St. Andrews State Park, State park and tourist attraction in Panama City Beach, United States.
St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre (486-hectare) nature preserve along the Gulf of Mexico with beaches, marshes, and forest areas. The three habitat types provide different ways to explore the coastal environment and its wildlife.
The area served as a military facility during World War II and became a state park in 1951. This transformation protected the coastal landscape from private development and opened it to the public.
Local people and visitors use the park's bay areas to watch wading birds and search for shells and sea creatures in shallow waters. These calm, protected waters have always been gathering places for families wanting to experience coastal wildlife up close.
The park is open daily and accessible by car, with several trailheads and beach access points clearly marked. Comfortable walking shoes are helpful for exploring the paths, and sun protection is essential due to the open terrain and water exposure.
A ferry service connects the park to Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island with white sand beaches accessible only by boat. This creates a quieter escape for visitors seeking respite from busier beach areas.
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