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13 Adventurous Things To Do In Cape San Blas With Kids

Known as a little slice of Florida paradise, without much tourism traffic, Cape San Blas is a great destination for family vacations. The destination is only a 20-minute drive from Port St. Joe and offers plenty of seclusion. There’s a vast array of things to do in Cape San Blas with kids – both indoor and outdoor – that will keep your vacation itinerary full. These family-friendly activities will be the reason your family comes back!

Cape San Blas is part of Gulf County, Florida. They’re known for beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. The area is only 200 miles from Atlanta, 315 miles from Birmingham and 500 from Nashville. With direct flights and short drive times, it’s a desirable part of Florida to visit with kids.

Clear water, white sand beaches and tranquil inland passages are easy to find in Cape San Blas. The year round great weather means there’s always plenty of recreational fun. However, the local artisan culture makes the indoor activities just as enticing for families.

Looking for even more great Florida family vacation planning tips? Check out some of my favorite spots to bring kids in the sunshine state:

13 Cape San Blas Attractions For Families

Cape San Blas is actually a narrow stretch of land that extends out from Port St. Joe and curves around the bay. It has a very laid back vibe and much of the area is walkable. Shops and dining can easily be accessed from the area’s paved pathways – on foot or bike. From sun up to sun down, you can find plenty of family-friendly attractions without driving around!

My top picks of family-friendly places to stay are vacation rentals. Save money on food by having your own kitchen and amenities that are great when traveling with kids. Plus, you can score some amazing views that you can’t get from a hotel.

My VRBO Cape San Blas Vacation Rental Picks:

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

Offering 1,900 acres of tranquil beaches and hiking, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a great destination that’ll fit any vacation budget. Guests love to hike along the two nature trails and catch the sunset. The park is also home to plenty of wildlife, including 3 different species of sea turtles. It’s a great spot for fishing (with a boat ramp) and family swimming. Kids will love the sea shell lined beaches and opportunities for snorkeling or biking.

Cape San Blas things to do with kids
Cape San Blas is a quiet destination for families. Photo Credit: Credit: Gulf County Tourist Development Council

Indian Pass Beach

Cape San Blas is known for being pet-friendly. If you’re looking for a great beach to take the kids and dog, check out Indian Pass. You’ll experience the true beauty of old Florida. On one side there’s white sand beaches and gorgeous uninterrupted views and on the other side, you’ll see colorful historic homes. Indian Pass also offers a boat launch. Rent a pet-friendly boat for the day and enjoy this unique area.

Cape San Blas, Florida Beaches

St. Vincent Island

Located at the tip of the peninsula, St. Vincent Island is a national wildlife refuge. With over 12,000 acres of protected habitat and primitive shores, it’s a great place to take kid who are looking for some of the animals that Florida is famous for. There are trails for hiking and biking, but I love the idea of a St. Vincent fishing charter that’s family-friendly. Local fishing experts will help you secure some great catches and they’ll show you the area’s wildlife. A day trip is perfect with kids!

Wewahitchka (Or Wewa)

A bit inland from Cape San Blas, Wewahitchka is about a 45-minute drive from the beach areas and a fun day trip. The area has waterways through “dead lakes” with tree stumps that stand in the water. Contrary to the name, the stumps are filled with wildlife.

The aquatic ecosystem is known for bass fishing with record-breaking catches. Kids will love to kayak through this area and visit the downtown area of Lake Alice Park. Tupelo honey is produced on the river’s edge and the kids can talk to a beekeeper to learn about how the honey is collected. Then take home a great souvenir!

The dead lakes of Wewahitchka
A bit eery and cool, the Wewahitchka area is worth a visit! Credit: Gulf County Tourist Development Council

Cape San Blas Dolphin Watching

Book a dolphin watching cruise with the local charters. You’re not guaranteed to see a dolphin, but there’s a really good chance that you will! Kids have a great time no matter what and the experts know where to look. The clear shallow waters of Cape San Blas make it a prime location for dolphins, sea turtles, seahorses and plenty of fish.

