Things to Do in Port St. Joe from Panama City Beach

Plan the day around stops in town and along St. Joseph Bay; the supplied route details do not establish a drive time or specific driving directions. Historic Downtown Port St. Joe is one block off Highway 98, making it a clear place to begin once you arrive.

For a change of pace on another day, Mexico Beach’s day-trip attractions offer a separate coastal outing from Panama City Beach.

Historic Downtown Port St. Joe sits one block off Highway 98. Pair a look around downtown with time on the Port City Trail, a paved, lighted pedestrian path that runs nearly four miles and is approximately 10 feet wide in most places.

The Bay Walk Trail follows St. Joseph Bay and connects Frank Pate Park, Maddox Park at Shipyard Cove, George Core Park and Clifford Sims Park. You can use the connected parks to shape a waterfront walk, rather than treating the bay and downtown as separate stops.

George Core Park, also called Lighthouse Park, brings together a beach on St. Joseph Bay, shaded picnic areas and the Cape San Blas Lighthouse. The park is at 162 Miss Zola’s Drive, and parking is free. There are no lifeguards.

The lighthouse is open Wednesday through Saturday and has 131 steps. Its gift shop and keeper’s quarters are wheelchair accessible, and the park has ADA parking. Check Visit Florida’s official information before you go for current access details.

For a longer outdoor visit, William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area has boardwalk access to the beach and St. Joseph Bay, as well as a nature trail and swimming pool.

It is at 6773 Cape San Blas Road and is open from 8 a.m. to sunset Eastern Time, 365 days a year. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle.

At Rish Recreation Area, the pool is open from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Beach wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment are free to check out with paid admission, subject to first-come, first-served availability.

Start in Historic Downtown, then walk part of the Port City Trail or follow the Bay Walk Trail between parks. For a relaxed waterfront pause, make George Core Park a stop for its beach, shaded picnic areas and lighthouse.

If you want to spend more time outdoors, choose Rish Recreation Area for its beach access and nature trail, or head to T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.

The park extends 20 miles into the Gulf and offers swimming, fishing, three nature trails and sunset viewing. Its hours are 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year, and its vehicle fee is $6. Grayton Beach State Park is another option for outdoor stops.

The state park also has a 46-site Shady Pines campground, eight cabins and 14 primitive campsites in the Wilderness Preserve.

For other day trips from Panama City Beach, Panama City’s sights offer a different outing.

The St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve Visitor Center and Observation Tower, at 3915 State Road 30A, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The visitor center has preserve maps and educational exhibits; the tower’s viewing deck has a mounted telescope.

Before you go, check the relevant official site for current hours, fees and access. For road crashes and road-condition reports, consult the Florida Highway Patrol’s live incident report before driving back.