Gulf County, near Port St. Joe, Florida

Prepare yourself. You're going to get lost in all the beauty St. Joseph has to offer. With miles of white sand and translucent waters, it's no surprise this beach ranks as one of the top beaches in the United States.

St. Joseph Peninsula National ParkAnd every year more and more outdoor enthusiasts fall in love with exceptional views of the high dunes and sand pine scrub. Encompassing more than 2,500 acres of parkland, St. Joseph shelters and protects more than 240 species. But don't be surprised at how secluded the park is when you arrive; St. Joseph is 75 miles from the closest metropolitan city.

Accommodations: You'll find 100 campsites and 8 fully furnished cabins at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Tents and RV's rentals are $20 per day/night, and cabin rental fees range from $20 - $90/per night. All cabins come with pillows, sheets, towels and blankets and cookware, cooking utensils and dishware 

St. Joseph's Local Activities: Enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and bicycling. Or relax and let loose when swimming or sunbathing on your own private section of the beach. Snorkelers also love the beach, so don't forget your equipment if you're a fan of the sport.

St. Joseph Area Attractions: Chances are you've been horseback riding on a beach, but now you can try this fairytale activity offered in Cape San Blas. When here, a must-see is the Cape San Blas lighthouse. This 98ft tall lighthouse doesn't offer tours, but your friends will be jealous when it creates the perfect backdrop for your vacation pictures.

St. Josephs Area Events:

• Scallop Day (September): Who can say no to a day full of sitting around the camp stove eating delicious, fresh scallops?
• Florida Panhandle Birding and Wildlife Festival (October): Hosted tours of Port St. Joe showcasing the beautiful park and beach wildlife.

St. Joseph's Nightlife: If it's a club you're looking for, you won't find it here! Create your own nightlife at St. Josephs with your girlfriends sitting around the campfire, enjoying the natural beauty of the park. Red wine is definitely a must-pack.

St. Joseph's Weather: Spring and summer months span from the high 90Fs to lows in the mid 40Fs in winter.

St. Joseph's Facilities: Restrooms, showers and picnic areas are all available, but there are no lifeguards. Get your friends together and enjoy a game on the basketball court or baseball field at the recreational areas of the park. St. Joseph's is completely wheelchair accessible and has a medical facility.

Beach Fees: The cost of the camp site plus a small fee per vehicle.

For more information or help planning your next Florida getaway, visit the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce.

Love Florida beaches? See all Florida beaches in our guide:

• Fort Walton Beach  
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Navarre Beach
• Panama City Beach
• Pensacola Beach
• Perdido Key
• Seaside Beach
• St. Andrews State Recreational Area
• St George Island State Park
• Shell Island
• St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge
• Fernandina Beach
• Ponte Verda Beach
• Apollo Beach
• Calaesi Island State Park
• Clearwater Beach
• Egmont Key
• Fort DeSoto Park