From hiking trails to white-sand beaches, St. Andrews State Park should lead your list of things to do in Panama City Beach for families if you are interested in experiencing nature during your PCB vacation.
Boating, hiking, and scuba diving make St. Andrews State Park among the best Panama City Beach attractions for families and a leading destination among things to do in Panama City Beach with families.
You’ll also find family fun at several Panama City Beach events that are held at the park throughout the year. These events can include live music, craft making, painting, and various types of exhibits.
Here, we’ll explore the many events you can attend and activities you can do when you visit the more than 1,200 acres of this beautiful park. You’ll also find some details about top condos in Panama City Beach so you can find the perfect accommodations for your family in terms of comfort, luxury, and convenience.
About St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park, located three miles east of Panama City, began as a 302-acre parcel that was purchased from the U.S. government for $2.50/acre. During World War II, the park was used as a military installation, with gun mounts placed on the dunes to act as a line of defense for the harbor. Today, the gun mounts still stand, one on the Gulf side jetty beach area and the other at the jetty overlook. These gun mounts are considered a historic site and are open for visitation.
Included in the vast park is the 7-mile stretch known as Shell Island, formed when the Gulf-Bay Pass was dredged. Shell Island is an undeveloped section between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay that is home to various wildlife, such as crabs, shorebirds, sea turtles, and even deer. You could also spot bottlenose dolphins in the waters around the island.
The park is open 365 days/year and allows dogs, so if you’re traveling with your pup, you won’t have to leave them behind on the day you explore this attraction. It is worth noting that, although the park is a total of 1,200 acres, not all of the land is accessible. Many acres are undeveloped, protected marshland. Parts of the land are also an aquatic preserve and are not reachable by visitors.
Things To Do
There will be no time for boredom when you spend a day—or maybe more—at St. Andrews State Park. You can hike one of two half-mile trails through pine forest or along Gator Lake to see the various wildlife that calls this part of Florida home. You can witness different types of egrets and herons in addition to owls, turtles, marsh snakes, hawks, and bald eagles.
Many of these animals use the area for nesting and feeding, so they are common to the park, and you’re likely to spot some of these animals in their natural habitat as you walk these trails. Along the way, you will find a small store where you can pick up snacks and drinks, along with restrooms and a picnic pavilion. True to its name, you might actually spot an alligator—from a safe distance—if you choose the Gator Lake Trail. Early morning is when these creatures are most active.
There’s also a 2-mile stretch of paved road that is perfect for bicycling and bird watching. If you’re vacationing in fall or early spring, you just might see many migratory birds that rest in this area during these times of the year. With the Gulf and lakes, there are many opportunities for water fun. There’s a ferry ride to Shell Island, boating in St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf, kayaking and paddleboarding around Grand Lagoon or Shell Island, and scuba diving and snorkeling in the lagoon or Gulf. Elevated boardwalks take you to the white-sand beach. Shell Island is only reachable by boat. You can take the ferry or sign up for a Shell Island Boat Tour, which offers dolphin and snorkeling tours. Once on the island, you can go swimming, shelling, or snorkeling.
Plan Your Visit
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make your next beach vacation truly extraordinary – book with Dunes of Panama today and let the sun, sand, and sea welcome you to paradise!
The Gulf side of the park is great for surfing. With St. Andrews State Park being among the major Panama City beach attractions, you can enjoy swimming along the 1.5 miles of sandy white beaches here.
For seasoned divers and snorkelers, the Gulf waters offer much to see beneath the surface; beginners might head to the calmer lagoon to partake in these activities. St. Andrews Park has guided small group dives that are two hours in duration.
The park also contains three picnic areas and two fishing piers. You could also fish from the onsite boat ramp. Other amenities of the park are an amphitheater, canoe and kayak launch, playground, shower station, and three retail stores for souvenirs and equipment rentals. At the park’s visitor center, you can view an orientation video, map, aerial photograph of the park, and exhibits such as shell collections and sea turtle nestings.
Bike rentals are available at the general store for those who wish to explore St. Andrews State Park on wheels rather than on foot. Traveling with your pet? St. Andrews Park is a pet-friendly park, so feel free to bring your pooch along for the fun. Be sure the dog is leashed—no more than six feet in length. Minimal park entrance fees do apply, varying based on single- and multi-occupancy vehicles as well as cyclists and pedestrians.
Events In The Park
Unlike some other Panama City Beach events that might be held indoors, such as concerts and exhibits, events at St. Andrews State Park allow you to reconnect with nature while enjoying these experiences. St. Andrews State Park has been host to museum exhibits, artistic ventures such as painting in the park, live music concerts, fishing tournaments, expos, and more.
Upcoming events at the park might include a night time sea turtle walk, a guided salt run paddle, a weekly farmers market, craft classes, a guided bird walk, a garden walk, and a hike with a ranger. Those participating in a guided hike could enjoy free entry into the park for that event. Private events can also be scheduled with the park.
Location & Contact Information
St. Andrews State Park is located at 4607 State Park Lane in Panama City, on the eastern end of Panama City Beach. The park is open year-round, from 8 a.m. to sundown. If you wish to schedule a private event, want to learn more about upcoming events, or have any other questions, you can contact the appropriate parties at the park at to find out more. Rangers are available to take calls and provide any information.
Book Your Panama City Beach Condo Rentals At Dunes Of Panama
Choosing Dunes of Panama for your Panama City Beach condo rental is a decision that promises a memorable and stress-free getaway. With our unbeatable beachfront locations, spacious accommodations, and top-notch amenities, you’ll experience the ultimate in relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or a friends’ getaway, our rentals offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
