Waterside and Fishermans Paradise area guide
Neighborhoods
Mexico Beach is home to some of the world’s most beautiful white-sand beaches and clear, clean emerald waters.
Geologically, our beaches are quite rare. The sand found on the majority of the world’s beaches contains a mixture of approximately twenty different materials. The sugar-like white sand found in Mexico Beach, however, contains only one: evenly sized quartz crystals. This quartz sand originated millions of years ago in the Appalachian Mountain range. Because our area lacks the influence of silt-bearing rivers, our sand remains pure and white. This white quartz sand is highly reflective—which is the reason our beaches remain cool, even during the hottest summer months!
The City of Mexico Beach has five miles of beach available for residents and visitors to enjoy. Public beach access is easy and abundant with direct park access and a number of easy-to-spot walkovers connecting Highway 98 to the beach. It’s time to make memories that last forever on the Unforgettable Coast!
33 abantu bendawo batusa
Mexico Beach
Mexico Beach is home to some of the world’s most beautiful white-sand beaches and clear, clean emerald waters.
Geologically, our beaches are quite rare. The sand found on the majority of the world’s beaches contains a mixture of approximately twenty different materials. The sugar-like white sand found in Mexico Beach, however, contains only one: evenly sized quartz crystals. This quartz sand originated millions of years ago in the Appalachian Mountain range. Because our area lacks the influence of silt-bearing rivers, our sand remains pure and white. This white quartz sand is highly reflective—which is the reason our beaches remain cool, even during the hottest summer months!
The City of Mexico Beach has five miles of beach available for residents and visitors to enjoy. Public beach access is easy and abundant with direct park access and a number of easy-to-spot walkovers connecting Highway 98 to the beach. It’s time to make memories that last forever on the Unforgettable Coast!
Port Saint Joe is a quaint fishing village, only eleven miles from Mexico Beach. There are great local restaurants, grocery store, and cute boutique shops. The boat ramp is less than two blocks from Fishermans Paradise. The beach is a 5 minute drive from downtown. Port St Joe is on eastern time, where Mexico Beach is on central time.
34 abantu bendawo batusa
Port St. Joe
Port Saint Joe is a quaint fishing village, only eleven miles from Mexico Beach. There are great local restaurants, grocery store, and cute boutique shops. The boat ramp is less than two blocks from Fishermans Paradise. The beach is a 5 minute drive from downtown. Port St Joe is on eastern time, where Mexico Beach is on central time.
Great place for a leisurely drive on a Sunday afternoon. Quaint town with great local shops and restaurants. Just a short drive to St George Island.
Apalachicola Florida is a warm, welcoming port town bursting with hometown charm, friendly folks and rich maritime history. Nestled on the mouth of the Apalachicola River, this small coastal city is home to bustling seafood houses, weather-worn shrimp boats and stately historical buildings.
The name "Apalachicola" is a combination of the Hitchoti Indian words "apalahchi," meaning "on the other side," and "okli," meaning "people.” However, Apalachicola locals will tell you it means "land of the friendly people.” As soon as you set foot in this genial small town, you’ll understand why. Brimming with warm hospitality and smiling faces, Apalachicola makes everyone feel at home.
113 abantu bendawo batusa
Apalachicola
Great place for a leisurely drive on a Sunday afternoon. Quaint town with great local shops and restaurants. Just a short drive to St George Island.
Apalachicola Florida is a warm, welcoming port town bursting with hometown charm, friendly folks and rich maritime history. Nestled on the mouth of the Apalachicola River, this small coastal city is home to bustling seafood houses, weather-worn shrimp boats and stately historical buildings.
The name "Apalachicola" is a combination of the Hitchoti Indian words "apalahchi," meaning "on the other side," and "okli," meaning "people.” However, Apalachicola locals will tell you it means "land of the friendly people.” As soon as you set foot in this genial small town, you’ll understand why. Brimming with warm hospitality and smiling faces, Apalachicola makes everyone feel at home.
Food scene
We eat out a lot. These are some of our favorites in the area.
