Wow, what a relief from the overwhelming development of the Gulf Coast.

Would you like to see the unspoiled Gulf Coast as it was before high rise condos took over the landscape and blocked the beach view? For years I've searched up and down the gulf coast looking for someplace more the gulf coast that existed before rampant uncontrolled development obscured the landscape, dumping thousands of beach goers onto a stretch of beach that once sported more birds than people.

Port St. Joe is the place you need to see.

If you're looking for a dozen fancy restaurants and twice as many obnoxious tourista theme bars you probably need to motor on past Port St. Joe. You won't find any high rises blocking the view of the beach and every spectacular sunset. What you will find are unspoiled beaches, friendly people and the stress relief that will keep you coming back to the forgotten coast.

Don't be fooled, forgotten and unspoiled doesn't mean unsophisticated. You will find spectacular cuisine. Visit any of the fine restaurants in Port St. Joe and by the time you leave you will likely to be on a first name basis with chef and/or owner. The laid back atmosphere makes things like this more than common.

There is more than enough to do in Port St. Joe including fishing, snorkeling, scalloping, scuba diving, shelling, bird watching, laying on the beach and relaxing on the beach

Where to stay in Port St. Joe:

Windmark Beach is "the place to stay" not because it is the newest development but because you will not find anyplace any better. Windmark Beach is a destination all by itself.

Where to eat in Port St. Joe:

There are plenty of places, you just have to decide what it is you are hungry for.

Peppers Mexican Restaurant

The Sunset Grill, didn't the Eagles have a song about this place. Sunset Grill sits on the shoreline just east of the Port St. Joe harbor. Great food in a friendly atmosphere.

School of Fish is in the development at Windmark Beach. The only operating restaurant at Windmark beach as of September 16th but others will be up and running soon. School of Fish is the child of the Brennan family. You may recognize the name if you have ever been to New Orleans. Fabulous dishes await you at School of Fish. Save some room for sessert and give the New Orleans Style Bread Pudding a try. I can promise you, you will not forget it.

Sisters: Ummmmm. Very simple and very good. Located downtown on Reid Avenue. Great food and plenty of it.

Other Places and Things in Port St. Joe:

Daly's Dock and Dive Center

Bay Walk, a walking path that borders the bay

You can click here to visit the Gulf Coast Info link directory with links to businesses, restaurants, vacation rentals and attractions in Port St. Joe.

We're putting together a report of our most recent visit to Port St. Joe so make sure you check back in a week or so.
2008-09-17