St. Joseph Peninsula Sate Park
This state park conserves the peninsula that juts northward from Cape San Blas dividing Saint Joseph Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring miles of white beaches, sand dunes and coastal forests, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including sunbathing, kayaking, fishing, camping and hiking.
Apalachicola River
The Apalachicola River forms from the confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers. Forming the eastern border of Gulf County, the forested floodplain created by the Apalachicola River is Florida's largest. Much of the floodplain and surrounding forests is conserved by federal, state and private organizations. Hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing and fishing are popular activities along the Apalachicola River. The highly sought Tupelo honey is cultivated by a select group of beekeepers along the Apalachicola River and the nearby town of Wewahitchka hosts a Tupelo Honey Festival in late spring each year.
Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico and the associated Saint Joseph Bay is a popular destination for boaters and anglers. SCUBA divers enjoy the wrecks and reefs off of Cape San Blas provide, including the wreck of the Empire Mica some 20 miles off the coast. Sunk by a German U-boat in World War II, she rests in just over 100 feet of water. Several charter fisherman and dive charters operate in the area to facilitate reaching targeted offshore activities.
Article Written By David Chandler
David Chandler has been a freelance writer since 2006 whose work has appeared in various print and online publications. A former reconnaissance Marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor and angler. He has traveled extensively and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology.
