St Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida - Port St. Joe, Florida Abundant Birds Seen in Panhandle Park on the Gulf Coast

St Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida is located at 8899 Cape San Blas Road in Port St. Joe in the central part of the panhandle in the northwest region of this state.

The park hosts 9 miles of white, sandy beaches on a peninsula bordered by St. Joseph's Bay to the East and the Gulf of Mexico to the west.

Originally the peninsula was inhabited by the Fort Walton indigenous cultures of Weeden Island and Mississippi, according to artifacts found within the park areas that serve as historic evidence of their presence. As early as the 1500s the Spanish arrived here and named the Bay; but it was not until 1701 when European settlement began with the construction of the Presidio San Jose Fort and a mission. That settlement was abandoned after only a few years. In 1868 the land here was bought by the Stone family, which sold it to the U.S. in 1940. The peninsula served as a military training ground until opening as a park in 1967.

St Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida has 3 nature trails and a Wilderness Preserve with a variety of wildlife and plant habitats. More than 240 avian species have been seen and recorded in this park including birds of prey. A number of migratory birds make stops at this park in the fall and spring. In October there are bird watching tours organized as part of the Florida Panhandle Birding and Wildflower Festival.

Snorkeling is popular here as well as swimming and hiking. Cycling is also allowed in the park as well as fishing, although in the state of Florida Salt water fishing requires a license. On the Bay side of the peninsula is a boat ramp located at Eagle Harbor.

There are unequipped camp sites as well as 120 campgrounds with full facilities including water spigots, grills, picnic tables and electricity. There are also 8 cabins located by the bay. The cabins have kitchens, heating and air conditioning as well as bathrooms.

The park is open from 8 AM until sunset on 365 days of the year.

There are fees charged for vehicle and individual admission into the park. There are also fees for camping and use of the cabins.

A 70 seat pavilion is also available for rental for activities within the park.

St Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida allows pets in designated areas as long as they are leashed. The park is accessible to the disabled and the ranger station should be contacted in the event of any need of assistance.

The fine, white beach sand is formed of quartz that eroded in the Appalachian Mountains hundreds of millions of years ago and naturally made its way on wind and waves to its current location.