Things to do around here

Water first, since that's why you came — then everything else, sorted so you can find the kind of day you're after.

On the water

The reason most people come. Everything here is within about twenty minutes.

1. 7

   Dolphin tours

   Bottlenose dolphins work St. Andrew Bay and the pass daily. Half-day boat tours leave from the marinas at Grand Lagoon.

2. 8

   Shell Island shuttle

   The seasonal shuttle from St. Andrews State Park crosses to an undeveloped barrier island. Read the guide →

3. 9

   Snorkeling the jetties

   The calm lagoon side of the St. Andrews jetties is the best beginner snorkeling in the area. Read the guide →

4. 10

   Pontoon and boat rentals

   Rentable by the half or full day from the Grand Lagoon marinas — the do-it-yourself way to reach Shell Island.

5. 11

   Kayaks and paddleboards

   Best on the bay side and the dune lakes, where the water stays flat.

6. 12

   Parasailing and jet skis

   Operators run all along Front Beach Road through the season.

7. 13

   Deep-sea and inshore fishing

   Charters run from the marinas; the piers are the no-boat option.

On land

1. 14

   Pier Park

   An open-air district of shops, restaurants, the Ferris wheel, and the movie theater. The default evening out.

2. 15

   Russell-Fields Pier

   The city pier at Pier Park — walk out over the Gulf for the price of a ticket, or fish it.

3. 16

   Biking the beach road

   Flat, easy riding. Rentals are available locally — see Beach Rentals & Gear.

4. 17

   Conservation Park

   Miles of boardwalk and trail through wetlands and pine flatwoods, minutes from the beach.

5. 18

   Golf

   Several courses within a short drive, plus TopGolf for a lower-commitment evening.

6. 19

   Gulf World Marine Park

   Dolphin and sea lion shows with a stingray touch pool — reliable with younger kids.

7. 20

   ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory

   Shaded and partly indoor, which makes it work even in the heat.

With the kids

1. 21

   Shipwreck Island Waterpark

   Slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Seasonal — check dates before planning around it.

2. 22

   Cobra Adventure Park

   Go-karts, arcade games, mini-golf, and extreme rides in one place.

3. 23

   Mini golf and go-karts

   Several of both along Front Beach Road — the classic beach-town evening.

4. 24

   The calm side at St. Andrews

   Shallow, sheltered water behind the jetties. The best swimming in the area for small kids.

5. 25

   Indoor backups

   Trampoline parks, escape rooms and arcades are all covered in Rainy Day.