T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

The St. Joseph Peninsula stretches 20 miles into the Gulf of Mexico with sandy white beaches and tall dunes on the Gulf side and marsh on the bay side. The park is teeming with wildlife, providing vitally important habitats for beach nesting birds including the snowy plover, three species of sea turtles, and two remaining “core” populations of endangered St. Andrews beach mouse

The park is a favorite for getting away, swimming, fishing and enjoying Florida’s Gulf coast and spectacular sunsets.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycles are welcome at the park. The park has over two miles of paved road that can be shared with other motorists. Just outside the park, there is a 10-mile bike trail that borders County Road 30E. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.

Birding
St. Joseph Peninsula is an excellent location to bird watch. Numerous species of wading birds, shorebirds, migratory birds and birds of prey live or spend time at the park during their migration north and south. The park is documented as the most productive shorebird nesting beach in the panhandle of Florida.

Boating
Boating is a popular activity at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. The clear water of St. Joseph Bay, the deep water access from the park, great fishing, 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.
Paddling
Canoeing and Kayaking are popular activities at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. You may carry your vessel and launch from the beach, conditions permitting; or you can launch into the bay at the ramp area. There are plenty of clear shallow water areas that make St. Joseph Bay idea for canoe or kayak.

Fishing
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 an extremely popular activity 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.
Picnicking
The picnic area at Eagle Harbor provides small picnic shelters, restrooms, boat ramp and access to the beach and bay.

Scuba Diving
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
Shelling is a popular activity at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. With both Gulf and St Joseph Bay beach access the shelling opportunities are abundant. Try shelling different times of the year to see different varieties of shells.

Shelling is best at low tide and after storm activity.
Do not take live shells and collect only a few.

Snorkeling
Snorkelers are drawn to the clear shallow waters of St. Joseph Bay. A visible dive flag is required while snorkeling and you must stay within 25’ of your flag.

Collecting live shells or marine life is prohibited.
You should be familiar with the regulations of your activity.

Swimming
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.  Be safe and enjoy your swim at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park.

Wildlife Viewing
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 get a chance to see. Shore birds 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

Accessible Amenities
T.H Stone Memorial - St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for visitors:

Beach wheelchairs and an electric mobility device
Outdoor shower / rinse stations
Park Concession
Marina Basin
Picnic shelter and picnic facilities

Beaches
In 2002, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was named #1 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach. Once rated number one, it will not 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 shore bird 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; yellow means swim with caution and stay close to shore; green means that the waters are safe; purple 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! Lifeguards are not provided.

Boat Ramp
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.

Canoe Kayak Launch
There are several locations to launch a canoe or kayak at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. You can put your canoe or kayak into the bay along the shore at Eagle harbor or utilize the boat ramp area. Across from the Harbor is a ramped access to the beach making it easy to launch into the Gulf of Mexico.

Pets
Pets are not allowed on beaches, along the natural shoreline, in picnic shelters, in the restrooms, or 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.

Shower Station
Accessible cold water outdoor rinse stations are available at the beach access areas, and near the boat ramp area at Eagle Harbor.