HISTORY & HERITAGE

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

Gulf County · Panhandle & Emerald Coast

White sand under some of the tallest dunes in Florida; Dr. Beach ranked it the best beach in the country in 2002. A 1,700-acre wilderness preserve covers the north end with six miles of trail, and you collect a permit at the ranger station before walking in; three primitive campsites out there are reached by kayak. Shady Pines campground has 36 standard sites and 10 for tents only, and there are eight one-bedroom cabins sleeping six, with screened porches over St. Joseph Bay. The bay side is shallow and clear, and scalloping there is a summer habit. This is the most productive shorebird nesting beach in the Florida panhandle. Boat ramps, a marina, a concession, picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers and beach wheelchairs. No pets on the beaches, the shoreline, the picnic shelters, the restrooms or in the wilderness area.