St James Golf and Pickleball Resort Vacation Guide: Your Complete Carrabelle Experience

Planning a St James Golf and Pickleball Resort vacation in Carrabelle, this St James vacation guide has you covered! You’ve discovered one of Florida’s most exciting coastal destinations—a place where championship golf meets premier pickleball facilities, where legendary fishing waters meet pristine barrier island beaches, and where award-winning resort amenities meet authentic Forgotten Coast character.

Named among Florida’s top golf destinations and rapidly emerging as a pickleball paradise, St James Bay Golf Resort offers something increasingly rare along the Gulf Coast: world-class recreational facilities in an unspoiled natural setting that maintains genuine Old Florida charm. While other coastal resorts have sacrificed character for development, St James delivers championship-level experiences—from its par-72 golf course to its state-of-the-art pickleball complex—all while preserving the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that makes the Forgotten Coast special.

Whether you’re perfecting your golf swing on elevated tees overlooking coastal waters, competing in pickleball tournaments on pristine courts, catching redfish and speckled trout in legendary grass flats, exploring pristine barrier island beaches like Dog Island and St. George Island, or simply relaxing by the resort pool with a cold beverage and coastal breeze, this St James vacation guide covers everything you need to know. From championship golf course tips to hidden Carrabelle fishing spots, from resort amenities to Forgotten Coast adventures, we’re sharing insider knowledge for experiencing the best of St James and the surrounding area.

Gulf Coast Getaways offers family-owned vacation rentals at St James Golf and Pickleball Resort, combining 26 years of vacation rental expertise with outstanding customer service to ensure your Forgotten Coast escape exceeds expectations. As locals who know Carrabelle and the surrounding area intimately, we’re sharing our favorite resort experiences, area attractions, and must-do activities that turn good vacations into unforgettable memories.

St James Bay Golf Resort Overview

Championship Golf Course

The crown jewel of St James is its par-72, 18-hole championship golf course that consistently ranks among Florida’s finest layouts. Stretching over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, the course was designed to challenge skilled players while remaining accessible and enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

What sets the St James golf course apart is how it incorporates the natural Forgotten Coast landscape. Ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame fairways, native coastal vegetation creates natural hazards and visual interest, strategic water features enhance play, and elevated tees provide spectacular views of coastal waters.

Course conditions remain exceptional year-round. The greens are consistently praised for their speed and true roll, fairways feature lush Bermuda grass, bunkers are meticulously maintained, and practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas.

Green Fees & Access

Golf access requires purchasing a day pass (green fees separate from vacation rental). Fees vary by season, with peak rates during winter months when snowbirds flock south and more affordable rates during summer. Twilight rates offer exceptional value for afternoon golf.

Tee times should be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons (November through April) and on weekends. The pro shop staff are friendly and accommodating, happy to help match you with appropriate tee times and provide course insights. Many guests book golf packages when reserving their St James vacation rental, combining lodging and golf for the best overall value.

Pro Shop & Golf Services

The well-stocked pro shop offers everything needed for a great round—club rentals available for travelers who don’t want to fly with clubs, push cart and golf cart rentals, premium golf balls, apparel, and accessories, and knowledgeable staff who can recommend the right equipment. Club fitting services help dial in your game, and the staff genuinely care about golfers having excellent experiences on the course.

Premier Pickleball Complex

St James has invested heavily in becoming one of Florida’s premier pickleball destinations. The dedicated pickleball complex features multiple courts with professional-quality surfaces, tournament-grade nets and equipment, thoughtful lighting for early morning and evening play, and comfortable spectator areas.

The pickleball community at St James is remarkably welcoming—whether you’re a competitive player or a beginner. The resort regularly hosts pickleball events, clinics, and social gatherings. Many guests plan their St James vacations around tournaments.

Access to pickleball courts requires a day pass (separate from vacation rental). Court reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. Private lessons and clinics are available for players looking to improve their game.

Resort Pools & Amenities

St James condominium properties include access to the condo pool area—perfect for family fun and relaxation. The pool offers plenty of space for swimming, lounging, and enjoying Florida sunshine, while the hot tub/spa provides soothing relief for muscles tired from golf, pickleball, or fishing adventures.

Note that access to the resort’s championship golf course, pickleball courts, fitness center, and other premium amenities requires a day pass fee (available for purchase). Your vacation rental includes the condo pool, but golf and pickleball access is separate—giving you flexibility to customize your experience and budget.

