If you’re looking to vacation anywhere near Port St. Joe, Money Bayou and Money Beach are both worth a visit. If you’re coming to Florida to fish, this little stretch of water can be your best bet. If the weather goes your way, the sands of the bayou will adjust to trap fish and shrimp from the gulf. This phenomenon makes them proverbial sitting ducks, just waiting for the taking. You may have to compete with the commercial fishermen of the area, but there’s usually enough to go around.
Plus, both locations are conveniently located to other points of interest. A hop, skip, and a jump away lies Cape San Blas, renowned for its charm, and St. Vincent, a natural wildlife habitat that will open your eyes to the local flora and fauna.
An Intriguing History
Money Beach and Money Bayou may not have all the glitz and glamour of some of the beaches in Florida, but it does have an air of mystery. The common lore is that this spot was favored by pirates as a hide-out. It may even contain a few hidden chests of jewels that were never able to be retrieved. In the 1950s, Money Beach was a happening area of clubs, bars, and restaurants. Today, there’s no trace of what once was.
People who stay here can’t get enough of the views and the atmosphere. Part of the famed Forgotten Coast, the area draws vacationers who want to hit pause on their daily to-do list. Beachcomb or swim during the afternoon, enjoy some fresh seafood for dinner, and then take a late-night boat ride.
Touring the Area
While visitors may only find so many things to do in Money Beach and Money Bayou, Cape San Blas and St. Vincent Island are there to round out everyone’s experiences. Visit the cape between May and October to see the famed turtle nests and lighthouse. See the Old St. Joseph Cemetery in Port St. Joe and tour the centuries-old tombstones, or play a game of tennis or a round of golf at St. Joe Bay Country Club.
Check out St. Vincent, a natural game preserve that hosts a wide array of animals. From red wolves to Little Blue Herons, every season brings a new crop of residents. Spend a few hours watching the animals in their natural habitat. If you’re feeling particularly motivated, you can pitch in a few volunteering hours to tidy up the area for the animals.
Watch for Waves
There’s a reason why this area isn’t well known, and it’s mainly because it’s a fairly exposed part of the coast. So much of the area was swept away by a series of storms that left little more than the vacation homes that dot Money Beach and Money Bayou. No matter how prepared you think you are, you’ll need to watch the current and the presence of dangerous sea creatures. To avoid getting swept up in a wave or being stung by a jellyfish, there will be different colored flags to signify warnings. As you might imagine, red means do not proceed.