If you’re looking for a place to get away from the heat of the summer, you’ll love St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach. It’s home to a mile and a half of white sand beaches, sugary water, and a variety of birds and wildlife. The park’s amenities include picnic areas, a playground, pavilions, a swimming beach, nature trails, and a jetty.
It’s also home to a variety of migratory birds and is a popular stopover point for many different bird species. There’s also a campground for those who want to stay overnight.
The park is located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The peninsula is surrounded by over two miles of sugar-white beaches.
Among Florida’s most gorgeous beaches, St. Andrews State Park is a year-round destination with many recreational activities to offer visitors. The park is also handicap accessible, offering beach wheelchair rentals and other accessibility amenities. Pets and service animals are welcome at the park.
St. Andrews State Park is one of the more than 1,200 acres of Florida State Parks
The park is the headquarters of one of Florida’s AmeriCorps chapters. Whether you enjoy the outdoors or want to get out and explore, St. Andrews has something for everyone.
There are several hiking trails and a beach for a day of swimming.
You can rent kayaks or paddles at the park.
Bikers can also enjoy the park’s 2-mile biking loop. Be prepared for potholes; the road I walked was crammed with them when I visited in May of 2021.
You can experience an endless variety of recreational activities. The sugar sand beaches and the emerald green waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The park also features a fishing pier.
The park also has campgrounds. The park is open eight hours a day and requires an entry fee of $8 for vehicles. Individuals can use the bathrooms at the park. The park also has showers and a laundry facility.
Parking is available for $8 per vehicle, $4 for single-occupancy vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians.
Shell Island Boat Tours
For those who want to experience the beauty of the Gulf Coast, a trip to Shell Island is a must.
This island is home to the highest concentration of bottle-nosed dolphins in the world. Not only is the water there beautiful, but the wildlife is also abundant.
Shell Island is located across the channel from St. Andrews State Park, making the trip from the mainland to the island a snap. Guests can snorkel, rent kayaks, or enjoy a relaxing day on the island.
The shuttle has its own concession boat, which means that you’ll have no problem getting to the island.
Shell Island is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering plenty of space and calm coastal waters.
You can snorkel or swim among the sea turtles and colorful tropical fish that live there.
There are also many hiking trails and wildlife communities that can be seen on the island.
If you’re looking for a unique way to see the Bay, shell island boat tours are a great option.
Shell Island is home to endangered turtles, including Loggerhead and Green Turtles. It’s important to respect turtle nesting areas, so please try not to disturb the turtles. Signs will indicate where nesting areas are located.
Shell Island is a great place for families and couples to go for a relaxing day on the water. Visitors can take part in various water activities, including fishing and seashell hunting.
For a more adventurous experience, there’s also the option to rent pontoon boats or a Waverunner and head out into the bay on a scenic tour.
Fishing pier
If you’re into fishing, St. Andrews State Park has the pier for you. Located on the peninsula at the end of Panama City Beach, the pier has direct access to the Gulf and Grand Lagoon.
Anglers often fish from the park’s beach to capture Spanish mackerel. You can also catch flounder, sea trout, bonito, and cobia.
The park’s 1,200 acres have plenty of recreational opportunities.
You can enjoy fishing, paddling, snorkeling, and bird watching. You can even rent fishing equipment and kayaks. The park also has a public boat launch where you can launch your boat.
The park also has two fishing piers: one on the Grand Lagoon and one that stretches out into the Gulf.
There are also nature trails and restroom facilities.
The park also offers boat tours to Shell Island in the spring and summer.
Camping is also available at the park, and there are more than 175 sites available. RVs up to 40 feet are allowed. The park also has water and electric hookups.
Another popular destination for fishermen in Panama City Beach is the Russell-Fields Pier.
It extends more than 1,500 feet into the Gulf and provides amazing ocean views. In addition to the pier, there is an adjacent beach, which offers volleyball and picnic facilities.
Whether you’re fishing for a large game or catching a few small fish, this pier is a great place to relax and enjoy the view.
White sand beach
Head on off to U.S. 98, if you’re looking for a relaxing place to spend a day!
Although there is a slight line during peak season, it’s less crowded than most other beaches in Panama City. Plus, the water is crystal clear!
So, no matter what the season is, you can take advantage of the park’s beautiful white sand beach.
If you’re looking for a white sand beach that’s near Panama City, St. Andrews State Park has 1.5 miles of white sugar sand. It’s the perfect spot to laze around and soak in the sun. Stephen Leatherman once called it one of America’s best beaches.
Not only does the beach boast white sugar sand, but it’s also home to some of the best-preserved dune beds in the world.
In addition to the white sand beach, there are also hiking trails and paved bike trails.
Wildlife
The park features five eco-landscapes that are ideal for nature lovers. You can enjoy kayaking, boating, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities in this natural preserve.
The park has many trails and is a great spot to watch wildlife. There are several hiking options available at the park, and fishing equipment and snacks are available at the park’s fishing pier.
The park’s salt marshes and rolling sand dunes are home to a variety of aquatic animals and plants. It also boasts one and a half miles of the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
The marsh areas are excellent habitats for nesting shorebirds.
Species such as least terns and snow plovers thrive in the area’s marsh areas. Other wildlife you can spot include gopher tortoises and white-tailed deer.
Attractions
The park is also home to one of Florida’s five AmeriCorps state parks chapters.
The park is situated near the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Mexico, so you can enjoy plenty of water activities. There are beach accesses on the mainland and daily trips to nearby Shell Island. If you’re into snorkeling and scuba diving, St. Andrews is the perfect place to visit.
The state park offers many activities for visitors to enjoy, including fishing, bird watching, and swimming. It is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown.
The park also includes one of the most undeveloped barrier islands in the world. A shuttle service is available from the park concession and runs between the mainland and the island.
Snorkeling is also an exciting experience, and the extensive shoreline offers excellent opportunities to study marine life.
Visitors will also find an array of outdoor activities!
The park’s lagoon and gulf feature clear water and colorful underwater life. There are many fishing spots, as well as a fishing pier.
Wrapping Up
St. Andrews State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Florida. The park is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors and take in some stunning views.
It’s also a great spot for fishing, swimming, and picnicking..
For a memorable weekend getaway, consider visiting St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, Florida. There are many activities for the entire family to enjoy. The park includes camping and hiking nature trails.
So whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventure, St. Andrews State Park is the perfect spot!