Fitness Center

The on-site fitness center (day pass required) features modern cardio equipment, strength training equipment and free weights, and climate-controlled comfort—convenient for maintaining your workout routine beyond golf and pickleball.

Crooked River Grill

The Crooked River Grill serves is St James’ social hub and dining destination. The menu emphasizes fresh Gulf seafood—grouper, snapper, oysters, shrimp—prepared with skill and served in generous portions. Steaks, burgers, and other American favorites round out the menu, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.

The real magic of Crooked River Grill is the setting. Golf views make every meal more enjoyable, especially during sunset when the sky explodes in oranges, pinks, and purples over the course. The bar serves cold beer, creative cocktails, and an impressive selection of wines. Many guests start or end their days at Crooked River Grill, swapping golf stories, pickleball strategies, and fishing tales over drinks and appetizers.

Exploring Carrabelle & the Forgotten Coast

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While St James provides enough amenities to happily spend your entire vacation on resort property, the surrounding Forgotten Coast offers too many incredible experiences to ignore. Your St James vacation rental serves as the perfect home base for exploring one of Florida’s last unspoiled coastal regions.

Legendary Fishing

Carrabelle has earned its reputation as one of Florida’s premier fishing destinations through decades of proven productivity. The area offers fishing opportunities that rival anywhere else on the Gulf Coast, with far fewer boats competing for the same fish.

Inshore Fishing: The grass flats, oyster bars, and coastal marshes surrounding Carrabelle teem with redfish (locally called “reds”), speckled trout, and flounder. Wade fishing and kayak fishing are exceptionally productive here, allowing anglers to work shallow waters that larger boats can’t access. Local fishing guides know every productive flat, grass bed, and oyster bar, and they’re worth every penny for their knowledge and equipment.

Offshore Fishing: The Gulf waters off Carrabelle drop quickly to productive depths, putting grouper, red snapper, king mackerel, cobia, and more within reasonable boat range. The area’s reefs and structure hold massive quantities of fish, and offshore trips regularly produce coolers full of fillets. Charter captains run everything from half-day trips to extended offshore adventures.

Scalloping: From late June through September, nearby St. Joseph Bay opens for recreational bay scalloping—one of Florida’s most fun family activities. Snorkeling in crystal-clear shallow waters, spotting scallops on grass beds, and harvesting your limit makes for unforgettable memories. The sweet, delicate scallop meat is a prized delicacy worth the effort.

Fishing Charters & Guides: Carrabelle’s working waterfront supports numerous excellent fishing charters and guides. Whether you want light-tackle inshore action, offshore bottom fishing, or specialized scalloping trips, local captains provide boats, equipment, expertise, and fish-cleaning services. We’re happy to recommend reputable charter operations—just ask when booking your St James vacation rental.

Pristine Beaches & Barrier Islands

The Forgotten Coast features some of Florida’s most beautiful and uncrowded beaches—a refreshing change from overdeveloped coastal areas where finding parking and beach space requires military precision.

Dog Island: This pristine barrier island sits just offshore from Carrabelle, accessible only by boat or ferry. The island features miles of completely undeveloped beaches, no cars or commercial development, incredible shelling and beachcombing, and a peaceful, wild atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Day trips to Dog Island rank among the Forgotten Coast’s most special experiences.

St. George Island: About 20 minutes from St James, St. George Island features 22 miles of sugar-white sand beaches with minimal development and maximum natural beauty. St. George Island State Park on the eastern end offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and excellent birdwatching. The island maintains a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with beach access, casual restaurants, and vacation rental options.

Cape San Blas: Roughly 40 minutes from Carrabelle, Cape San Blas features some of Florida’s most stunning beaches—crystal-clear turquoise water, powdery white sand, and gentle waves perfect for families. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park at the tip ranks among America’s most beautiful beaches according to numerous national surveys.

Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking & Paddling: The coastal waters, rivers, and marshes around Carrabelle provide exceptional kayaking opportunities. Paddle through peaceful marshes teeming with wildlife, explore coastal islands and grass flats, fish from kayaks in productive shallow waters, and enjoy sunset paddles that showcase the area’s natural beauty.

Hiking & Nature: Tate’s Hell State Forest offers miles of hiking and biking trails through diverse ecosystems, while nearby preserves and parks provide nature trails, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. The area’s relatively undeveloped character means wildlife thrives—you’ll see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, numerous bird species, and more.

