THE SALTY PEARL
Dear Valued Guests, we welcome you to your home away from home on Florida's Forgotten Coast.Here, life moves a little slower. Spend your days with your toes in the sand, watch spectacular sunsets over the Gulf, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a place that still feels wonderfully untouched.The Salty Pearl is your place to unwind, reconnect, and make memories. We've assembled this guide to help make your stay a little easier.We're glad you're here!
HOUSE INFORMATION
✦ TIME ZONE: The Salty Pearl, Port St. Joe, and most points east are on EASTERN TIME. Mexico Beach and most points west are on CENTRAL TIME.
✦ POOL: Please rinse off any sand before enjoying a dip.
✦ DOGS: Welcome on the beach but must be leashed. Poop stations are along the beach on either side of the house.
✦ PLUMBING: We have a sewer grinder pump - please DO NOT flush anything other than TP, and DO NOT put oil or grease down the drain.
✦ SAVE OUR AC: Please do not keep doors or windows open when the AC is cooling.
✦ LEAVE NO TRACE: This is a turtle nesting area - leave no trace on the beach. Remove all beach gear and trash and fill all holes each day.
✦ TRANSPORTATION: There is no Uber/Lyft in the area (you may be able to book the app, but likely no one will show up). If you need a ride, call Shannon Parrish (850.625.7409) to arrange!
ELEVATOR TIPS
✦ ELEVATOR: She's finicky, here are some tips to keep her happy during your stay.
✦ UPON ARRIVAL: Enter the front door with the keypad, take stairs to main level, push the call button, enter and close all doors to take elevator to street level. Unlock the interior deadbolt to exit.
✦ WAIT: She must come to a full stop before she will let you open the door. Listen for the "click" when she gets to your floor before trying to exit. You may have to select the floor number again once you've arrived if it won't immediately open.
✦ NO GHOST RIDERS: Do not try to send up your stuff without a person on board. She may freeze up.
✦ WAIT: She won't move unless ALL doors on ALL levels are fully closed. ALWAYS close accordion door first or she will lock up and management will have to reset it.
✦ CHILDREN: All children should have an adult with them in elevator.
✦ BE PATIENT: She moves slow, she's on beach time!
EXPLORE THE AREA
MEXICO BEACH
A short drive west on 98 (Central time). It’s a small community with many public beaches (but no dogs allowed), a few shops, hotels, and restaurants and a small Ace Hardware.
WINDMARK BEACH
A planned development a short drive east on 98 (Eastern time). There are a few shops, Fit as a Fiddle gym (Google for guest pass info), and the Mill and Mercantile bar.
PORT SAINT JOE
A 15 min drive east on 98 (Eastern time), PSJ is a larger town with more shops, restaurants, grocery store, & marina. You'll also find a CVS, Ace Hardware, UPS Store & post office.
INDIAN PASS
A 30 min drive east for more beach options and restaurants.
CAPE SAN BLAS
The peninsula you can see across the bay. About a 30 min drive east to more beaches and restaurants, and the St Joseph’s Peninsula State Park (no dogs allowed in the park).
APPALACHICOLA
A 40 min drive east to one of the oldest port cities in Florida for historic landmarks, the Gibson Inn, and other restaurants and shops.
PANAMA CITY
A 40 min drive west fir all the larger retailers (Target, Home Depot, WalMart, etc), most chain restaurants, and more.
SEE THE DINE SECTION BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS.
THINGS TO DO
SHOPPING ON REID AVE
On Reid Avenue in Downtown PSJ you'll find lots of gifts, souvenirs, and treats. On the first Friday of each month from 5-7pm, check out First Friday Sip & Shop – many stores will have beverages, light hors d'oeuvres, art, music and more.
FIT AS A FIDDLE FITNESS CENTER
If you need a workout, Fit as a Fiddle in Windmark offers single or multi day passes for visitors, and has some classes. Check their website for details or visit them Mon-Sat 9am-12pm to sign up. TIP: bring cash to pay in advance.
GOLF
For the nearest public course, check out St. Joe Bay Club.
SEA TURTLE CENTER
Visit the Forgotten Coast Sea Turtle Center at 1001 10th Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 (Sun-Thurs 11:30am-4:30pm EASTERN)
PENINSULA STATE PARK
Stretching 20 miles into the blue waters of the Gulf of America, St. Joseph Peninsula is a true wildlife haven. Note, no dogs allowed.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Check out Rockin' M Ranch for horseback riding on the beach.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
✦ Facebook group Port St. Joe Strong (All 32456 Info Sharing Group) has lots of great advice from locals.
✦ Visit Gulf County on Instagram @gulfcountyfl, or click link below:
✦ Visit Gulf Chamber on Instagram @gulfchamber, or click link below:
GROCERIES AND SUPPLIES
GROCERIES
✦ Nearest full grocery store is Piggly Wiggly in PSJ, with a great selection of most anything you need.
✦ DG Market on 98 on the way to PSJ has a large selection of groceries, beer, wine and seltzers, and home goods (like a mini-Target).
✦ Small Dollar General just west of the house on 98 has a smaller selection of essentials.
BEER/WINE/SPIRITS
✦ DG Market, Dollar General, and CVS have wine and beer (DG has seltzers)
✦ Mexico Beach Wine and Spirits has a large selection of wine, beer, and spirits
✦ Lookout Lounge behind the house is a bar and has a package store.
✦ Haughty Heron in PSJ has a good selection of beer, wine, spirits, and mixers. Its also a full service bar with live music on the patio, and gift shop with a fun selection of shirts and other merch.
