Cape San is cool. It's almost a barrier island to Port St Joe, but connected to mainland by a little sand patch that they have to keep buffering with rocks to prevent it becoming a real island. Accd'g to govt studies, this connecter road, like the island itself, is probably doomed, possibly in our lifetime, if storm activity continues at this intensity.
The area was not terribly popular until a few years ago when the St Joe paper mill shut down. Before that, the smell and factory views kept the crowds away. The beaches are very nice, but not quite as nice as SoWal because it's closer to the big bend & the PSJ Bay, with its tannin filled waters. SOme days though it can be perfectly clear.
The eastern half of the cape has private homes and some parks, much of which suffered significant erosion after Ivan and this year's storms. Dogs are legally allowed on these beaches. The western half is designated as a State Park. it's unbelievably gorgeous, and won #1 beach a few years ago in the US by that Dr. Beach fellow. Last time I was there there were 20-30' dunes as far as the eye could see. Not sure how they fared after storms, but with no development there, they are probably pretty intact. Park at the state park, and walk as far down the beach as you possibly can--it's nine miles long. The farther you go, the younger the people get. Once you've past the last surfer dude, it's just you, a TON of beautiful shells, and the most diverse beach wildlife you've seen in a while. Incredible flocks of birds. It's the closest thing I've experienced to complete seclusion in nature, possibly ever. Here you see infinity.
As for retail/restaurants, there's not much. Hardly anything on the island except a TOm Thumb-like convenience store, and a handful of others. You have to stock up in Port St Joe, a good 30 minute drive if i recall.. Best eating around was at Angelo's in Panacea, (!!!) but not sure if that's been rebuilt yet after being washed away by TS Cindy. Best gumbo ever.
thanks so much !!!!!
thanks again!!!! our group really doesnt need much to do, we like to sit on the beach all day and soak in the beauty.