Boating & Sailing: Carrabelle’s protected harbors and deep-water access make it ideal for boating. The Carrabelle River provides sheltered anchorages, while the open Gulf offers sailing and cruising opportunities. Boat ramps and marina facilities support recreational boating.

Authentic Coastal Culture

Unlike tourist-trap beach towns with manufactured charm, Carrabelle remains an authentic working waterfront community where commercial fishing and boat building continue as they have for generations.

Working Waterfront: The Carrabelle docks bustle with commercial fishing boats, shrimp boats, and oyster boats bringing in daily catches. Local fish markets sell the day’s harvest—truly fresh seafood at fair prices. Watching the fleet come in at sunset, hearing the distinctive calls of pelicans and gulls, and smelling salt air mixed with diesel fuel from working boats provides authentic coastal atmosphere money can’t buy.

Local Characters & Stories: Carrabelle’s small-town character means locals actually talk to visitors. Strike up conversations at the marina, the bait shop, or waterfront restaurants and you’ll hear stories about legendary catches, historic storms, eccentric local characters, and the area’s fascinating history. This genuine human connection makes Forgotten Coast vacations memorable.

Historic Sites: The World’s Smallest Police Station (a phone booth) has become a quirky Carrabelle landmark and popular photo stop. The Carrabelle Lighthouse offers climbing access and historical information. The Crooked River Lighthouse in nearby Carrabelle provides more maritime history and spectacular views.

Casual Waterfront Dining: Carrabelle’s restaurants emphasize fresh seafood and casual atmosphere over pretension. Julia’s Oyster Bar serves legendary fresh oysters—some of the best in Florida—in a no-frills setting where the food speaks for itself. The Fisherman’s Wife offers fresh Gulf seafood and waterfront views. Harry A’s provides casual dining with local character. Nobody’s checking if your shirt is tucked in or your shoes are polished—just bring your appetite and appreciation for genuinely fresh seafood.

Day Trips from St James

Your St James vacation rental provides easy access to several fascinating day trip destinations that showcase different aspects of Forgotten Coast and North Florida culture.

Apalachicola (25 minutes)

This historic town punches well above its weight for charm, culture, and culinary excellence. Apalachicola Bay produces 90% of Florida’s wild oysters, and the town celebrates this heritage with numerous excellent oyster bars and seafood restaurants. The historic downtown features beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, art galleries and boutiques, the John Gorrie Museum (inventor of air conditioning), and the Apalachicola Maritime Museum.

Dining in Apalachicola ranges from casual oyster bars like Boss Oyster and Up the Creek Raw Bar to upscale restaurants like Tamara’s Cafe Floridita. The town hosts festivals throughout the year, including the famous Florida Seafood Festival. Walking the downtown, browsing galleries, and stopping for fresh oysters makes for a perfect day trip.

Port St. Joe (50 minutes)

This small coastal town offers charming downtown with local shops and restaurants, the Constitution Convention Museum showcasing Florida history, Cape San Blas beaches (some of Florida’s most beautiful), and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park with pristine beaches and nature trails. Port St. Joe maintains authentic character while offering modern amenities and excellent seafood restaurants.

Panama City Beach (90 minutes)

For those missing the energy of a traditional beach resort town, Panama City Beach sits about an hour from St James. The area offers famous white-sand beaches, St. Andrews State Park, Pier Park shopping and entertainment, numerous restaurants and attractions, and Shell Island adventures. PCB provides a stark contrast to Carrabelle’s quiet character—both have their place.

Tallahassee (40 minutes)

Florida’s capital city offers museum and cultural attractions, FSU and FAMU campuses, historic sites and architecture, shopping and dining options, and Wakulla Springs State Park. Tallahassee makes a nice day trip for those wanting urban amenities and cultural experiences to balance coastal relaxation.

Natural Springs

North Florida features numerous freshwater springs within reasonable driving distance of St James—Wakulla Springs (crystal-clear swimming and wildlife viewing), Ichetucknee Springs (famous for tubing), and several other springs offering swimming, snorkeling, and nature experiences. These make excellent day trips, especially during hot summer months when the constant 72-degree spring water feels incredible.

Best Times to Visit St James

Spring (March-May)

Many consider spring the absolute best time for a St James vacation. The golf course plays beautifully with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, wildflowers bloom throughout the resort and surrounding natural areas, fishing heats up as water temperatures rise, and crowds remain manageable before peak summer. Spring is also excellent for beach trips to nearby St. George Island and Cape San Blas—warm enough for swimming without summer’s intense heat.

