Beaches in Panama City Beach

St. Andrew's Park, Panama City Beach, Florida

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A nearly unbroken strand of white sand fronts all 22 miles of Panama City Beach, but the highlight for many is St. Andrews State Park ((tel. 850/233-5140), at the east end. With more than 1,000 acres of dazzling white sand and dunes, this preserved wilderness demonstrates what the area looked like before motels and condominiums lined the beach. Lacy, golden sea oats sway in the Gulf breezes, and rosemary grows wild. Picnic areas (on the Gulf beach and the Grand Lagoon), restrooms, and open-air showers are available for beachgoers. Anglers will find jetties and a boat ramp. A nature trail reveals wading birds and perhaps an alligator or two. Drive carefully here because the area is home to foxes, coyotes, and a herd of deer. A historic turpentine fir tree still on display was formerly used by lumbermen to make turpentine and rosin, both important for caulking old wooden ships.

Park admission is $8 per car of up to eight, $4 single occupant, and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. The area is open daily from 8am to sunset. Pets are not allowed in the park.

Pristine Shell Island, a 7 1/2-mile-long, 1-mile-wide barrier island accessible only by boat, sits a few hundred yards across an inlet from St. Andrews State Park. This uninhabited natural preserve is great for shelling and fun for swimming, sun-tanning, or just relaxing. Visitors can bring chairs, beach gear, coolers, food, and beverages. The best way to get here is on the park’s Shell Island Shuttle (tel. 844/907-4355), which runs hourly every day from 10am to 2pm. Fares are $23.95 for adults and $16.95 for children 11 and under, plus the admission fees to the state park (see above). Snorkeling and scuba equipment are available for rent at the Pier Store for Shell Island and the Jetty location.

Several cruise boats go to Shell Island, including the glass-bottomed Captain Anderson III, which departs from Captain Anderson's Marina, 5500 N. Lagoon Dr., at Thomas Drive (tel. 850/234-3435). It charges $32.74 for adults, $29.94 for seniors, and $23.40 for kids ages 6 to 11.