St. Andrews State Park/Shell Island
add photos8 Reviews for St. Andrews State Park/Shell Island
26
4
'11
0 families found this helpful
"Must see"
It was great. There's a short walk to the Gulf side. The sand is very white. The water was perfect, no strong waves to knock down the toddlers. The waves near our hotel was very strong and once my daughter almost fell. After that she wouldn't get in the water. But in Shell Island, she was okay playing in the water. Lots of shells to pick. We were really disappointed because we didn't see any dolphins. Saw lots of sea gulls up close though.
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
0 families found this helpful
"Fun, pleasant beach"
We enjoy going to Shell Island in the spring and summer months. Our one-year old is happy playing in the sand and splashing in the water. The water isn't too rough and you can wade out a ways. There are various things available for rental, like kayaks, snorkels, etc if you want to explore sea life. There is a stretch if Shell Island that dogs are allowed to play on too, so our dogs love going there. It can get a little crowded when the weather is really nice, but worth a visit.
0 families found this helpful
"Live in PC and go here when we go to the beach."
It may cost money to get in, but St. Andrews State Park is the best place to go to the beach in Panama City. We live in town and when we go to the beach, this is where we go. We always go to the jetties. The water here is perfect for the younger kids because you don't have to worry about the waves knocking them down. And the fact that you can snorkel by the rocks is fantastic. We love snorkeling and watching the tropical fish here. Plus there are showers! If you are a beach goer you know how important showers and bath houses are for changing out of those wet sandy swim suits. The only con would be parking. During the busy times of the year, it can be a pain to park and walk the long trek carrying your beach gear down, so you could always rent the umbrellas and chairs that they offer!
1 family found this helpful
"Two Different Places"
I'm not sure why St. Andrew's State Park and Shell Island are rated together. St. Andrews is a lovely state park and a good place to come and relax away from the college kids partying near the hotels.
Shell Island is typically accessed via boat, which you pay to go on a "Shell Island Cruise". I have been several times and it has NEVER been fun! The most fun is feeding the seagulls that swarm around the boat on the way to the island. Once there, the sand is burning hot and, though you might imagine tons of shells to collect, there aren't hardly any. I guess they are all for sale in the gift shops now. Shell Island I give 2 stars. The state park would get 4.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful views"
This was probably the highlight of our trip to Panama City Beach. Everything seems so commercial that this place seems like nature preserved. The kids enjoyed the waters and I enjoyed the peace. I guess we went on a slow day. It felt very secluded and private.
0 families found this helpful
"Shell Island"
My family and I went to shell island a few years back, and to say the least we had an absolutely terrible time. From waiting for the shuttle at least thirty minutes to waiting for the boat towards the end of the day, our experience was bad. Not to mention getting stung by a jellyfish, that made it worse.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
When you’re ready to get away from the Ferris wheels and racetracks, this is your place. Set up camp and bask on the glorious white beach, or follow nature trails into pine forest and have a picnic. Fishing enthusiasts can cast from its gulfside pier, bayside pier, or from the rock jetty at the pass between the park and Shell Island.
The park also sponsors trips to unbridged Shell Island for shelling, beaching, and snorkeling. Snorkel equipment rentals available. Shuttle is closed during the off-season and runs every hour or half hour, 10am-4pm, March to October. Tickets for the shuttle costs $9.50 for adults, $5.50 for children ages 6 to 12.
3 families found this helpful
"Camping and beach together!"
St. Andrews State Park is a great place to take the kids if your family loves camping and the beach! The park has several car camping sites equipped with running water and electricity. Several sites can accommodate pop-up and RV campers as well. We like to rough it in the tent. The park has boat ramps near the camp sites allowing you to explore the bay in your boat. Just a short drive or walk from the camping sites is the park’s private beach, accessible only to paying park customers. This feature is nice for families as the beach is clean and kept, with bathroom facilities near the parking lots. Bike/hiking trials are also available for those looking for some peace and quiet. If you don’t want to totally rough it, you can head out to one of the Panama City Beach restaurants before hitting the sack.
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near St. Andrews State Park/Shell Island »
Find Activities near St. Andrews State Park/Shell Island »
Find Restaurants near St. Andrews State Park/Shell Island »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
