St. Andrews State Park Panama City Beach Florida
Pristine beaches, clear emerald waters, and abundant wildlife await at this coastal Florida gem. Explore Shell Island and the jetties!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
St. Andrews State Park Panama City Beach Florida
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine beaches, clear emerald waters, and abundant wildlife await at this coastal Florida gem. Explore Shell Island and the jetties!
"This is a hidden gem and we are so thankful to have found it."
🚗 Park Entry Fee
It's $8 per vehicle (2-8 people) or $4 for a single occupant. :moneybag:
🐬 Dolphin & Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for dolphins near the jetties and alligators at Gator Lake! :ocean: :alligator:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shell Island Beaches
Southern tip of the park
Pristine, undeveloped barrier island with sugar-white sand and emerald waters. Perfect for shelling and relaxation.
Jetties & Marine Life
Eastern end of the park
Explore the jetties for excellent snorkeling and dolphin watching opportunities. You might spot sergeant majors and other colorful fish.
Gator Lake Boardwalk
Near the park entrance
A peaceful boardwalk trail offering a chance to spot local wildlife, including alligators, in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Park Entry & Shell Island
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Entry Fee
It's $8 per vehicle (2-8 people) or $4 for a single occupant. :moneybag:
🐬 Dolphin & Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for dolphins near the jetties and alligators at Gator Lake! :ocean: :alligator:
🤿 Snorkeling Hotspots
The jetties are fantastic for snorkeling, with clear water and diverse marine life. :underwater:
🐚 Shelling on Shell Island
Shell Island offers pristine beaches perfect for collecting unique shells. :shell:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Entry Fee
It's $8 per vehicle (2-8 people) or $4 for a single occupant. :moneybag:
🐬 Dolphin & Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for dolphins near the jetties and alligators at Gator Lake! :ocean: :alligator:
🤿 Snorkeling Hotspots
The jetties are fantastic for snorkeling, with clear water and diverse marine life. :underwater:
🐚 Shelling on Shell Island
Shell Island offers pristine beaches perfect for collecting unique shells. :shell:
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Enjoy hiking and biking trails throughout the park. :hiking_boot:
💧 Non-Stinging Jellyfish
You might encounter moon jellyfish that don't sting, making for a unique swimming experience. :jellyfish:
🏕️ Affordable Camping
RV and tent camping sites are available and very affordable. :tent:
🍽️ Snack Shack Hours
The snack shack closes around 3:30 PM, so plan accordingly. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Andrews State Park for its stunning natural beauty, clear waters, and pristine beaches, especially Shell Island. The park offers excellent amenities for camping and recreation, with friendly staff and affordable entry fees. While some note the sand isn't as soft as other beaches and sea life can be less abundant than expected, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting it as a hidden gem.
"So far we've loved our stay here! The park is beautifully redone. Beach and waterway access is easy. The camping sights that have the best views don't have shade, so you have to make your own, but the constant breeze really keeps you comfortable. The beach is quiet and uncrowded, with clear water and grayish white sand mixed with broken shells. Not a soft as Fort Walton Beach, but the water is just as beautiful but with less sea life and surf.
Lots of bicycle riding with seperate lanes and paths in the camp and around. Plenty of hiking trails.
The pics with the rocks in front of the water and with the sunrise by the pine tree are from our campsite #83."
robin dale
"This is a hidden gem and we are so thankful to have found it. We brought our camper and camped in the state park. Campsites are very affordable, clean, and spacious considering! Their camp store offers golf cart rentals which we gladly used - this is much more convenient for traveling to the beaches! Plus they’re fun to ride around the park in. Their beaches are easy to get to with plenty of parking. Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, what more could you ask for? We have had such a wonderful time and will definitely be back!"
Destiny H
"Amazing state park! There is nothing but great things o say about this park. Plenty of great beach access and places to set up. Sunsets are absolutely beautiful! Sites are nice. Either have nice gravel or summer concrete. Staff is super friendly."