Take The Kids Fishing

Take either a guided fishing trip or set out on your own to grab a catch. You can fish inshore, offshore or in the freshwater areas. Local guides assist with what lures and bait to use. Plus, they’re great for instructing kids who are still learning. Most of the anglers and charter companies provide rental fishing equipment too, so you don’t even need to bring your own. Check out Lady J Charters, T-Man’s Charters and Shallow Seas Charters for a family fishing trip.

Cape San Blas Fishing With Kids
Know what bait to use and the hot fishing spots by hiring a guide. Credit: Gulf County Tourist Development Council

Discover Scuba Diving Half-Day Program

If you want to go beyond snorkeling, check out the Discover Scuba Diving program offered by Daly’s Watersports. It’s a half-day introduction to life beneath the water’s surface and led by a certified instructor. They even let divers explore a shallow shipwreck that’s been in the area for years! This is a great activity for teens.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding in Cape San Blas

Explore the local waterways a bit slower with paddleboarding and kayaking. I like paddleboarding for tweens and teens. Tandem kayaking is great for younger kids who need the assistance of an adult. Pack a pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife.

Local outfitters will have everything you need in their fleets and you just pay a rental fee. They’ll set you up with the local knowledge you need to know and safety tips. Check out Cape Paddlin and Daly’s Watersports for daily rentals.

Check Out The Local Playground Areas

Salinas Park Bayside and Salinas Park Gulfside are two park areas with great playground areas for kids. There’s also a play area at T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park if you want to combine beach time with play time.

Family Horseback Riding

Take in the gorgeous views, in a truly unique way, on horseback! Saddle up, with a guide, and book a private horseback riding tour that’s right along the beach. It’s serene and a great photo opportunity. All of the Cape San Blas horseback riding tours are at a comfortable walking pace. Each tour lasts about an hour, which is great for kids. Check out Broke-A-Toe Coastal Tours and Two Bit Stable.

horsebacking riding on the beach in Gulf County, Florida
Horseback riding on the beach is a must-do! Credit: Gulf County Tourist Development Council

Constitution Convention Museum State Park

If you need a rainy day activity, take in some local history at the Constitution Convention Museum State Park with the kids. It’s located nearby in Port St. Joe. Children under the age of 5 are free and it’s $2 per person for normal museum admission. The museum shares the history of Florida’s first constitution. See why the city was selected over Tallahassee for this monumental event.

Constitution State Park in Florida
Monument at Constitution Convention Museum State Park to recognize the historic events.

Climb Cape The Cape San Blas Lighthouse

Built over 130 years ago, the Cape San Blas Lighthouse acts as a beacon to guide vessels into shore. It can be seen over 10 miles away. The structure was actually moved to be protected from Mother Nature and it’s open to the public for tours. Guests can climb to the top for a panoramic view of this spectacular attraction. Note that climbers must be at least 44” tall and open back sandals cannot be worn.

Cape San Blas Lighthouse
The lighthouse at Cape San Blas is unique and different from more traditional lighthouses. Credit: Gulf County Tourist Development Council

Florida Coastal Conservancy

Located a little ways from Cape San Blas, in Port St. Joe, the Floria Coastal Conservancy is your place to go if the kids love sea turtles. During nesting season, volunteers scan the local beaches for sea turtle nests to ensure that they’re protected from disruption. Families can observe turtles being rehabilitated for the wild, adopt a nest and walk along the shores with a turtle expert!

Sea turtles on gulf coast of Florida
So many sea turtles nest in the Cape San Blas area. Credit: Gulf County Tourist Development Council

Your kids are sure to have an unforgettable vacation when you visit Cape San Blas. I love that it’s “off the beaten path” and offers a quiet sanctuary where families can reconnect. Since it’s a pet-friendly area, you can bring the whole family and find plenty of Cape San Blas relaxation. When you talk to people who have been, they always talk about multiple trips back. It’s the family gulf trip you’ve always dreamed of!

Plan Your Gulf County, Florida Vacation:

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