St. Andrews State Park near Panama City Beach, Florida, has been named America's Best Beach with over 1.5 miles of beach. Top things to do include Shell Island, Sunset dolphin cruises, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park includes 1,260 acres of gorgeous sandy beaches, dunes, scrub and pine flatwoods. This is a Florida State Park that is well worth visiting over and over again.
The park offers both white sand beach adventures along with salt marshes and alligator sightings.
This is one of our favorite places to visit on the Emerald Coast of Florida. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
The park has done a ton of updates in 2025, including making the main road one-way. They have added a traffic circle, walking/bike path, and more to make visitor access smoother.
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Things to do at St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park has something for everyone! Photographers will love the gorgeous scenery, Boaters will love the boat ramp and easy access to the Gulf, Water sports enthusiasts will love the kayaking, canoeing, and swimming opportunities.
Shell Island
Shell Island is only accessible by boat. You can book a ride on the Shell Island Ferry directly from the park.
Shell Island Ferry - Book your Shell Island Ferry ahead of time so you know you have tickets purchased and a spot on the ferry.
The Shell Island Shuttle leaves from the park and travels 15 minutes to reach the dock on Shell Island. You can rent snorkeling and scuba equipment at the Pier Store and at the Jetty Store.
You can bring your own cooler, drinks, and snacks with you to Shell Island. There are no restroos or visitor facilities on Shell Island.
Departure: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
Return: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, and 5pm
Make sure to plan time to board the tram from the pier store to the ferry dock. There is no parking at the ferry dock. Plan to get the tram 30 minutes before your departure time.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
We highly suggest taking a sunset dolphin cruise! We saw so many leaping Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins it was amazing!
While you are never guaranteed to see wild dolphins we have had amazing luck on Panama City Beach Dolphin Cruises.
Book a Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Cruise to enjoy the best of St. Andrews State Park.
White Sand Beach
St. Andrews State Park has 1.5 miles of of beautiful white sand beaches! Voted one of America's best beaches you can enjoy relaxing on the Florida Gulf Coast.
The mile and a half of pristine beaches are perfect for enjoying one of America's best beaches. Take a walk along the waters edge, swim in the water, and savor the gorgeous views.
There is no shade on the beach so visitors are advised to bring an umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, and all of your favorite beach essentials.
Swimming/Snorkeling/Diving
Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Make sure to check beach conditions and beach flag alerts for any safety concerns before entering the water.
Guided Shore Dives - Book a small group guided shore dive in St. Andrews State Park! Look for groupers, snappers, dolphins, eagle rays, and more marine life on this guided scuba diving tour. The tour is led by a trained Divemaster.
Fishing
Fish caught include Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder, sea trout, bonita, maui maui and bluefish.
A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to for all anglers fish within the park.
The Gulf fishing pier in St. Andrews State Park was closed effective April 20, 2002 at the "T" portion at the seaward end of the pier due to storm damage.
Camping & Glamping
There are two campground loops in the pinewoods near Grand Lagoon. Campsite reservations are available online!
Each campsite has water, 30 and 50 amp electric, and sewer connections. They also have a picnic table and grill. The camp sites can accomodate RV's up to 50 feet in lenght.
There are three accessible restrooms available in the campgrounds. Pets are welcome in the St. Andrews State Park Campgrounds.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservation website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
You can also enjoy glamping in the park! The new eco-tents have a water view and modern amenities including electricity, a queen bed, a twin sized cot, and more.
Bicycling
Bring your own bicycle or rent bicycles at the camp store. You can peddle around the roadways of the park to explore more of the great Florida state park.
Bike's are not permitted on footpaths, boardwalks, or the trail down to the beach.
Bird Watching
I am going to admit that I am a total bird nerd and run my Merlin bird app everytime we are in a park or stopped pretty much anywhere.
The Button Bush Marsh Overlook is a great place to look for herons and ibis and other waterfowl.
Birdwatchers will love the mix of birds found in the park. Some of Florida's rarer birds have been seen in the park.
Park Store/Concession
The St. Andrews State Park Camp Store has snacks, some grocery items, bait and tackle, ice, firewood, and more.
The Pier Store has sweet treats and souvenirs.
The Jetty Store has snacks, drinks, beach chairs, and umbrellas.
Why you will love St. Andrews State Park
- Shell Island Boat Tours
- Ample fishing opportunities
- Rich diversity of coastal plant communities
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the shade of a picnic pavilion.
- Great saltwater swimming area in the shallow water of the Gulf of Mexico
Things to know when planning a visit to St. Andrews State Park
Entrance Fee - $8 per vehicle
Address - 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, Florida 32408
The park is located three miles east of Panama City Beach
Phone - 850-708-6100
Hours - 8 am to sunset, 365 days a year
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - The park has elevated boardwalks to the beach and jetty overlook, Beach wheelchairs (ask at the ranger station), Two fishing piers, accessible campsites, accessible restrooms with changing areas, Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
Service animals are welcome in Florida state parks.
Plus Size Seating - We suggest bringing your favorite beach chair with you.
Dress Code/Suggestions - Casual, Beach clothes, please be prepared for the hot Florida panhandle sun and humidity!
Pets - Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed at the beach, wetlands, boardwalks, playground or in any buildings.
Parking - The Summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day is busy! We suggest arriving early to get the best opportunity for easy parking.
Panama City Beach Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Diego's Burrito Bar - Build your own burrito, quesadilla, or bowl! so good
Pineapple Willy's - Iconic PCB Bar and restaurant with epic views of the Gulf. Make sure to get a bucket of ribs.
Wicked Wheel - Fun custom car and motorcycle themed restaurant with great food.
Liza's Kitchen - Great local breakfast and lunch restaurant with scratch made food!
Panama City Beach Tours
Dolphin Cruises - Head out on the water looking for Bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife on these great tours. Book tours HERE
Shell Island Tours - One of the most popular adventures in PCB! Head out to Shell Island and enjoy this tropical island. Book tours HERE
Helicopter Tours - Check out the crystal blue water, attractions and beach from the air on a great helicopter tour. Book tours HERE
Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Enjoy some of the world's best fishing! Book tours HERE
Sunset Cruises - One of our favorite things to do in PCB is enjoy a sunset cruise. The sunsets over the water are truly amazing. Book tours HERE
Click HERE to see all of the top rated tours and activities in Panama City Beach.
Panama City Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have stayed at each of these lodging options:
Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort - Book your Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort stay here.
Use code GCJ for a discount on stays with a minimum of 3 nights for Surf Bungalows and 4 nights for Resort Cottages.
Springhill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront: Enjoy epic views of the Gulf of Mexico, an unbelievable pool with a lazy river, and easy beach access.
Marriotts Legends Edge at Bay Point: Stay in a gorgeous two-bedroom condo with a full kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms.
Townplace Suites Pier Park - Great hotel with kitchens, and living space to enjoy on your trip.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
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