Explore Cape San Blas: Florida’s Hidden Gem with 9-Mile Waterfront Trail and Gorgeous Beaches

1. Introduction

When it comes to Florida vacations, popular hot spots like Orlando, Miami, Key West, and Fort Lauderdale come to mind. In Airbnb’s newly released 2022 Summer Travel Trends report, the Sunshine State dominated the top 10 trending summer domestic destinations — but the top spots were more surprising, including Cape San Blas, which was the No. 2 most-searched destination by U.S. guests in Q1 2022.

2. Attractions of Cape San Blas

While the 750-acre peninsula on the Panhandle’s Emerald Coast may not get the headlines — in fact, it’s on what Floridians occasionally call the state’s “Forgotten Coast” — it boasts pristine white-sand beaches. The city’s T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park was named the best beach in America by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach, who noted its “lily white sand beaches” had the “finest, whitest sand in the world.”

3. Unique Wildlife and Activities

Furthermore, Cape San Blas is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to nesting birds such as the snowy plover, various species of sea turtles, and two types of endangered St. Andrews beach mice, along with bobcats, raccoons, and armadillos. In addition, this stunning location offers 20 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline where visitors can bike, bird, boat, camp, hike, swim, scuba dive, snorkel, fish, and relax.

St. Joseph Bay itself encompasses 55,000 acres that are protected as an aquatic preserve and remains one of the least-populated areas on the state’s coastline. This area is particularly notable as it is the Gulf of Mexico’s only eastern section without inflow, creating exceptional marine life diversity.

4. Historical Significance

Adding to its charm, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse was first commissioned in 1847 in this hurricane-prone destination. The lighthouse has been rebuilt and relocated multiple times. Currently, the lighthouse district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5. Exploring Cape San Blas

To truly appreciate the natural beauty of Cape San Blas, visitors can explore the 8.7-mile Loggerhead Trail that traces the length of the cape, offering stunning views and wildlife sightings.

6. Conclusion

Cape San Blas is one of six Florida destinations that topped Airbnb’s trending domestic summer destinations list, indicating significant interest from travelers. Alongside other destinations like Walton County, Mexico Beach, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Four Corners, it showcases the diverse landscapes and experiences Florida has to offer.