St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island offer pristine Florida coastline for beach lovers & outdoor adventurers with sugar white sand & emerald waves of the gulf of Mexico. Among the many things to do in Panama City Beach Florida, there is one standout that should not be missed. At the far south end of the long stretch of resort hotels and condominiums lining the white sands of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers a surprisingly pristine slice of Florida coastline to beach lovers and outdoor adventurers. Come and explore your Florida State Park outdoor adventure!
The Park is situated along miles of sugar-sand coastline that is consistently rated as America’s best beach in the Panhandle. St. Andrews State Park covers 1200 acres and offers boating, camping, swimming and watersports, fishing, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. It is also the headquarters of the Shell Island Ferry, the official water transport service to one of the star attractions in Panama City Beach: Shell Island.
Have fun on the water with a pontoon boat rental. Boat over to Shell Island and cruise the bay waterfront, watch for dolphins, swim, fish, snorkel or hit the beach. Head to the Pier, Jetty and Camp stores for beach chairs & umbrellas, fishing bait & tackle and snacks & drinks. Add some fun to your Panama City Beach adventure with a kayak or stand up paddleboard rental to paddle along the gorgeous, calm, shallow waters of the St. Andrews Jetty shoreline in St. Andrews State Park. Sit-on-top style kayaks allow for more stability for novice kayakers, while paddleboards offer lightweight floatation for beginners.
While enjoying the brilliant white sand and clear blue water of the beach, relax on beach chairs while keeping comfortable under a beach umbrella or cabana in beach chairs. Rent a bicycle to explore the nature outdoors and shoreline. Get where you’re going quickly and tote your beach items effortlessly with a golf cart rental. If you’ve forgotten anything, stop by the Camp Store, Jetty Store or Pier Store to shop for sweets, treats, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, snorkeling gear, fishing supplies, bait and tackle, and other sundries.
The Shell Island Ferry is the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island. The Ferry is also your connection to snorkel gear rentals and Shell Island Snorkel Tours, kayak rentals, ferry ticket packages, Panama City Beach dolphin tours, and more.
Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Ferry, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Swimming and snorkeling are great. Hiking inland on the island offers the opportunity to explore rare Florida coastal plants, bird, and wildlife communities in their natural condition. Shell Island is a protected haven for colorful tropical fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife.
Please contact St. Andrews State Park Adventures directly for current hours and pricing. Check out our See & Do Page for other fun things to do in Florida and our Deals Page for offers and coupons for Florida attractions, restaurants, shops and more.
