CAPE SAN BLAS / INDIAN PASS / PORT ST. JOE / ST. JOE BEACH /WEWAHITCHKA
Pet-friendly Gulf County
Apalachicola – Franklin County
It may be referred to as Florida’s forgotten coast , but after a few weeks of being back home, this beautiful part of the panhandle is still very much on my mind.
All my research indicated this part of Florida was remote and secluded. October is especially quiet as most tourists visit during the summer months. Previously, our vacations have been relatively fast-paced: long drives to get to our destinations followed by day trips and sight-seeing upon arrival. It took me a couple of years to convince my husband that we needed a quiet, relaxing holiday to unwind and recharge our batteries. We both work long hours in jobs that, at times weigh heavily upon us.
Cape San Blas was the perfect place to shake it off!
Although remote, it was not exclusive, and although we chose not to do an enormous amount of sight-seeing, we were made to feel welcome by the locals wherever we chose to venture. The pride they have for this little piece of heaven is evident, and they were happy to share information and make suggestions that only added to such an incredible experience. One thing we noticed immediately was how pet-friendly the area is. Exception for State Parks, dogs on leashes are welcome to enjoy the sights and interact with their owners. Bring a few training leashes for active dogs!
Reese was placed on the beach for the photo. Otherwise, Leash on when not being carried.
For Dog Visitors:
- Port City Trail is a nearly four-mile stretch wandering through the town
- Bay Walk Trail runs between Port St. Joe Marina and Fran Pate Park with picturesque views of St. Joseph Bay.
- Restaurants with Pet-friendly patios (The following offer veggie options)
Krazy Fish Grille
Penny on the patio at Triple Tails
View from Up The Creek Raw Bar
Provisions
- Port St. Joe
- Krazy Fish Grill
- Provisions
- Triple Tails
- bin 4 eleven coffee house
- Apalachicola (Franklin County)
- Up The Creek Raw Bar
- Oyster City Brewing Company (beer is vegan!!!)
- Pet Shops – perfect for Fido to pick up a souvenir for Fifi
- Bow Wow Beach Shop – Port St. Joe
- Oysterbones – Apalachicola
- St. Joseph Bay Humane Society – please stop by and paw it forward
- BEACHES, BEACHES, BEACHES
Sweetwater Cottage
We felt right at home in our pet-friendly accommodation.
Sweetwater Cottage is only steps from the beach with a clear view of the sand and sea from it’s screened-in porch.
We could not have asked for more! This bungalow was the perfect retreat for my husband and me, and our dogs. The sunlight filled this home during the day, and we enjoyed sitting on the swing or eating at the table on the porch. The dogs LOVED finding sun spots from which they relaxed and enjoyed the view!
Leslie is an incredible hostess – reach out to her before booking, and you will know what I mean. Even though a binder and brochures are provided at the cottage, Leslie enjoys speaking with guests, in person, to share her knowledge of the area.
The area is also home to an abundance of wildlife: Bears, Loggerhead Turtles, and Eagles to name a few. The locals cherish the nature occurring in their backyards and beaches. The “Leave No Trace” ordinance is an outline of all the rules put in place to protect their local treasure.
Although there did prove to be several activities and excursions at our destination, we stuck to our plan and relaxed. Visits to Port St. Joe and Apalachicola to sample local cuisine and some retail therapy were about the most effort we made (this trip – stay tuned for part two).
The area is unspoiled by big box-stores. Instead, we discovered several boutique-style shops and several pet-friendly patios. It was as if we had stepped back in time. A large grocery store in Port St. Joe may be the exception although not seeming out of place and not without charm. Community member George W. Duren’s Piggly Wiggly is fondly referred to by locals as ‘the pig.’ During our stay, The Pig had it’s grand ‘re-opening’ and hosted a fundraising event for the local humane society – making this large shop even more endearing to this tourist!
Water enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of interactions available on an equally varied selection of waters (say that ten times, fast):
- swim
- fish
- snorkel
- kayak
- paddleboard
- boat
- fishing and sightseeing boat tours and charters also available
On dry land:
- horseback riding on the beach
- golfing
- family days at more than a dozen parks
- biking and walking trails
- retail therapy in Port St. Joe and Apalachicola (drive to St. George Island and visit Island Dog Beach and Surf Shop)
- art studios
When not exploring Port St. Joe or Apalachicola, we walked the beaches of powdery white sand. On more than one occasion we had the pleasure of seeing dolphins play, and we enjoyed watching our dogs run in and out of the sea at the same time. In vacations past, we would have to drive for miles to find the nearest pet-friendly beach.
This was Jack’s first ever vacation. He was formally used as a breeding dog in a puppy mill before we rescued him. We wondered if it might be too soon for him and considered postponing our holiday. Other than a few anxious moments, Jack was relaxed and happy. I would say he enjoyed the trip!
Shelling, Bonfires on the beach, watching the most beautiful sunsets followed by an encore of sparkling stars fill the sky…my perfect vacation!