Great local restaurant within walking distance of Waterside Paradise
25 abantu bendawo batusa
Mango Marley's
3102 US-98Great local restaurant within walking distance of Waterside Paradise
We love the low country boil here. One serving easily feeds the both of us.
29 abantu bendawo batusa
Shipwreck Raw Bar
7008 W Hwy 98We love the low country boil here. One serving easily feeds the both of us.
Unique, local favorite. The oysters New Orleans is my favorite. Get there early as they fill up quick for dinner.
25 abantu bendawo batusa
Indian Pass Raw Bar-Uptown
411 Reid AveUnique, local favorite. The oysters New Orleans is my favorite. Get there early as they fill up quick for dinner.
Our absolute favorite place for breakfast. The homemade sausage, shrimp and grits, and pulled pork omelette are our favorites.
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Sand Dollar Cafe
301 Monument AveOur absolute favorite place for breakfast. The homemade sausage, shrimp and grits, and pulled pork omelette are our favorites.
Great place to get coffee, brunch, or a sweet treat, within walking distance of Waterside Paradise
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Caribbean Coffee LLC
2802 US-98Great place to get coffee, brunch, or a sweet treat, within walking distance of Waterside Paradise
Killer Seafood sauce is a local favorite. What was a restaurant before the hurricane is now a food truck with covered picnic tables. Be sure to take home a bottle or two of the sauce. Great fish tacos.
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Killer Seafood
820 US-98Killer Seafood sauce is a local favorite. What was a restaurant before the hurricane is now a food truck with covered picnic tables. Be sure to take home a bottle or two of the sauce. Great fish tacos.
The View On Old 98
51 Goodmorning StreetAwesome food with a great view.
Great food for all meals. our go to place for breakfast in Pt St Joe
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Sisters' Restaurant
236 Reid AveGreat food for all meals. our go to place for breakfast in Pt St Joe
The White Marlin and Oysterette
Great food and atmosphere when you want a more upscale dinner.
A nice variety of food with live music at times. We love the seafood chowder.
16 abantu bendawo batusa
The BrickWall Sports Bar & Grille
414 Reid AveA nice variety of food with live music at times. We love the seafood chowder.
Quatro Locos Tacos and Cantina
Best mexican food around. Love their specialty tacos
The Italian Kitchen
Great takeout Italian.
Shopping
Local places to shop in our area
Within walking distance of our cottage you will find a row of cute local gift shops such as Two Gulls at the Beach and Seagreen Salvage and Company.
2802 US-98
2802 U.S. 98Within walking distance of our cottage you will find a row of cute local gift shops such as Two Gulls at the Beach and Seagreen Salvage and Company.
Fishing gear, souvenirs and other small grocery items, the marina is close by.
6 abantu bendawo batusa
Mexico Beach Marina
3904 US-98Fishing gear, souvenirs and other small grocery items, the marina is close by.
210 W Hwy 98
210 West Highway 98Great to let them do the shopping and have your groceries there when you arrive.
www.coastalconciergepsj.com
515 Fourth St
515 Fourth StreetGreat to let them do the shopping and have your groceries there when you arrive.
www.coastalconciergepsj.com
Shell Shack
3800 US-98Great for gifts and fresh steamed seafood.
My favorite place for beach clothing. Prices are very reasonable for a boutique shop.
Boutique by The Bay
414 Reid AveMy favorite place for beach clothing. Prices are very reasonable for a boutique shop.
Costal Cabin Marketplace
Great place for souvenirs and home decor.
Sightseeing
The Cape is a great place for hunting shells and scallops during scallop season. The state park has a nice walking trail along the water.
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Cape San Blas
The Cape is a great place for hunting shells and scallops during scallop season. The state park has a nice walking trail along the water.
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
Central Time Vrs. Eastern Time
Be aware that Mexico Beach is on central time, but Port Saint Joe is on eastern time.
Imikhuba namasiko
No Trace Beach Etiquette
Our beaches are no trace beaches. Items left after sundown will be discarded. Please fill all holes dug in the sand for the safety of our sea turtles and people.