Gulf County: Coast, Nature and History

White-sand beaches and high dunes define the Gulf of America side of St. Joseph Peninsula; on the St. Joseph Bay side, the peninsula is characterized by marshland. It stretches 20 miles into the waters of the Gulf of America. This coastal landscape sits alongside other nature experiences in Gulf County, from Bay access via a nature trail to the waterscape at Dead Lake.

Coast, Peninsula and Wildlife

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park provides habitat for shore-nesting birds, including the snowy plover. Three sea turtle species and the threatened populations of the St. Andrews beach mouse are also among the park’s conservation concerns. Swimming is possible in the park.

The scenic Maritime Hammock Trail runs for 0.5 miles through three distinct natural communities and provides access to St. Joseph Bay. The short route connects different natural areas along a single trail; when planning a visit, you can include both the trail and the Bay as specific experiences.

Experienced paddlers may consider a challenging 2.5-mile paddling trip from St. Joe Beach to the remote tip of Cape San Blas. It offers a different way to access the coastal landscape than the short Maritime Hammock Trail. The two routes differ in length, activity and destination: a scenic trail through natural communities on the one hand, and a challenging paddling trip on the other.

Dead Lake and Fishing

Dead Lake is a 6,700-acre lake with dark, tannin-rich water. The lake landscape forms a striking contrast with the peninsula’s white beaches and dunes. A boat ramp at Dead Lake State Park and Recreation Area provides access to the lake. Check the facilities before your trip.

Fishing is possible year-round in Gulf County: along the coast, offshore and in freshwater. Dead Lake has a good reputation for spring fishing for bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker). If fishing is part of your travel plans, this seasonal focus adds a specific highlight; at the same time, your options aren’t limited to the lake.

History and Exhibits

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve encompasses 19 known archaeological and historic sites dating from prehistory through the 20th century. Another historical topic is explored at Constitution Convention Museum State Park: it commemorates the work of 56 territorial delegates who drafted Florida’s first constitution in 1838. Visitors can tour the exhibits and displays on their own.

For a trip that includes history as well as nature, you can choose between different highlights: the sites in the Preserve and the exhibits at Museum State Park. At Museum State Park, you can explore the exhibits and displays independently.

Honey and Annual Events

In Wewahitchka, visitors can sample raw honey and tour an apiary. Tastings and visits depend on arrangements with the individual apiary. The annual Tupelo Honey Festival takes place in Gulf County on the third weekend in May. The Blast on the Bay Songwriters Festival is also held there annually, in October. If your trip depends on an event, check the dates for your travel year.

Plan Your Stay

When looking for hotels in Gulf County, your travel dates and planned experiences can be a starting point: Dead Lake is known for the fish species mentioned above in spring, the Tupelo Honey Festival takes place in May, and the Songwriters Festival in October.

Discover more destinations: Port St. Joe, Washington County, Brevard, Broward, Hillsborough, Orange, Indian River, Martin

For the main travel overview: Florida.