St. Andrews State Park: A Coastal Gem in Panama City Beach
Right on the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, Florida, St. Andrews State Park spans more than 1,200 acres of natural beauty. With its powdery white sand, emerald waters, and diverse habitats like dunes, marshes, and pine forests, it’s a favorite spot for families, outdoor lovers, and anyone looking to unwind by the sea.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall bring warm weather and fewer crowds, but the park is worth visiting any time of year.
From swimming in calm waters and snorkeling around the jetties to hiking, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach, St. Andrews State Park offers a little something for everyone.
📍 Location
You’ll find St. Andrews State Park on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach, Bay County. The park features 1.5 miles of beach along the Gulf, plus shoreline on the Grand Lagoon.
It’s also a great place to spot wildlife—dolphins, sea turtles, migratory birds, and even alligators call the park home. The well-known “jetties,” rock formations along the shore, create calm swimming areas and are a top spot for fishing. Please enjoy wildlife from a safe distance and never feed the animals.
🚗 Getting There
From Panama City Beach: Drive east on Thomas Drive (Highway 392) for about 7 miles. The park entrance is well marked on the right.
From Panama City: Take Highway 98 (Business) west toward Panama City Beach, turn right onto Thomas Drive, and follow it to the entrance.
The park has over 400 parking spaces, including RV spots. On busy weekends and holidays (March–October), lots may fill up by mid-morning, so it’s best to arrive early. A tram service runs during peak times, making it easy to reach the beaches from the parking areas.
🏖️ What You’ll Find at St. Andrews State Park
🌊 Swimming & Water Activities
- Two swimming areas with calm, family-friendly waters
- Lifeguards on duty during peak season
- Snorkeling at the jetties with plenty of marine life
🏖️ Facilities
- Restrooms, showers, and changing stations throughout the park
- Picnic spots with tables and grills
- Snack stand with drinks, food, and beach gear
- Rentals available for chairs, umbrellas, and kayaks
🎣 Activities & Nature
- Fishing from jetties, piers, and shorelines
- 4+ miles of hiking and biking trails
- Wildlife watching—dolphins, seabirds, turtles, and more
- Shell collecting along the beaches
💰 Prices & Hours
- Entrance: $8 per vehicle (2–8 people), $4 for single drivers, $2 for walkers/bikers
- Open daily: 8:00 AM – Sunset
- Camping: $28–$34 per night
⛺ Camping & Overnight Stays
- 60 sites with water and electricity
- Modern bathhouses and hot showers
- RV spots up to 40 feet
- Reservations recommended year-round
🚤 Shell Island Shuttle
- Boat service to untouched Shell Island (extra fee)
- Runs multiple times daily from the park
- Explore a wild barrier island with excellent shelling
📸 Nearby Attractions
- Shell Island – undeveloped and great for shelling
- Conservation Park – 24 miles of trails
- Pier Park – shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Gulf World Marine Park – shows and exhibits
🧭 Practical Tips
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and lots of water—the sun is strong
- Check tide charts for the best shelling and fishing
- Book campsites well ahead for peak months
- Carry insect repellent, especially at dusk
- Arrive early in summer for easier parking
🌟 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Panama City Beach, Bay County, Florida, USA |
| Park Size | 1,200 acres |
| Entrance Fee | $8 per vehicle (2–8 people) |
| Parking | 400+ spaces, including RV spots |
| Hours | 8:00 AM – Sunset, daily |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, camping |
| Facilities | Restrooms, showers, concessions, rentals |
| Camping | 60 sites with hookups |
| Special Feature | Shell Island shuttle access |