The Most Beautiful Beach Anywhere…

Perennially listed on America’s Top Ten Beaches, St. Andrews State Park is a beach-lover’s dream. A perfect combination of uncrowded beach and true natural settings, St. Andrews State Park allows the Panama City Beach visitor to get out of the city and get into nature. And truly, “beautiful” doesn’t fully describe this majestic place. It’s just a short drive east and away from the city street, but its well worth the trip.

As I drove in, the various species of trees and lushness of, well, so many trees, I suddenly realized I was no longer in the city. All around me are natural treasures. Sounds of birds and nearby tides quiet the air. Everywhere, in every direction, are various species of animals. In fact, I learned over 2,100 marine dependent species have been recorded within the park, all of which are surprisingly visible. Birds like the Southeastern Snowy Plovers, Piping Plovers, Arctic peregrine Falcons, American Oystercatcher, Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans and others are easily seen. At your first stop you hit a crossroads. You can head to the beach, to the nature trails or the campsite and boat-ramp. These options actually provide you with a myriad of things to do. You can go to the beach and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat-ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Or you can exchange the sandals for shoes and take a trip down one of two nature trails that wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities – a place made for birdwatching. If you are a fearless one, you can head to Gator Lake and get up close and personal with some of the most dangerous animals on the planet – the American alligator (I saw several of them and got within 5 terrifying feet). Those looking to just relax can sunbathe while enjoying a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion. Full-facility campsites, as well as primitive youth group camping, make this park an awesome overnight destination.

What most people come to see is the reason Panama City Beach is called, “The World’s Most Beautiful Beach.” St. Andrew’s State Park has a beach unlike any other. Well-kept pearly sand, high dunes and a rock jetty that stretches out into the pass, keeps this beach on many top ten lists for the best beach in America. Its beauty is one thing, its fun is another. There is just so much to do. Offered by the State Park staff, you can hop the shuttle and take a tour to shell island where snorkeling and kayaking is the norm. Or take a guided Waverunner tour to swim with the many dolphins splashing in the pass. Dolphins are everywhere but what surprised me were the many Manatees swimming the pass with them.

If fishing is your thing, you can grab bait from the concessions store and walk out onto the rock jetty where all sorts of fish swim. One of the best times I ever had at the park was during Pompano Season. I fished right from the shore and caught huge Pompano. But make sure you get a fishing license. Get more info on that here.

Camping at the State Park is some of the best camping you can have. Many of the sites are steps away from the water and offer full facilities. But if you’re only visiting for a day, I’d suggest bringing a bike and cruising around the park. Make sure you bring a camera though because the views are worth keeping.

Pricing:

Camping: $24.00 plus tax per night

Shell Island Shuttle: $14.95 for adults $6.95 for children 12 – 2. Infants are free.

Snorkel Package: $21.95 (includes shuttle ride)

Kayak Rentals: $55.00 single $60.00 double (includes shuttle ride) $20.00 w/o shuttle

State Park Located at 4607 State Park Ln Panama City, FL 32408

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