Frequently Asked Questions

St. James Bay is at 151 Laughing Gull Ln, Carrabelle, FL 32322, on Florida's Forgotten Coast. We're about one hour south of Tallahassee on US-319 and US-98, 30 minutes east of St. George Island, and 25 minutes east of Apalachicola.

We're the only resort in the area combining a Designated Audubon Signature Sanctuary golf course, eight new pickleball courts, two pools, on-site dining at the Crooked River Grill, and full-size lodging — all on one 234-acre property on the Forgotten Coast. Most coastal Florida resorts have one or two of those. We have all of them.

No. St. James Bay Golf & Pickleball Resort is in Carrabelle, Florida, on the Panhandle. James Beach Resort is a different brand. St. James City is a separate town in southwest Florida (Pine Island, Lee County). They're three different places.

Tallahassee International (TLH) is about one hour north. Panama City (ECP) is roughly 90 minutes west. Pensacola (PNS) and Jacksonville (JAX) are each about three hours.

Casual Florida resort attire works everywhere. The golf course expects standard country-club casual — collared shirts, soft spikes. The Crooked River Grill is come-as-you-are at breakfast and lunch, slightly polished at dinner.

Two options. Residence Condominiums are 2–3 bedroom residential-style units with full kitchens, in-suite laundry, and balconies overlooking holes 14, 17, and 18 — sleep up to six. Clubhouse Villas are compact 600 sq ft units steps from the Pro Shop — sleep up to three. Each comes in Standard, Deluxe, and Supreme tiers.

Check-in: 3:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out is sometimes available depending on occupancy — just ask the front desk when you arrive or call ahead.

Yes. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all accommodations, the clubhouse, and common areas.

Select villas are pet-friendly. Confirm availability and pet fees with the front desk before booking — pet-friendly units are limited and book first.

The Residence Condominiums are primarily vacation rentals, but some units are privately owned and occasionally listed for sale. Call (850) 697-9606 for current ownership and resale availability.

Yes. You don't need to be a resort guest or member to play. Book tee times online or call the Pro Shop at (850) 697-9606.

Robert Walker, in collaboration with the Audubon Society's Signature Sanctuary program. The course was designed to integrate with — rather than dominate — 90 acres of wetlands, pine forest, and marsh on the Forgotten Coast.

Sunday & Monday: 7 am – 6 pm. Tuesday – Thursday: 7 am – 8 pm. Friday & Saturday: 7 am – 9 pm. Hours can shift seasonally — the Pro Shop has the latest.

Par 72, 18 holes. From the Black tees the course plays 7,002 yards (course rating 72.0 / slope 143). Blue 6,376, White 5,820, Green 5,300, Red 4,209. Full hole-by-hole scorecard is on the Course page.

Golf annual dues are $3,950 (Single) and $5,500 (Family). A seasonal 4-Month Unlimited Golf membership is $2,700 (Single) or $3,850 (Family), and optional unlimited cart access is $1,000–$1,600/year. Social memberships range from $450 to $1,800. Initiation fees are separate and non-refundable. Full pricing on the Memberships page.

Yes. The 2-night Stay & Play and the 4-night Stay & Play (save up to 35%) both bundle lodging in a condo or villa with tee times. See the Offers page.

Yes. Open play is available to resort guests and the public. Complimentary paddles and balls are at the clubhouse — just walk in and check them out.

Eight brand-new courts overlooking a freshwater lake, with a full-size viewing deck and social area. We're one of the best pickleball resorts in Florida for a reason — these aren't tennis courts with lines repainted; they're purpose-built pickleball.

Yes. The All Florida Pickleball Tournament is our marquee event, plus regional round-robins and weekly clinics throughout the year. The Events Calendar lists everything coming up.

Yes. Clinics run weekly for beginners through advanced (3.5–4.5 level) players. On-site instructors handle private lessons by appointment — call the clubhouse to book.

Yes. The Crooked River Grill at St. James Bay serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a Southern-coastal menu — fresh Gulf seafood, shrimp and grits, and a rotating list of seasonal specials. Visit stjamesbayrestaurant.com.

Yes — reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and during live music nights. Call the property to book.

Two. The Crooked River Grill has a full indoor bar, and the Beer Garden (just outside the restaurant) serves local craft beer, cocktails, and spirits in an open-air setting.

Yes — we're one of the best wedding venues near St. George Island and Carrabelle, FL. Outdoor ceremonies happen under a majestic oak. Receptions run in the Fountain Room (up to 100 indoors) or the tented Fountain Room exterior (up to 300). On-site catering through the Crooked River Grill, room blocks for the wedding party, and a full event-planning team.

300 guests in the tented Fountain Room exterior. The Beer Garden handles up to 200 outdoors. The Fountain Room indoor holds 100. The Board Room seats 12 for executive meetings.

Yes — see Parties & Retreats. We coordinate venue + lodging + catering + activities (golf scrambles, pickleball mixers, fishing) as a single package.

Most wedding parties book 9–18 months ahead, especially for spring and fall dates (the most popular). Off-peak (summer and mid-winter) dates often have shorter lead times.

Within 5 minutes: Carrabelle Beach, the Crooked River Lighthouse, Carrabelle Park. Within 30 minutes: St. George Island (beach + state park + lighthouse), Tate's Hell State Forest (hiking + paddling), Apalachicola (historic downtown, oyster bars). On property: golf, pickleball, fishing charters, the spa, two pools, complimentary bikes, lawn games, and the events calendar.

We partner with C-Quarters Marina in Carrabelle. Half-day and full-day trips, inshore and offshore. Book directly at c-quartersmarina.com/charters. More on the Fishing Charters page.

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather and the busiest events calendar. Summer is warm but quieter and a great value. Winter is mild — golfers regularly choose St. James Bay over snowed-in northern clubs.

Book online or call (850) 697-9606. Booking direct gets you the Best Rate Guarantee plus exclusive packages that don't appear on third-party sites.

Book online or call the Pro Shop at (850) 697-9606.

Standard policy varies by package and season. For most direct bookings, cancellations made 48 hours before arrival receive a full refund of any deposit. Group and event bookings have separate terms disclosed in the contract.

Yes — gift cards can be applied to lodging, dining, or golf. Available at the front desk or by phone.

If you find a lower published rate on a third-party platform within 24 hours of booking direct with us, we'll match it and you keep all direct-booking benefits.