Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean fitness has to go to the wayside. In fact, it’s often easier to stay active when workday activities aren’t bogging you down. And it’s the perfect excuse to explore the area’s natural beauty, especially if you’re going to somewhere gorgeous like Cape San Blas. With its pristine beaches, winding bike paths, and crystal-clear waters, this slice of Florida’s Forgotten Coast turns every workout into an adventure. Here are some places you might want to go.
Salinas Park
Salina Park has everything you need to complete your workout and have some classic beach fun. You can start with a brisk warmup on the Serenity Trail, which stretches almost half a mile across the bayside section of the park.
Afterward, you might go to the pickleball courts or volleyball pits for a quick pickup game. Or head out into the Gulf of Mexico or St. Joseph Bay for a swim. Yoga on the beach is another great option, allowing you to stretch, destress, and unwind.
At that point, you could cut your visit short and continue your Cape San Blas adventures elsewhere. But why not stick around to take a quick shower, and then grill up some lunch to enjoy on the beach?
Cape Palms Park
If you prefer to do your whole workout on the beach, Cape Palms Park is calling your name. The sky is the limit in what workouts you can do here. Some popular options include yoga sessions, frisbee, and high-intensity interval training in the sand.
The pavilions make excellent spots for bodyweight exercises in the shade. Planks, situps, and glute bridges hit differently when completed in paradise. Go for a dip afterward to cool off, then hit the showers to rinse away the saltwater before continuing your day.
Loggerhead Run Bike Path
Are you looking for a long stretch for biking adventures? Loggerhead Run Bike Path is an excellent place to go. At over eight miles long, this paved trail offers seemingly endless sightseeing opportunities while keeping your workout going for as long as you wish.
To experience the whole thing, start your trek at the trailhead near the restrooms in Salinas Park. Then, pedal its entire length along Cape San Blas Road to the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Josephy Peninsula State Park entrance.
Along the way, you have plenty of opportunities to stop for food and drinks, shopping, and more. Don’t forget to pack water and sunscreen though. While some shaded spots exist, much of the path is open to the Florida sunshine.
St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve
St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve is an archeological marvel, with historical sites galore to keep you entranced as you work out. All you have to do is follow the network of trails through the park to find unbelievable remnants of the past, including shell middens, settlements, and the old lighthouse.
If you want to keep it simple, try the Deal Tract Trails: the Hammock Spur Trail and Old Pine Bay Trail. Although they’re only 1.4 miles long total, these trails loop around so you can customize your workout to suit your needs.
As you travel down these trails, you’ll go through many diverse ecosystems, such as pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and coastal scrub. So, be sure to leave plenty of time to stop and gaze at the wildlife you encounter in each spot.
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding Spots
Want to get out on the water while working your muscles? You’re only moments away from canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in Cape San Blas. Try these spots to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime while getting a full-body workout.
St. Joseph Bay
Known for its calm, shallow waters, St. Joseph Bay attracts paddling enthusiasts of all levels. The 2.5-mile trek from Salinas Park to Port St. Joe is a great route to take if you want to go on a long trip. You could also paddle along the shoreline if you prefer to stay close to land.
No matter where you go, the crystal-clear waters let you spot all kinds of marine life below, from scallops and starfish to stingrays and dolphins. But be sure to keep an eye on the skies, too, in hopes of spotting a bald eagle soaring overhead.
Saint Vincent Sound
On the other side of the cape, Saint Vincent Sound offers a more adventurous paddling experience. This stretch of water goes from the mainland to Saint Vincent Island—an uninhabited wilderness area accessible only by boat.
Strong currents can create quite a workout, so it’s best suited for experienced paddlers comfortable in open water. For a convenient starting point, launch from the Indian Pass boat ramp. Try to time your launch with the tides, as they can greatly impact your paddling experience.
Fitness Centers Near Cape San Blas
Prefer to complete your fitness activities indoors? That’s not a problem in Cape San Blas. Explore these three gyms to find the perfect fit for your needs.
Forgotten Coast Fitness and Wellness Center
192 Coach Wagoner Blvd, Apalachicola, FL 32320
Located in Apalachicola, Forgotten Coast Fitness and Wellness Center offers 24/7 access to a full-scale gym. Inside, you’ll find the complete range of equipment, including treadmills, weight machines, and free weights. If you prefer to work out with a group, check out their pilates classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Membership is required.
One Way Fitness
Inside of Ramseys’ Printing and Office Product, 209 Reid Ave, Port St Joe, FL 32456
One Way Fitness is another 24-hour, members-only gym, but it’s located in Port St. Joe. The fitness center has a variety of cardio and strength training equipment for all workout styles. It offers a no-frills experience, perfect for those who want to show up, work out, and head out the door to enjoy the rest of their day.
Fit as a Fiddle
110 Goodmorning St, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Fit as a Fiddle is a small gym located in Port St. Joe, offering access to a full fitness center and many classes. Unlike the other two gyms, this one allows you to grab a day pass, so you don’t have to sign up as a member. The gym features cardio and strength training equipment and is open 24 hours a day. Classes range from Tabata training to yoga to high-intensity interval training.
Whenever you’re visiting Cape San Blas, you have endless options for staying fit. From working out in the great outdoors to visiting a local gym, there’s something for every fitness level and interest.
