St. Andrews State Park

A former military reservation turned crown jewel

St. Andrews State Park occupies more than 1,200 acres on the peninsula at the east end of Panama City Beach, where St. Andrew Bay meets the Gulf. The land served as a military reservation before opening as a state park in 1951, and it has repeatedly been ranked among the best beaches in the country — a mile and a half of undeveloped white sand backed by some of the tallest dunes on the Emerald Coast.

Snorkeling the jetties

The park's signature spot is the rock jetty system at the channel entrance. On the lagoon side, the jetties shelter a calm, shallow pool that's ideal for first-time snorkelers and kids — expect sergeant majors, wrasses, hermit crabs, and the occasional stingray working the sand. Snorkeling is best on incoming tides when clear Gulf water pushes in. Bring your own gear or rent at the park concession in season.

Beyond the beach

Two fishing piers, the Grand Lagoon shoreline, and nature trails through pine flatwoods and dunes round out the park. Gator Lake lives up to its name — alligators sun on the banks, best viewed from the observation platforms. Shorebirds nest in roped-off areas in spring and summer, and deer and shore herons are common sights along the trails.

Visiting from Palmeras Marinas

The drive from the townhome takes about 15–20 minutes via Thomas Drive. There's a per-vehicle entrance fee at the ranger station (bring a card or small bills), and summer weekends fill early — arrive before 10 AM for parking near the jetties. The park is also the departure point for the Shell Island shuttle, so it pairs naturally into a full day trip.