Ashley A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Andrews State Park is located at the eastern end of Panama City Beach, Florida. You can drive directly to the park entrance. The address is 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32408.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle or ride-sharing services.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. Campers arriving after sunset should call the park for gate combination instructions.
If you are a registered camper and plan to arrive after sunset, you need to call the park in advance for gate combination and instructions.
Yes, the park offers RV campsites with full hookups, making it a great option for RV travelers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $8 per vehicle for 2-8 people, or $4 for a single-occupant vehicle. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers also have a small fee.
For general park entry, advance booking is not typically required. However, for Shell Island tours or camping, it's highly recommended to book ahead, especially during peak season.
The park offers a reduced rate for single-occupant vehicles. Specific discounts for seniors or military may be available, but it's best to check with the park directly.
Yes, golf cart rentals are available at the camp store, which can be very convenient for getting around the park and to the beaches.
The entrance fee grants access to the park's beaches, nature trails, boardwalks, and general recreational areas. Shell Island tours and camping are separate fees.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, fishing from the jetties, dolphin watching, kayaking, hiking, and camping. Shell Island tours are also a major draw. 
Absolutely! The jetties are a prime spot for snorkeling, offering clear waters and a chance to see various fish species. +2
Yes, dolphin sightings are common, especially around the jetties. Early mornings and late afternoons are often good times to spot them.
Jellyfish can be present, particularly during certain times of the year. However, some visitors have noted encountering non-stinging moon jellyfish, which can be a unique experience. +1
Besides marine life and dolphins, you might see alligators at Gator Lake, various bird species, and other coastal wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack shack within the park that offers food options. It typically closes around 3:30 PM, so plan accordingly.
The snack shack usually offers typical beachside fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
If you miss the snack shack or prefer more options, numerous restaurants are located within an 8-10 minute drive from the park.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own coolers with food and beverages to enjoy on the beach or at picnic areas.
The park has a small gift/souvenir shop that also sells various goodies and essentials.
📸 📸 Photography
The jetties, Shell Island, the pier, and Gator Lake boardwalk offer stunning photographic opportunities. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful here.
Yes, the clear waters around the jetties make it a great location for underwater photography, especially for marine life.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset provide the best light. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
Absolutely! The park is home to various wildlife, including birds, fish, and potentially alligators, offering great opportunities for nature photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Florida State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the park's specific regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a golf cart from the camp store to easily navigate the park with little ones and all their gear.
💰 Budget Travelers
Camping at the state park is also incredibly affordable, offering a significant cost saving compared to hotels. Many of the park's best attractions, like the beaches, jetties, and nature trails, are free to enjoy once you've paid the entrance fee. Shell Island, while requiring a boat tour fee, is still a relatively inexpensive excursion for the experience it offers.
🎣 Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
The park also offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, allowing you to explore the coastline and waterways at your own pace. Nature lovers will appreciate the hiking trails and the Gator Lake boardwalk, providing chances to observe local flora and fauna.
The park's commitment to preserving its natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities and connecting with nature. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Shell Island
Visitors often describe Shell Island as a true gem, offering a more secluded beach experience compared to the mainland. The waters are generally calm and shallow near the park's access point, making it suitable for families. Keep an eye out for dolphins, which are frequently spotted in the waters surrounding the island. The natural beauty and tranquility of Shell Island are consistently highlighted by visitors as a major draw.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
Beyond the jetties, the park's waters are known for dolphin sightings. These playful creatures are often seen swimming and leaping near the shore and around boats.
Camping and RV Facilities
The campsites are described as spacious and clean, with a mix of gravel and concrete pads. While some sites with the best views might lack shade, the constant sea breeze helps keep campers comfortable. Campers appreciate the park's amenities, including clean restroom facilities with changing stalls and a camp store that offers essentials and golf cart rentals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit