

[seagrovelover]

I can vouch for the skeeters. Camping there means you are in your tent at sundown. The coons are as big as a Volkswagon and scavenge day and night. The Alligators also are much larger and meaner on the cape and surrounding areas. I have also seen a black bear up close that was bigger than my 4runner. The wild hogs will hunt you down and remove your privates with their tusks. Beware the wolf packs that like to shred and eat children.

Gee Kurt, this place must be very special.....kind of like Sowal in October???

[DD]

Beckster...when are you planning to go? I'm leaving Saturday morning for my first trip to "The Cape" so I will report in and let you know.

I'm so excited! Although I will miss SoWal, and the opportunity to meet up with alot of people on this board, it's kind of funn to explore a new place. And from what I can tell from a map (I'm very challenged in this area btw) SoWal doesn't seem all that far.

So here is an open invitation to all my buddies on the board to come on down and visit us!

Cil, would love to meet you and compare Colorado stories, pm me if you want. I will post a report when we get back!

Yes, please post. As I said, I would LOVE to spend some real time there....someday. Can't wait to hear all about your trip.

[beckster]

ktschris - we check in on June 24 for 1 week. I was able to access a ton of pics from our rentals website and it looks awesome! Remember the original Flipper movie? It reminds me of that. We're going to miss staying in Seaside/Seacrest this year, but I have a feeling we won't regret our decision to venture out a bit. We may even take a day trip to Seaside if we need a fix. We were excited to learn that there's horsebackriding on the Cape and that you can make small campfires for weenie roasts on the beach as well. I hope you saw aquaticbiology's post above for some really good area info. The only thing I am really worried about are bug bites that would be more than a nuisance, so we're gonna be packing lots of bug spray.
Please do post a trip report when you get home and leave some shells for me! Have a great trip.

[kurt]

Gee Kurt, this place must be very special.....kind of like Sowal in October???

Only a slight exaggeration. Not recommended for comfort lovers.

[ktschris]

ktschris - we check in on June 24 for 1 week. I was able to access a ton of pics from our rentals website and it looks awesome! Remember the original Flipper movie? It reminds me of that. We're going to miss staying in Seaside/Seacrest this year, but I have a feeling we won't regret our decision to venture out a bit. We may even take a day trip to Seaside if we need a fix. We were excited to learn that there's horsebackriding on the Cape and that you can make small campfires for weenie roasts on the beach as well. I hope you saw aquaticbiology's post above for some really good area info. The only thing I am really worried about are bug bites that would be more than a nuisance, so we're gonna be packing lots of bug spray.
Please do post a trip report when you get home and leave some shells for me! Have a great trip.

skeeters don't scare me...I've been to minnsota in the summer!
We don't leave until the 25th! Wear your SoWal gear, maybe we'll run into you

[Beach Crazy]

ktschris - we check in on June 24 for 1 week. I was able to access a ton of pics from our rentals website and it looks awesome! Remember the original Flipper movie? It reminds me of that. We're going to miss staying in Seaside/Seacrest this year, but I have a feeling we won't regret our decision to venture out a bit. We may even take a day trip to Seaside if we need a fix. We were excited to learn that there's horsebackriding on the Cape and that you can make small campfires for weenie roasts on the beach as well. I hope you saw aquaticbiology's post above for some really good area info. The only thing I am really worried about are bug bites that would be more than a nuisance, so we're gonna be packing lots of bug spray.
Please do post a trip report when you get home and leave some shells for me! Have a great trip.

Don't forget the vinegar for the bugs! I used some last night when I went to pick black berries. Worked like a charm, not one bug bite!

[Cil]

kstschris
I PM'd you.

ktschris - . We were excited to learn that there's horsebackriding on the Cape and that you can make small campfires for weenie roasts on the beach as well.

The Broke-A-Toe girls are so nice! Usually they have you meet them at Salinas Park, which is very close to us.
Are beach bonfires not allowed at SoWal?

The only thing I am really worried about are bug bites that would be more than a nuisance, so we're gonna be packing lots of bug spray.
.

FWIW
The bugs have not been that bad where we are on 30A, but I could see how this might be an issue if you are not prepared.
There is blueberry picking on 30A, about halfway between PSJ and the Cape San Blas turnoff.
The shelling has been incredible since the storm. Lots of "occupied" shells crawling around. :)

[seagrovelover]

Only a slight exaggeration. Not recommended for comfort lovers.

You mean camping???? our comfort level is not a question.......
gulf-front home, with a gulf-front pool,ac, tons of space in the house, we bring all we need and plan to be on the beach from dawn to dusk......sounds like heaven to me

[ktschris]

I can vouch for the skeeters. Camping there means you are in your tent at sundown.

Now I know what you were talking about!!!

[Miss Kitty]

Alright...y'all are back! Tell us all about it!!!

[Lady D]

Blueberries, did I read the word blueberries and picking??? Didn't know 30A was anywhere near PSJ and Cape San Blas though!

[seagrovelover]

It's 30 that runs off 98 out of Port St Joe all the way to the Cape...not 30A right????




Man were they right about the skeeters I'm still scratching right this very minute!!!!

The stump hole is a breeding ground