Experiences
Bicycles are welcome at the park, which has over 2 miles of paved road shared with motorists. Just outside the park there is a 10-mile bike trail that borders County Road 30 East.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
St. Joseph Peninsula is an excellent location to bird-watch. Numerous species of wading birds, shorebirds, migratory birds and birds of prey inhabit or rest at the park during their migration north and south.
The park is documented as the most productive shorebird nesting beach in the Florida Panhandle.
The clear water of St. Joseph Bay; the deep-water access from the park; great fishing and snorkeling; and easy access to off-shore reefs and fishing attracts a large boating crowd. Knowledge of local waters is required.
- Please be cautious of changing tides and water depth, and do not damage seagrass or other sensitive marine habitat.
- The park provides an accessible route around the marina basin to the restrooms, concession, fish cleaning station, rinse/shower station and beach.
Fish caught in the waters around the park include speckled trout, red drum, flounder, mullet, bluefish, whiting and shark. Spear fishing is not permitted in the park. Scalloping is extremely popular during the summer months.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Scuba diving is limited at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park; however, there is excellent scuba diving off shore. The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association has placed several artificial reefs and wrecks off shore just north of the park.
There are dive trips offered locally and several captains ready to take you diving on that special spot.
Shelling is popular at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. With both Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay beach access, shelling opportunities are abundant. Try shelling at different times of the year to see a variety of shells.
- Shelling is best at low tide and after storm activity.
- Collect only a few shells. Do not take live shells.
Both the Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay are excellent places to swim, and the waters are clear and relatively shallow.
- There are no lifeguards on duty and you should be familiar with the risk associated with swimming in open water.
- Rip tides and marine hazards can cause harm and at times be deadly.
- Be sure to take a friend and let others know your plans, and it is always best to wear a lifejacket or carry flotation when swimming in open waters.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a lovely place to have a wedding. The most popular location is beach side at sunset.
Planning your wedding in the morning? Eagle Harbor area would be a great place with the sun rising over the bay. The park is ideally positioned facing the sunset on the beach side and the sunrise on the bay side.
- For information and fees for weddings at the park, contact the park office at 850-227-1327.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife. Deer are commonly viewed along the park drive. Bobcat, fox, otter, raccoon, squirrels, opossum, coyote and armadillo are just a few animals you may chance to see.
Shorebirds and wading birds rest, nest and feed at the park. Sea turtles come onto the beach during the summer to lay their eggs. In the fall and spring, the park is a much needed stop for migrating birds and butterflies. The park is one of the many stops listed on the Florida Birding Trail.
Amenities
In 2002, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was named No. 1 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach. Having been rated No. 1, it cannot be rated again but remains on the list of top-rated beaches.
The park offers white sandy beaches and some of the tallest sand dunes in the state. Swimming, fishing, shelling, snorkeling and just relaxing on the beach are the most popular activities. Sea turtle and shorebirds nest on the beach in summer months.
- Please stay off the dunes, and do not disturb sea turtle nests or enter shorebird nesting areas.
- Pets are not permitted on the beach at the state park but are permitted on public beaches outside of the park. Review our pet policy for more information.
- Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach:
- Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents
- Red flag means high hazards, such as high surf and/or strong currents, swim at your own risk. Knee deep is too deep.
- Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to shore
- Green flag means that the waters are safe
- Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
- The park has an accessible route to the beach and also offers a beach wheelchair and an electric mobility device to access the beach. These amenities are offered first-come, first-served. Arrangements for use of these devices can be made at the ranger station or by calling 850-227-1327.
- Please use caution as lifeguards are not provided.
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Beach warning flags.
A paved ramp and deep water access can accommodate most vessels on a trailer. The park has a marina basin that has limited space. Accessible picnic area, route to the beach, cold water outdoor rinse station, fish cleaning station and restrooms can also be found near the boat ramp.
- Parking is limited, and a $5 fee (in addition to the general park admission fee) is required to launch your boat at the park.
The Scallop Cove Too concession is accessible to all and offers food, snacks, drinks, groceries, beach supplies, boating and fishing supplies, camping supplies and beach rentals. They also rent pontoon boats, kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and dive flags. For more information or to make a reservation, visit Scallop Cove Too.
Pets are not allowed on beaches, along the natural shoreline, in picnic shelters, in the restrooms or in the wilderness area. In the areas where pets are allowed, they must be on a six-foot hand-held leash and be well behaved at all times. For more information, see the official Pet Policy.
