Reid Avenue is the heart of downtown Port St. Joe, and it's the kind of walkable, small-town shopping district that makes vacationing here feel different from the crowded tourist strips found elsewhere in Florida. Just one block off Highway 98, this historic street is lined with locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, and sidewalk cafés; the perfect way to spend a lazy beach-vacation afternoon when you want a break from the sand.
Start your stroll at Bird & Goose Boutique.
For trendy coastal style, pop into Bird & Goose Boutique at 107 Reid Avenue. This mother-daughter, locally-owned shop is all about breezy beach-day fashion, with trendy clothing, custom apparel, and even permanent jewelry from Linked by Lisa. It's a favorite stop for visitors looking to refresh their vacation wardrobe with something you won't find back home.
Next, head over to The Fuss Boutique, a fashion-forward women's shop known for curated finds from brands like Free People and Hobo. Just down the street, Joseph's Cottage offers a beautiful mix of home décor, furniture, jewelry, and locally-made goods a great stop if you're looking for a piece of coastal Florida to bring home. Antique lovers shouldn't miss Bay Breeze Antiques, home to vintage furniture, nautical-themed pieces, and one-of-a-kind jewelry.
For gifts and coastal apparel, browse Portside Trading Company and Shirley Southern Boutique, both Reid Avenue staples for easy, breezy Florida style. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to stop into BlueWater Outriggers for fishing gear, kayaks, and beach supplies before heading back to the water. And if your visit lines up with the first or third Saturday of the month (February through December), don't miss the Salt Air Farmers' Market at George Core Park, where local vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
Reid Avenue is compact enough to explore in a couple of hours but charming enough that most visitors end up spending the whole afternoon. Pair your shopping trip with lunch at one of the sidewalk cafés downtown, and you've got the perfect low-key day to balance out your beach time on Cape San Blas or St. Joseph Peninsula.
A Day Trip to Apalachicola: Florida's Forgotten Coast Gem
About 30 minutes from Port St. Joe sits Apalachicola, known locally as "Apalach," a historic fishing town that consistently ranks among the best small towns to visit in Florida. If you're staying in one of our Rentingthecoast.com vacation rentals, a day trip to Apalachicola is one of the most requested excursions among our guests, and it's easy to see why.
Begin your day wandering Apalachicola's walkable historic downtown, where restored 19th-century buildings house boutiques, art galleries, and some of the best seafood restaurants on the Gulf Coast. Grady Market is a can't-miss stop, offering clothing, gifts, and home goods inside a beautifully restored waterfront building. Nearby, Apalach Outfitters, Backstreet Trading Company, and Betsy's Sunflower and Kitchen Store round out a great morning of browsing.
History buffs will want to visit the John Gorrie Museum State Park, dedicated to the local physician credited with inventing mechanical refrigeration, or take a self-guided walking tour past the town's historic churches and Victorian-era merchant homes. For something more low-key, spend an hour at the Chapman Botanical Gardens, a free half-mile loop garden right in town.
No trip to Apalachicola is complete without eating well. The town is famous for oysters harvested straight from Apalachicola Bay, and spots like the historic Owl Café or a casual raw bar downtown serve them as fresh as it gets. Grab a coffee and a pastry to start your morning at a local café, and consider capping off your day with a stop at Oyster City Brewing Co. for a cold local beer.
If you have extra time, combine your Apalachicola day trip with a stop at St. George Island, just 20 minutes away over a scenic causeway, or venture out to St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine barrier island accessible only by boat, which is a favorite for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers.
Plan Your Forgotten Coast Getaway
Reid Avenue and Apalachicola are two of the best reasons to build extra days into your next Cape San Blas or Port St. Joe vacation. Both destinations are a short drive from our Rentingthecoast.com vacation rentals, making it easy to enjoy a full day of shopping, history, and fresh seafood without cutting into your beach time.
Ready to book your stay on Florida's Forgotten Coast? Browse available vacation rentals in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas at Rentingthecoast.com and start planning a trip that includes the best of the beach, downtown Port St. Joe, and a day trip to historic Apalachicola.
Ready to make the Forgotten Coast part of your next beach getaway?
When you book Noah's Landing or Stranded by the Sea Again, one of our favorite vacation rentals on Florida's Forgotten Coast, you can explore all the Gulf Coast has to offer. With comfortable accommodations and an unbeatable location, it's the perfect home base for exploring Reid Avenue, Apalachicola, and beyond.