✦ Port Fine Wine & Spirits in PSJ has a large selection of everything you need and a beer/seltzer cooler with pre-chilled items.
BEACH GEAR
✦ Lots of basics at either of the Dollar Generals, CVS, or Piggly Wiggly in PSJ.
✦ Larger selection of beach gear, apparel, and souvenirs at Bluewater Outriggers next to Piggly Wiggly.
RESTAURANTS
TIPS
✦ Restaurants in Port St. Joe and east on are EASTERN time, those in Mexico Beach and west are on CENTRAL time.
✦ Call or check the restaurant’s website or social media before heading out as hours vary widely depending on the season. Many are not open Sunday, and some also closed Mondays. In off season many are closed other days as well. Most restaurants with outdoor seating are also dog friendly on the patio (except White Marlin).
OUR FAVORITES
UPTOWN RAW BAR
✦ In PSJ, a great casual place for seafood, oysters, and burgers. No reservations but usually only a small or no wait. Beer, wine, and seltzers.
WHITE MARLIN
✦ In PSJ, a more upscale restaurant and oyster bar. They take reservations on Open Table. If the weather is nice book the patio for awesome sunsets. Walk ins welcome and eating at the bar is also an option. Often have music on weekends.
PROVISIONS
✦ Smart casual lunch/dinner with pasta, seafood, and other items. Full bar with a fun martini list! No reservations, but wait is usually short if at all.
ITALIAN KITCHEN
✦ Smart casual lunch/dinner with great pasta and pizza. Wine and beer or BYOB. Call ahead for reservations during busy season. Check the website for special dinners and events. They also have great takeout and pizza from their kitchen.
BRICK WALL SPORTS BAR & GRILL
✦ Great sports bar to watch a game or just have a burger or wings. Full bar. No reservations. Family friendly.
SHIPWRECK RAW BAR
✦ Great breakfast option or casual lunch/dinner. Walkable from Salty Pearl. Traditional breakfast, lots of seafood, oysters, and burgers, with a full bar. Try the Wewa Eggs Benedict! No reservations. Be prepared for a short wait at busy times.
DAGWOODS
✦ In PSJ, walk up window with the best sandwiches in town! Get the Beachcomber and their house made sweet onion dip and chips.
JOE MAMA'S PIZZA
✦ In PSJ. They also take reservations (see their website) and they are open on Sunday when most others are closed. Great pizza and pasta with a full bar. Get the house salad for 2! Dog friendly patio out back.
BAYSIDE BAKERY
✦ In PSJ, drop in for great coffee, pastries, and sweets, or pick up their awesome chicken salad, premade lunches, or dips to go. Their quiches are delicious, and great to heat up for a quick breakfast or lunch. They also take orders for custom cakes, cupcakes, etc. if you’re celebrating while in town.
HUNT'S OYSTER BAR
✦ On the east side of PSJ, another great casual option for seafood, oysters, and burgers. Wine and beer. Indoor and covered outdoor seating. No reservations and be prepared for a wait, but there’s an outdoor (cash only) bar downstairs where the sunset views are amazing and they often have music! Check their Facebook page for up to date info on hours and music.
PIGGLY WIGGLY SUSHI
✦ The Pig in PSJ has excellent fresh made sushi! Trust us, people will wait in line for a fresh spicy tuna roll!
SUNSTOP BREAKFAST
✦ If you want a quick breakfast to go, don’t sleep on the breakfast burritos at SunStop gas station (locations toward PSJ to the east, or just past Mexico Beach to the west).
OTHER RESTAURANTS ON EASTERN TIME
--COMING SOON-- RALPHIE'S FISH CAMP
✦ In the Point South Marina, brought to you by the same team at Uptown Raw Bar. Opening Fall 2026.
THE FISH MARKET
✦ Smart casual seafood. Full bar
SAND DOLLAR CAFE
✦ Breakfast and lunch. Beer/wine. No reservations.
PEPPER'S MEXICAN
✦ Standard Mexican fare and fun margaritas. Full bar. Large patio. No reservations. Family friendly.
SISTER'S BISTRO
✦ Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beer/wine. No reservations.
KRAZY FISH GRILL
✦ Casual lunch/dinner, full bar, no reservations. Large patio and often have live music.
SWEET BUNZ DONUTS
✦ Donuts, coffee, ice cream, and shaved ice.
SHOOBIES
✦ Food truck with soft serve, sundaes, and water ice.
SUGAR SHACK
✦ Ice cream, sundaes, candy and other treats.
RICHEY'S ROADHOUSE GRILL
✦ Get the burger!
INDIAN PASS RAW BAR
✦ An institution. Super casual lunch/dinner seafood. Beer/wine/seltzers. No reservations.
OTHER RESTAURANTS ON CENTRAL TIME
--COMING SOON-- TOUCAN'S
✦ A Mexico Beach institution that was lost to Hurricane Michael will return in late 2026!
FORGOTTEN COAST BREWERY
✦ Casual gastropub with local brews serving lunch/dinner, no reservations.
MANGO MARLEY'S
✦ Casual lunch/dinner spot for seafood, burgers, and more with fun frozen drinks. No reservations.
EL GOVERNOR RESORT
✦ Beach bar with fun drinks that is open to the public in season.
BEACH BEAR COASTAL
✦ Pizza, wings, salads and more. Great for takeout.
CONTACT
Please contact Cape & Coast with any issues during your stay.
Phone: 877-238-4745
