Panama City Beach

St. Andrews State Recreational Area stretches more than 1½ miles of snowy-white beach front along the Gulf of Mexico. But it's not all about the sprawling out in the sand or diving the waves. Nature lovers think they've discovered nirvana when the start exploring the more than 1200 acres of unspoiled beaches, marshes and dunes. If you visit, don't miss Alligator Lake.

Accommodations: St. Andrews offers camp sites for $24 a night year round. If you're not a camper, choose St. Andrews State Recreational Areaone of the many hotel chains or condos offered just minutes away in Panama City. Prices range from low-cost budget motels, to expensive 5-star resorts.

St. Andrews Recreational Activities: Spend your day diving, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving or boating. If you're looking for something more low-key, take a walk through nature on a trail full of rich plant communities, or picnic under the shade at a one of the pavilions. Need more ideas? Kayaking, canoeing and jet and water skiing are also available.

St. Andrews Area Attractions: Visit Panama City's historical wrecks, including a WWII 220ft tugboat, a 160ft coastal freighter, and the 465ft Empire Mica in the Gulf of Mexico. If you're looking for something a little more relaxing, take a day trip to Shell Island and unwind on your own secluded area of this unspoiled beach full of amazing wildlife.   

St. Andrews Area Events:

• Ironman (November): Participant's swim, bike and run in this 140 mile competition.
• Spring Break (Mid-February-March): College students flood the beach during these months.

St. Andrew's Nightlife: Visit Panama City's Club La Vela, the largest nightclub in the USA, featuring 14 different theme rooms including Galaxy and Thunderdome. If you have kids, check out nighttime miniature golf courses or go-carting along the coast.

St. Andrews Weather: St. Andrews has an annual temperature of 78F and an annual water temperature of 72.f

St. Andrews Facilities: Full facility campsites, a concession which offers snacks, souvenirs and fishing gear, restrooms, two fishing piers, a boat ramp and transportation to and from Shell Island daily.

Beach Fees: An admission fee of $5 per vehicle, plus $24 for a campsite if you're staying overnight. Pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers must all pay an additional fee of $1. The shuttle to Shell Island will set you back $14.50 for adults, $6.50 for kids. Babes in arms are free.

For more information or help planning your next Florida getaway, visit St. Andrew's State Park, Florida.

Love Florida beaches? See all the Florida beaches in our guide:

• Fort Walton Beach  
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Navarre Beach
• Panama City Beach
• Pensacola Beach
• Perdido Key
• Seaside Beach
• St George Island State Park
• Shell Island
• St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge
• St. Joseph Peninsula National Park
• Fernandina Beach
• Ponte Verda Beach
• Apollo Beach
• Calaesi Island State Park
• Clearwater Beach
• Egmont Key
• Fort DeSoto Park