Saint Andrews State Park: Beaches, Access, and Planning

Saint Andrews State Park is about 4.3 miles from a motel in Panama City Beach. The entrance is at 4607 State Park Lane in Panama City, and the park phone number is 850-708-6100.

Allow time to park before heading to the shore: two parking areas serve the mainland beaches, and boardwalks connect them with the beach. If you’re using a navigation app, the park’s coordinates are latitude 30.13530 and longitude -85.74156.

Saint Andrews State Park has more than 1.5 miles of white-sand beaches, with two parking areas and boardwalks providing access to the mainland shoreline. The shallow saltwater lagoon, known as the kiddie pool, is a swimming area.

For a separate beach outing elsewhere in the city, the Panama City Beach public shoreline guide covers access beyond the state park.

You can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, surf, fish, hike, paddle, bird, or look for wildlife in the park. Bicycling is also allowed on roadways, including a two-mile paved road; bikes are not permitted on footpaths, boardwalks, or the trail leading to the beach.

Two World War II-era gun mounts remain in the park: one at the jetty overlook and another on the Gulf side of the jetty beach area. The park’s history page recounts how Theodore Tollofson was shipwrecked there during a 1929 hurricane and lived in his derelict boat for the next 25 years.

Taking the ferry toward Shell Island

Shell Island is accessible only by boat, and the park describes its ferry as the easiest, safest, and quickest way to reach it. Ferry trips are seasonal, running from March until Labor Day weekend; reservations are recommended by calling 850-706-6100.

The park lists shuttle hours as 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in season, March to September, and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. out of season, October to February. Service depends on the weather. If you’re planning a boat outing, the Shell Island trip guide covers planning for the island.

The picnic area by the boat ramp has restrooms, picnic tables, grills, a playground, and swings. Four picnic pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pets must be leashed no longer than six feet. They are not allowed on the beach, in wetlands, on boardwalks, at the playground, or inside buildings. Service animals are welcome in all park areas.

Beach wheelchairs are available at no cost for visitors with mobility difficulties; ask at the ranger station. For a different outing beyond the park, a Panama City day trip from Panama City Beach offers another way to plan time in the area.

Admission is $8 per vehicle carrying two to eight people, $4 for a vehicle with one person, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and each extra passenger. Boat launch and admission cost $12 for one person with a boat or $16 for two to eight people with a boat.

The park accepts credit and debit cards. If you use the cash drop-box, bring exact change. Hours, fees, and seasonal ferry service can change, so check the official site before you go.

What are the hours at Saint Andrews State Park?

The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Check the official site before you go for current details.

How much does admission cost?

Admission is $8 per vehicle with two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers. Boat launch admission has separate rates.

Can you take a pet to the beach?

No. Pets are not allowed on the beach, wetlands, boardwalks, playground, or in buildings. They must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet in permitted areas.

Can you reach Shell Island without a boat?

Shell Island is accessible only by boat. The park operates a seasonal ferry, and reservations are recommended.