Exploring FL State Parks: St. Andrews State Park

Location: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408

St. Andrews State Park is my most visited state park and one that is near and dear to my heart. As a Panama City resident, this park is within a half hour drive of my home and offers many different experiences. This park has been visited by myself, friends, and family many times for its hiking trails, beach access, tent and rv campsites, and boat ramps. This location is also commonly featured in Aleigator Supply product photography images because of the diverse array of landscapes.

One unknown fact about St. Andrews State Park is that it has the highest visitation out of all Florida state parks, mainly for its sugar-white sands, clear blue water, and “kiddie pool” area suitable for family visits. The park also offers pontoon shuttles over to Shell Island, the boat-access-only peninsula adjacent to the St. Andrews Pass.

While short, the hiking trails are always exciting because of the opportunity for wildlife viewing. The Heron Pond Trail is a 1 hour “leisurely hike”, through flatwoods forest. Most common wildlife sightings include white tailed deer, egrets, and herons. Gator lake trail is a lakeside trail through coastal hammock habitat in which you are likely to spot snakes, alligators, and birds like the great blue heron, red-winged black birds, great egret, and american coots. While the sandy beaches are not pet friendly, the hiking trails are, and we love to take advantage of that. Be sure to bring poop bags and water bowls along with you as there are no pet waste or water stations along the trials.

Many Florida State Parks are not friendly of personal watercrafts due to the opportunity for invasive plant species to be introduced. However, St. Andrews State Park does allow personal watercrafts and offers rentals of kayaks and paddleboards at the Jettys Gift Shop.