Coastal Romance: Why Port St. Joe is Made for Couples
port st. Joe
Living in Panama City Beach means we’re just a short drive from some of the most idyllic beach towns, like Port St. Joe, on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes away, and we’ve been finding excuses to visit more often than we ever expected. Pickleball tournaments initially spurred our stays, but now this town will be our pick for a quick, romantic weekend getaway. Port St. Joe is the very definition of a “sleepy beach town,” especially with its quaint Reid Avenue shopping and dining district. In this post, I’m sharing our go-to spot to stay and some of our favorite places to eat.
Where to Stay
On our latest trip, we stayed at the brand-new Hotel Saint Joseph and booked Room 206—a Bayview king suite with bunks and a balcony on the second floor. We picked this hotel because it’s literally 20 feet from the pickleball courts where our tournament was held, but it ended up feeling more like a romantic getaway than just a convenient spot!
Our suite was gorgeous—everything felt so thoughtfully designed, from the blue linen wallpaper behind the white leather wingback bed to the seashell antique mirror backsplash in the kitchenette. And those glass oyster shell chandeliers? So pretty and perfect for the coastal vibe!
The little extras really stood out. We were greeted with croissants and sweets from Bayside Bakery (delicious!), plus a gift bag with Saint Joseph goodies like koozies, cups, lip balm, and hand sanitizer—such a fun touch. The spa robes were super cozy, and the full-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were a nice change from the standard travel-sized products. Oh, and the balcony was HUGE! We were lucky enough to catch the Christmas parade rolling by from our balcony.
A few small things could’ve made our stay an 11/10. The thermostat was tricky to figure out, the fire pit table wasn’t working (maybe out of propane?), and the bed was a bit firm for my liking. The bed was super clean and clearly brand new—I just usually go for a softer pillowtop mattress. And, not gonna lie, a hot tub would’ve been amazing, especially on a chilly December night.
Overall, though, we loved our stay (10/10). This hotel has such a great vibe, and the attention to detail made it feel really special. I can’t wait to go back!
Where to Eat
Joe Mama’s Pizza
Hands down, our favorite spot on Reid Avenue is Joe Mama’s Pizza. It has a casual, laid-back atmosphere and serves the best wood-fired pizza and craft beers on the Forgotten Coast. It’s the perfect place to end up after a long day of pickleball play, for sure. We love the Il Pollo. The pesto sauce… “chef’s kiss!”
Quatro Locos
If you’re craving Mexican food, you’ve got to check out Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina! Not only is the food fantastic, but their pet-friendly, covered outdoor dining area makes it a perfect spot to bring your pup along. The Baja fish tacos are a standout—seriously, they’re spectacular. The flavors are fresh and vibrant and paired with one of their refreshing beverages, you’ve got yourself a perfect meal.
Shoobie’s
Go to Shoobie’s to satisfy your sweet tooth. Grab a cone and take a stroll downtown. They offer soft serve ice cream, a variety of sundaes, water ice (ice cream without dairy), and their signature Jersey gelato. This place has been a hit with our kids, but we loved it, too! Definitely add sprinkles!!
The White Marlin & Oysterette
For the crème de la crème of romantic dinners in Port St. Joe, you absolutely have to visit The White Marlin & Oysterette. Conveniently located right next door to the Hotel Saint Joseph, it’s connected by the cutest little walking path—perfect for a short, scenic stroll. We opted to sit outside on their back dining porch, and while we just missed the sunset, the setting was still magical. With soft lights twinkling in the trees and a serene atmosphere, it was the perfect spot for a cozy, romantic evening.
We kicked off our meal with the Sunset Roll sushi and a Greek Mediterranean flatbread, and wow—both were incredible! Honestly, they were so good they could’ve been a meal on their own. But of course, we couldn’t stop there! I went for the filet, while Scott tried the seafood special (Amberjack, if I remember correctly). Both entrees were really good, but we’d probably try something different next time.
One thing’s for sure: you’ll want to come hungry! Or, if you’re in the mood for a lighter evening, grab a few drinks and stick to the starters, sushi, and flatbreads—they’re more than enough to impress.
To sum up…
There’s something undeniably special about Port St. Joe—it’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and savor every moment. From the cozy luxury of Hotel Saint Joseph to the incredible charm of Reid Avenue, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic weekend. Whether you’re here for a pickleball tournament, a special occasion, or just a quick getaway, this little slice of Florida’s Forgotten Coast has so much to offer. We can’t wait to plan our next trip—and maybe this time, we won’t miss the sunset!
