St. Andrews State Park

St. Andrews State Park covers more than 1,200 acres on the east end of Panama City Beach, where the Gulf, St. Andrews Bay and the Grand Lagoon meet. It has more than 1.5 miles of beaches on the Gulf and the lagoon, a pair of rock jetties at the pass, two fishing piers, a campground, nature trails and the boat to Shell Island. It is one of the most popular beach days in Panama City Beach.

The jetties and the beaches

The jetties are the park’s signature. Rock walls line the pass between the Gulf and the bay, and on the lagoon side they shelter a calm, clear pool of shallow water that is popular with families and snorkelers. The rocks draw fish, crabs and other marine life, and the jetties are also a favorite spot for fishing and watching boats come through the pass.

The Gulf beach runs west from the jetties with white sand and dunes and no high-rises behind it. Swimming, snorkeling and surfing are all popular, and snorkel gear can be rented at the park’s concession stores.

Shell Island

Across the pass lies Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island that formed when the pass was dredged in the 1930s. A shuttle runs to the island from the park. The park lists service from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from March through September and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from October through February, with tickets sold online or on site. Bring water, shade and sunscreen, since there are no services on the island.

Fishing, paddling and trails

• Fishing: two piers on the Grand Lagoon and the jetties. Catches include Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder, sea trout, bonito and cobia. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required.
• Boating: a double-sided boat ramp handles most vessels, with a launch fee.
• Trails: the Heron Pond and Gator Lake trails are each about half a mile. Gator Lake has an overlook for spotting alligators and wading birds.

Camping and glamping

The campground has sites with water, electric and sewer hookups for everything from tents to RVs up to 50 feet, with restrooms and laundry. Glamping eco-tents with water views, electricity and queen beds are also available through the park’s concessionaire. Campsites book up early for spring and fall, so reserve ahead.

History

The state bought the first land for the park in 1947, and it opened to the public in 1951. During World War II the site held a temporary harbor defense post, and one of the original gun mounts still stands at the jetty overlook. The park’s best-known early resident was Theodore Tollofsen, known as Teddy the Hermit, who lived on the shore of the Grand Lagoon for 25 years after a 1929 hurricane wrecked his boat there.

Hours and fees

Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
Entry: $8 per vehicle.
Pets: allowed on a 6-foot leash, but not on the beaches, boardwalks or in buildings.

Arrive early on summer weekends and holidays. The park sits at the end of Thomas Drive, a few minutes from the Grand Lagoon marinas. For a place to stay next door, Moonspinner Condominium borders the park. See more nearby on our Lower Grand Lagoon page.