Your Ultimate Guide To Summer On The Forgotten Coast

When people think of summer in Florida, they often picture crowded beaches, packed attractions, and bumper-to-bumper traffic. But along Florida's Forgotten Coast, summer feels a little different.

Here, you'll find uncrowded shorelines, breathtaking sunsets, world-class fishing, and the kind of small-town charm that's becoming harder to find.

Whether you're a lifelong resident, a seasonal visitor, or considering making the Forgotten Coast your home, here's your guide to making the most of summer along one of Florida's most beautiful stretches of coastline.

Spend a Day at the Beach

No summer guide would be complete without mentioning the incredible beaches that make our area so special.

Cape San Blas

Known for its sugar-white sand, emerald waters, and pet-friendly beaches, Cape San Blas remains one of the most beloved destinations along the Forgotten Coast.

Spend the day swimming, shelling, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing with your toes in the sand.

Mexico Beach

Mexico Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families looking to enjoy the water without the crowds found in larger beach communities.

The calm waters and wide beaches make it an ideal spot for children and beachgoers of all ages.

St. Joe Beach

A favorite among locals, St. Joe Beach provides easy access, beautiful sunsets, and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy a relaxing day on the Gulf.

Get Out on the Water

Summer is the perfect time to explore the Forgotten Coast by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.

Popular activities include:

• Fishing in St. Joseph Bay
• Kayaking through the bay's pristine waters
• Paddleboarding along the shoreline
• Boating and dolphin watching
• Exploring nearby barrier islands

For nature lovers, few experiences compare to seeing the area's wildlife up close, including dolphins, sea turtles, shorebirds, and even the occasional manatee.

Experience World-Class Fishing

The Forgotten Coast has earned a reputation as one of Florida's premier fishing destinations.

Whether you're casting from the shore, fishing from a boat, or booking a charter, anglers can enjoy opportunities to catch:

• Redfish
• Speckled trout
• Flounder
• Tarpon
• Spanish mackerel
• Offshore species in deeper Gulf waters

Summer fishing is a favorite pastime for both residents and visitors.

Explore Local Shops and Restaurants

One of the best ways to experience the Forgotten Coast is by supporting local businesses.

Spend an afternoon exploring charming downtown areas like Port St. Joe and Apalachicola, where you'll find:

• Unique boutiques
• Art galleries
• Local coffee shops
• Fresh seafood restaurants
• Specialty gift stores

The local businesses that call our coastal communities home help create the welcoming atmosphere that residents cherish.

Here are some of our favorite spots - The Fish Market, Quatro Locos, Pomodoro (located at the St. Joseph Bay Country Club), This Is Garden Food, The Flying Harpoon, Mike's Deli (opening soon), Brick Wall, Joe Mama's Wood Fired Grill, Ritchey's Roadside Grill, and Sweet Bunz Donuts, just to name a few!

Catch a Spectacular Sunset

If there's one thing everyone should experience during summer on the Forgotten Coast, it's a sunset over the Gulf.

Some favorite sunset viewing spots include:

• Cape San Blas
• St. Joe Beach
• WindMark Beach
• Mexico Beach

Bring a beach chair, gather with family and friends, and enjoy one of nature's greatest shows.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Summer Activities

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained?

The Forgotten Coast offers plenty of family-friendly adventures:

• Shell collecting
• Beach bonfires (where permitted)
• Nature walks
• Bike rides
• Fishing excursions
• Wildlife viewing
• Local festivals and community events

Many families discover that the simple pleasures become some of their favorite summer memories.

Discover Why So Many People Fall in Love with the Forgotten Coast

While visitors often come for the beaches, many stay because of the lifestyle.

The Forgotten Coast offers something increasingly rare: space to breathe, a strong sense of community, and natural beauty that remains largely untouched.

It's a place where neighbors know one another, sunsets become nightly traditions, and life moves at a pace that allows you to enjoy it.

Thinking About Making the Forgotten Coast Home?

At BeMAJOR Gulf Coast Realty, we're fortunate to live, work, and serve the communities that make this area so special.

Whether you're searching for a waterfront retreat, a vacation property, an investment opportunity, or a place to call home year-round, we'd love to help you explore everything the Forgotten Coast has to offer.

Because once you experience summer here, it's easy to understand why so many people never want to leave.