Teens are often attracted to vacation destinations with lots of activity to keep them busy. Cape San Blas, Florida, doesn’t have a boardwalk, a downtown hang out, or a lot of fancy shops, but it does offer teens plenty of activities to keep them busy, while mom and dad can just enjoy lounging on the beach.

Five Teen Friendly Activities on Cape San Blas, Florida

Cape San Blas is located on Florida’s panhandle between the flashy high-rises of Panama City and the relative unknown maritime village of Apalachicola. This 17-mile peninsula in Gulf County is part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. It begins with a mix of old and new beach homes, and ends at the St. Joseph’s Bay State Park where teens can get a glimpse of old Florida and explore one of the best beaches in the nation according to Dr. Beach’s 2002 list. But what is there to do on a vacation to Cape San Blas? Here are five teen-worthy suggestions.

Go Snorkeling: The Gulf County Beaches are well known for fishing and snorkeling. Scallop season is July through mid-September, and a lot of fun for any age. Don a snorkel mask and flippers and dive into the blue-green waters for an Easter egg hunt under the sea. Even if you don’t find any scallops, you’re likely to find lots of different sea life. My favorite finds were puffer fish and tiny seahorse.

Kayak the Dead Lakes: A short drive inland from Cape San Blas is Wewahitchka Florida, or Wewa as the locals call it are the Dead Lakes. The Dead Lakes are a mixture of swamp, river and lake, and look like a strange Star Wars planet. The best way to see the Dead Lakes is on a kayak trip with Off the Map Expeditions. Paddle your way through Cypress tree stalks and search for the very much a live wildlife that call this somewhat spooky area home. Be sure to bring a camera. Teens social networks will light up with the scenery. And since we know all teens like to eat, stop by Smiley Honey in Wewa on the way home for some famous Tupelo Honey.

Go Horseback Riding: There are lots of beach towns, including Cape San Blas, where you’ll find miles of biking and walking trails. However, you can also ride horses on Cape San Blas beaches. There are two riding companies in Gulf County, Broke-a-Toe and Rockin’ M Ranch. Both offer guided beach rides by reservation. For something truly special, book a sunset ride on the beach.

Hook a Big One: Throw a line in from the beach or travel the block to the Gulf side of the peninsula for some dock fishing. For the truly adventurous, head to the marina in Port St. Joe for a charter fishing trip with Wade Guilford of Break-a-Way Charters. Wade grew up fishing in Gulf County and he knows where to find the best spots. If you’d rather look than fish, Break-A-Way also offers hookah rig trips. The hookah system allows guest to dive with air but without a tank, so no special certification is needed.

Have a Fire on the Beach: Gulf County Florida allows fires on the beach (except in the state park). What a perfect way to end the day and a fun way to gather with friends. Be sure to follow the rules for beach fires which include making sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving and cover the site with sand. Don’t light a beach fire close to a marked sea turtle nest as the young turtles will hatch and wander toward the light.