ST. ANDREWS STATE PARK
Well known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities - a splendid opportunity for bird-watching. Those wanting to relax can sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion. Full-facility campsites, as well as primitive youth group camping, make this park a popular overnight destination. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, and fishing amenities. Shell Island Boat Tours are available during the spring and summer. Located three miles east of Panama City Beach, off State Road 392 (Thomas Drive).
The Gator Lake Trail and Overlook provide visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators and a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and other small animal. At Button Bush Marsh Overlook, a host of birds can be viewed. Herons and ibis feed along the fertile marsh edge as a variety of waterfowl swim and feed in the depths. Through out the interior of the park you will see raccoon, and white tail deer.
The park opened in 1951 and now consists of more than 1,260 acres. During World War II, it was part of St. Andrews Military Reservation. Circular cannon platforms are still in place on the beach near the jetties. One of them is a favorite observation point for guests as they enjoy the beautiful sunsets and watch the boats pass by.
An authentically reconstructed "Cracker" Turpentine still and turn of the century saw mill are located in the park near Grand Lagoon. charts and diagrams interpret the use and mechanisms of the still. Living history demonstrations are offered quarterly.
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the
FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
The 1,260 acre coastal park with its 700-acre pristine barrier Shell Island has 176 campsites with electric and water hookups available for reservation through Reserve America.
Group Camping
Group camping is available in the park primitive camping area for scouts, church groups, and other small non-profit organized groups.
Primitive Camping
Primitive area is available for scouts, church groups, and other small non-profit organized groups. No pets are allowing in this area.
RV Camping
The park has a total of 176 campsites available for reserving through Reserve America. All sites include grills, electric, and running water.
Located behind the camp-store, contains several different brochures of information to help our day visitors enjoy their stay at the park. Also, available inside the center is a restroom facility.
There are three stores on the park that are open during the summer season (March to Labor Day). These stores offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items, and rental of chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, canoes, and kayaks. At this time there is no restaurant available.
This activity is one of the most popular things to do while at St. Andrews, with over 1 mile and a half of beautiful white sandy beaches to swim from. The park not only offers beach access from the mainland, but also offers daily trips to Shell Island where a visitor can enjoy the beach as well. However, trips to Shell Island are limited to seasonal dates only which are from March till Labor Day weekend.
The beach consists of two and a half miles of beautiful white sand with several location from which to swim or play. There are two different parking areas in which to access the beach areas.
Boating opportunities are unlimited at St. Andrews with immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico or even Shell Island.
Boat Tours
Shuttle boat tours are offered to go from the mainland of the park to Shell Island in spring and summer. Visitors may wish to sun or walk along the shore of this pristine barrier island. Tickets are available at the park concession.
Boat Ramp
The parks boat ramp consists of a double-sided concrete launch that will accommodate the smallest to the largest of water craft.
Canoes and Kayaks are available via the parks camp store located just up from the boat ramp are during the summer season. Opportunities are unlimited from just paddling around Grand Lagoon or across the boat channel to Shell Island.
Fishing opportunities include deep-sea jetty and surf fishing. Two fishing piers and jetties provide excellent vantage points year-round. Catches include Spanish mackerel, red fish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, cobia, dolphin and bluefish. A boat ramp is located on the Grand Lagoon near the fishing pier. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items and rental of chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, canoes, and kayaks.
This activity is an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is available for rent at any of the concession stores on the property or bring your own.
This activity is an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is available for rent at any of the concession stores on the property or bring your own.
Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. Wonderful sugar white beaches. You can even camp right on the water. Great for fishing. Friendly park personal. But the roads through out the park are horrible. Pot hole and cracked pavement everywhere.
This park has it all. And everything is close by. For smaller children or snorkeling, the water by the jetty is awesome. It only gets up to about 3 foot and no waves to splash the young kids. But just on the other side of the sand dunes is the beach on the gulf. So if you want waves, you got them. All kinds of shelter and shade for eating, showers, biking, and nature trails. So awesome for a family vacation. Oh and did I mention it has a pier? 
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