This slower pace allowed us the opportunity to relax and reflect on all that is important in our lives. I can’t wait for our next visit to this beautiful destination along the panhandle’s gulf shores.
I relaxed just reading your post. Thank you for the terrific information and stunning photos!
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
What a great post, your photos are stunning! I’d like to frame them all. lol We don’t have many dog-friendly places around here, thanks for sharing!
Golden Daily Scoop recently posted…Wash Away Pet Odors Naturally #happyhealthyodorfree
Ha ha. I have my own house decorated kind of ‘beachy’ as we live near the Lake. I was thinking of printing the top photo and hanging it in the bathroom. I mean, it’s as much the dog’s house as it is mine!
Wow, your photos are just beautiful! I really felt like I was there. That’s wonderful that the locals made you feel welcome and that it’s so pet friendly.
People AND Pet friendly 🙂
What a GORGEOUS place! Sweetwater cottage looks perfect! I would love for my Lyla to get on a beach once in her life but we are a bit landlocked in Kasnas lol
Joely Smith recently posted…Why You Should Be Wearing Aromaearth Instead of Perfume
OH! I hope you do. It will be a fabulous experience for Lyla!
What gorgeous place! I can feel the calm right through your photos. The cottage you stayed in looks like a dream! I’m definitely adding this to my list of dog friendly vacay spots. Thanks so much for sharing.
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Cathy Armato recently posted…A Natural Dog Food We Can Trust #WeBelieveinNB
I hope you do go. You won’t be disappointed!
What a beautiful place, it looks like paradise, thanks so much for sharing
It definitely is paradise!
Your pictures are incredible, looks like an absolutely stunning place to visit. That and being dog friendly? What else can you want.
Hindy Pearson recently posted…Mobility Aids For Dogs
I’ll just add that a cold glass of wine was also quite lovely 😉
Great write up!!! It is a fascinating place to get away and enjoy the many opportunities of places to see or just hang out and enjoy the Gulf. To know Leslie is to love her and she has the ability to make you feel like you gave known her forever. She loves her homes and it shows. There are too many personal touches to name but she has thought of them all.
Very special area!!
Thank you Dianne. Yes, Leslie is lovely. I did have a hard time not rambling on about the accommodation portion of our visit.
Beautiful photos. Love the sunset over the beach ones! Thanks for sharing this info on dog friendly places! My aunt lives in Florida for half the year, I’ll bookmark this for future reference!
FiveSibesMom recently posted…Flashback Friday: A Summer Book Signing With Buddy, the (Rescued) Christmas Husky
We hope to be snowbirds, eventually!
This looks like a fabulous holiday destination ~ so serene and relaxing. I love those sunset photos especially!
Thank you. Yes, it was incredibly relaxing.
Glad you enjoyed your visit here. Come again soon!
Thank you. We can’t wait until our next visit!
Looks like paradise for some valuable down time. What a magical place, and I am so glad Jack enjoyed his first holiday. Well done that dog!!!!
Dash Kitten Crew recently posted…Snoozy Sunday Selfie with Silver
I would say it was the perfect ‘first holiday’ choice for Mr. J. Black 😀
What a beautiful place! Mommy noticed the lighthouse right away and would love to go see it. We love these posts that you do.
Lola The Rescued Cat recently posted…Sunday Selfie – Deep in Thought
Thank you! I noticed a couple of lighthouses: one in Port St. Joe and the other was at the bridge in Apalachicola (before heading over to the Island).
What beautiful photos. I love reading about dog friendly places! I wish the world had more of them!
I think us dog people are helping to influence acceptance.
What a nice place to escape to for some rest and relaxation.
HEAVEN
It looks like you had a great vacation! I’m glad your dogs all enjoyed it too.
Beth recently posted…In Loving Memory: El Guapo the Senior Pug
Thanks Beth.
This wasn’t just a holiday on which you TAKE your dogs. This was also a holiday FOR dogs.
Delightful vacation 🙂
Wow! That looks like a really fun dog vacation. What a lovely place to visit. I love that it is so rustic and dog-friendly. Thanks for sharing your great adventure and photographs.
My pleasure, Tonya. Hopefully you can visit one day!
Gorgeous photos! I love the idea of a beach walk that runs through town. This sounds like the perfect sort of getaway for a family with dogs. I’ll have to ask my mom if she has been up there (she lives on the southern gulf coast of Florida). I bet her dogs would love it too!
Yes, definitely recommend it to your mom.
That does look nice and relaxing. We could use a beach vacation right about now!
Tenacious Little Terrier recently posted…I Am Art
Mr. N. could find some stunning poses to strike in Gulf County 😉
My parents recently moved to Florida’s gulf coast and they keep telling me about how dog friendly it is there! I hope to eventually visit with my huskies!
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I’m sure you (and the huskies) will LOVE it!
These are amazing shots!
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Thanks Jenna
Now this is what I call a true getaway! A remote beautiful place, be friend with nature, and with your beloved pets who will sure enjoy the place too. I’m glad you shared it. Thank you Sadie!
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