Temperature Range: Highs in the 70s-80s, comfortable evenings
Rainfall: Moderate, occasional spring showers
Crowds: Moderate, increasing toward late spring
Golf Conditions: Excellent
Fishing: Excellent, especially inshore species

Summer (June-August)

Summer brings peak season for family vacations, warm Gulf waters perfect for swimming, excellent scalloping in nearby St. Joseph Bay (late June-September), and longer days for maximizing beach time and outdoor activities. Summer afternoons often feature brief thunderstorms—typical Florida summer pattern—but these usually pass quickly and cool things down nicely.

The resort pool becomes the social hub during summer, providing refreshing breaks between golf rounds or beach trips. Evening temperatures remain comfortable, perfect for dining at Crooked River Grill or enjoying sunset cocktails.

Temperature Range: Highs in the upper 80s-low 90s, humid
Rainfall: Highest rainfall season, afternoon thunderstorms common
Crowds: Peak season, especially June-July
Golf Conditions: Very good, play early to avoid afternoon heat
Fishing: Excellent offshore, good inshore, prime scalloping season

Fall (September-November)

Fall might be the locals’ favorite season and the best-kept secret for St James vacations. Temperatures moderate to perfect golf and pickleball weather, humidity drops significantly, fishing remains excellent (some say it’s best in fall), and crowds thin out considerably after Labor Day. The value proposition improves dramatically—lower vacation rental rates without sacrificing experience quality.

September and early October still offer beach weather and scalloping opportunities. Late fall brings comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities without summer’s heat and humidity. Hurricane season technically runs through November, though the Forgotten Coast’s location in the northern Gulf provides some protection from major storms.

Temperature Range: Highs in the 70s-80s, cooler evenings
Rainfall: Decreasing through the season
Crowds: Light to moderate, excellent value
Golf Conditions: Excellent
Fishing: Excellent, many consider this the best season

Winter (December-February)

Winter attracts snowbirds escaping northern cold, and St James becomes a refuge for golfers and pickleball players seeking comfortable outdoor conditions. While definitely cooler than summer, winter temperatures rarely drop low enough to prevent golf or outdoor activities. The resort takes on a social, community feel as longer-term guests get to know each other through rounds of golf, pickleball matches, and evenings at Crooked River Grill.

Winter fishing can be spectacular when cold fronts push fish into concentrated areas and activate feeding. Beach days are less common but still possible on warmer winter days. The shoulder seasons (early December and late February) offer the best balance of comfortable weather and value pricing.

Temperature Range: Highs in the 60s-70s, occasional cold fronts
Rainfall: Lowest rainfall season
Crowds: Moderate to busy, snowbird season
Golf Conditions: Excellent, book tee times early
Fishing: Excellent when conditions are right

Book Your St James Golf and Pickleball Vacation

Ready to experience championship golf, premier pickleball, legendary Forgotten Coast fishing, and authentic Old Florida charm? Your St James vacation combines award-winning resort amenities with the natural beauty and genuine character that makes Carrabelle and the Forgotten Coast special—a rare combination in today’s overdeveloped coastal tourism landscape.

Browse our carefully curated vacation rentals at St James Bay Golf Resort or contact Gulf Coast Getaways at 850-703-3076 to discuss which property best matches your needs. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway with friends, a pickleball tournament visit, a fishing adventure, or a multi-generational family vacation, we’ll help you find the perfect St James property and share insider tips for making the most of your Forgotten Coast experience.

As a family-owned company with 26 years of vacation rental expertise and properties across 12 Gulf Coast destinations, we bring unmatched local knowledge and personalized service to every reservation. We’re not a corporate platform collecting fees—we’re fellow property owners who genuinely care about your vacation experience. Our 7-day-a-week support, direct booking benefits, and commitment to outstanding customer service set us apart.

Wherever the tide takes you, we’re there! Let Gulf Coast Getaways be your trusted partner in creating the St James vacation you’ve been dreaming about—where every morning begins with coastal sunrise and championship golf, every afternoon brings pickleball competition or legendary fishing, and every evening ends with spectacular sunset views, fresh Gulf seafood, and the peaceful satisfaction of having discovered Florida’s last unspoiled coast.

Welcome to St James Bay Golf Resort. Welcome to the Forgotten Coast. Welcome to your new favorite vacation destination. Follow our adventures on Facebook!