America’s Best Beach!

On the southeastern most point of Panama City Beach sits St. Andrews State Park that houses the beach named, “America’s Best Beach”. It was awarded this name in 1995 by Dr. Beach who is otherwise known as Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman. Even though this title was awarded over 20 years ago it is easy to see why Dr. Beach gave the white sandy beach in this park such a title. St. Andrews State Park is a premier example of the unique beaches that can be found in the Florida Panhandle.

St. Andrews State Park is located at 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, Florida 32408. The park is three miles east of Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach. The cost to enter this park is $8.00 for a vehicle with 2-8 people and $4.00 for a single occupant vehicle. Dogs are allowed with a 6-foot leash in designated areas only and not on the beach. There are 176 campsites available for $28.00 nightly that include water, electricity, picnic tables, and grills. Near the entrance is a well-designed educational visitor center with displays and interactive activities describing several aspects of the park.

Native Americans once inhabited this region. They regularly ate the shellfish that were plentiful here. Pirates frequented this area hiding in the bay and raiding ships going back and forth to Mexico and Spain. In 1942 during World War II, this site was used as a U.S. Military Harbor Defense Installation. There were once large 155 mm guns built among the dunes to combat German submarines that were active in the Gulf of Mexico at that time. The park first opened to the public in 1951 and originally only had just over 300 acres. Over time more of the surrounding land was acquired.

This park now sits on 1,260 acres and features over 1.5 miles of sugar white sandy beach. With crystal clear emerald water, this location’s beautiful water can compete with the likes of Cancun, Cozumel, Punta Cana, Jamaica, or almost any tropical vacation location. On this relaxing stretch of beach, it is easy to imagine what the area must have been like before all the tourism and construction efforts have cluttered the shore on most of Panama City Beach. Seagulls, sandpipers, and pelicans are plentiful in this stretch. At dusk, this is also a common place to see dolphin splashing about in the water as they round up dinner hunting schools of fish not too far from the shore. Behind the beach stands rolling sand dunes covered in sea oats that sway in the breeze. In one section of the beach, there is a long pier to walk or fish from. This provides a picturesque view of the beach towards the rocky jetty of the park in one direction and view of the hustle bustle of the more populated Panama City Beach in the other direction a few miles away. There are picnic pavilions, bathrooms, and showers here. The rocky jetty is at the end of the beach and protects the inlet into the bay. This is an area where brave fisherman traverse to try their luck as the water gets deeper near the end of the rocks. This jetty area is popular for local surfers as well, since this is one of a few areas where decent waves are generated to sustain surfing runs. Just around the corner from the rock jetty there is a large lagoon blocked off by rocks. This is an ideal location for more peaceful water with little to no waves. The lagoon provides an excellent opportunity for snorkeling. These rocks in the lagoon feature many species of fish, some of which have vibrant fantastic colors. These lagoon rocks are also home to eels, crabs, and sea urchins. This snorkeling opportunity is unmatched in this vicinity. Scuba divers often explore the other side of the rocks of the lagoon, which go much deeper into the inlet channel. Manatees have been seen in this vicinity. The smooth area of the lagoon is where many new paddle boarders begin to learn how to balance and move through the clear shallow water. At this peninsula there are many boardwalks that take you to the beach, lagoon, or a large gazebo with excellent views of the surroundings. There is a store near the parking lot that provides food, snacks, and souvenirs. After a short drive further into the park, there is a vast swampy area on one side of the road. Many waterfowl and deer can be viewed here depending on the time of day. On the other side of the road is Alligator Lake. This area provides a unique opportunity to view alligators swimming in the water or sunning themselves. There is also a short walking trail that leads partially around the lake. The north side of the park is where the campsites and boat ramp are located. There is another hiking trail here. This area contains picnic pavilions, playground, and fishing pier all overlooking the Grand Lagoon. From here pontoon boats can be rented or a shuttle can be taken for a ride to Shell Island across the channel.

A visit St. Andrews is well worth your time. This park possibly has “America’s Best Beach” and so much more!