St. Andrews State Park is by far one of the most spectacular coastal parks in Florida. It sits on a peninsula that juts out between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay, creating a unique coastal landscape. What I love most about this park is its diverse environment. On one side, you have the calm waters of the bay, along the tip are the jetties, and on the other side, the stunning, open expanse of the Gulf with wide open beachfront, towering dunes and glorious sugar white sand. The contrast makes for some of the most scenic views along the Florida Panhandle, especially when you’re walking the park’s trails or shoreline.
The beach along the Gulf side is exactly what you’d expect from this part of Florida—soft, sugar-white sand that feels like powder beneath your feet and emerald green waters that sparkle under the sun.
There is a pier at the west end of this park that looks out on one side to Panama City Beach public beaches and the other side looks across the park with towering sand dunes and gorgeous natural beachfront. It is one of my favorite views from any pier in Florida.
Snorkeling and Swimming
One of my favorite things to do at St. Andrews is snorkeling. The park is known for its jetties that create an underwater environment teeming with marine life. Toward the bay side around the tip near the jetties is a designated swimming area that is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Families with small children choose this spot for the calm and shallow waters.
Hiking and Wildlife
There are several trails throughout the park, and walking them gives you a deeper appreciation for the diverse ecosystem here. While the designated trails are all through the shady pine forests or along the boardwalks that overlook the salt marshes, my favorite hike, as always, is a walk in the sand along the shoreline. St Andrews offers a spectacular walk from the jetties to the pier where you walk next to the towering dunes on one side and the beautiful emerald water on the other.
Birdwatching is particularly rewarding in St. Andrews, with species like herons, ospreys, and pelicans making regular appearances.
You may encountered deer, raccoons, and even the occasional alligator while hiking through the park. The wildlife adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience, and it’s always a reminder of how untouched and natural the park feels compared to some of the busier beach areas nearby.
Fishing and Boating
Fishing is another big draw at St. Andrews, especially around the jetties and the piers. The jetties are a popular spot for both surf fishing and spearfishing, and anglers often reel in flounder, redfish, and even the occasional Spanish mackerel. Even if you’re not into fishing, watching others haul in their catches can be entertaining.
For boaters, the park offers easy access to both the Gulf and the bay, with boat ramps available. Kayaking is particularly popular in the calmer waters of the bay, and I’ve found it to be a peaceful way to explore the coastline and get up close to the various inlets and islands nearby.
Shell Island
One of the park’s highlights is its proximity to Shell Island, a barrier island that feels like a deserted tropical paradise. You can take a shuttle from the park or rent a boat or kayak to make the short trip across the water. Shell Island is a must-visit if you’re in the area. It’s a protected environment with no development, so you’re greeted with pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. It feels like an adventure, for me, a shelling adventure with a glorious walk in the sand along the shoreline on a natural preserved island and treasures just waiting to be found.
Camping and Picnicking
For longer stays, the park has a great camping setup, with campsites that are just a short walk from the beach. I’ve stayed here a few times, and it’s one of my favorite places to camp in Florida. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves and waking up to the sunrise over the water is an unbeatable experience. The campsites are well-maintained, and the facilities, including restrooms and showers, are always clean.
Even if you’re just visiting for the day, there are plenty of picnic areas scattered throughout the park with shaded pavilions that overlook the water. It’s a great way to break up a day and soak in the views while enjoying your meal.
A Personal Favorite
What keeps me coming back to St. Andrews State Park is its balance of adventure and tranquility. It’s a place where I can spend an entire day exploring, snorkeling, hiking, and swimming, but also where I can simply unwind and listen to the waves. The park never feels overcrowded, and there’s a sense of connection to nature that’s hard to find in more developed areas.
Watching a spectacular sunset over the Gulf, kayaking through the calm waters of the bay, or discovering a hidden sandbar on Shell Island, every trip to St. Andrews feels like a new adventure. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a beloved destination along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
