The state park at the east end of Panama City Beach costs $8 per car with two to eight people, or $4 if you drive in alone, and is open from 8 am to sunset every day of the year. You come for the Gulf beach, snorkeling in its two swimming areas, fishing from the pier and jetties, and the ferry to Shell Island. Part of the campground is a construction zone.
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What to do thereSt. Andrews State Park · Photo: Royalbroil / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Credits
The Shell Island ferry, rentals and camping cost extra. The park and its concession publish the same entry fees.
Sources: Florida State Parks: St. Andrews hours and fees, St. Andrews Adventures: map and directions
The park doesn't say how long to plan for. If you take the Shell Island ferry, its schedule decides the length of your day.
Before you swim, read up on beach flags and rip currents.
The park and the concession list different store hours. Plan for the shorter ones.
Sources: Florida State Parks: experiences and amenities, St. Andrews Adventures: hours and ferry schedule, park brochure (undated, for the swimming areas), FWC: do I need a fishing license?
St. Andrews Adventures, run by Guest Services, operates the stores, the ferry and the rentals in the park. More ways to the island, including a private shuttle without park entry: Shell Island.
St. Andrews Adventures (park concession)
Round trip to Shell Island. Park entry isn't included. Through February the ferry runs Tuesday to Saturday, with the last pickup from the island at 3 pm.
From $27.95 on Expedia
St. Andrews Adventures (park concession)
Two hours in a kayak on your own, with a paddle and life jacket. The concession rents kayaks at the jetties and the marina. The concession also rents pontoon boats for up to 12 people, fuel included: $240 for 4 hours or $300 for 8 hours on its booking calendar for November 3, 2026.
From $32.10 on Viator
St. Andrews Adventures (park concession)
A sunset cruise from the park with a licensed guide and restrooms on board. Tickets are sold at the Pier Store, where a tram takes you to the dock 30 minutes before departure. You need a park entrance pass.
From $32.05 on Viator
Book campsites on the Florida State Parks reservation site or by phone at 800-326-3521. Read the manager's message before you book: much of the campground is being rebuilt.
Sources: hours and fees, experiences and amenities, manager's message, construction projects (Florida State Parks); concession FAQ for Wi-Fi.
Pets aren't allowed on the park's beach. In the campground and other areas where they're allowed, they must be on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet. Service animals are exempt. The ferry to Shell Island doesn't take pets either.
Raised boardwalks lead to the beach and to the jetty lookout. The concession lends powered and floating beach wheelchairs for free at the Jetty Store and Pier Store while you leave a driver's license or ID; reserve the park's EcoRover beach wheelchair ahead. For the park's own beach wheelchairs, ask at the ranger station.
Sources: Florida State Parks rules, experiences and amenities, concession FAQ.
The park is at the end of the Grand Lagoon area, the eastern part of Panama City Beach around Thomas Drive. None of the 6 hotels we list there is on the beach.
