Sun-up to sundown.
Beaches and state parks, days on the water, family favorites and the events worth planning a trip around, from Panama City Beach to Port St. Joe.
White sand and wild places
St. Andrews State Park
Trails, fishing, paddleboard and kayak rentals, and the shuttle boat to Shell Island.
Shell Island
An undeveloped barrier island across the mouth of St. Andrew Bay, perfect for shelling. How to go.
Camp Helen State Park
A quiet beach, nature trails and paddle rentals near Lake Powell, on the far west end of Panama City Beach.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Gulf beaches and bay views at the tip of the cape, with the Maritime Hammock Nature Trail, campsites and cabins.
George Core Park
Shallow, kid-friendly water and the Cape San Blas Lighthouse, all in one park.
Uncrowded beach days
Easy beach access at spots like Sunset Park and Canal Park, with room to spread out.
Fish, paddle, snorkel and scallop
Bay scalloping
Snorkel the seagrass of St. Joseph Bay in late summer. The FWC sets the season each year. First-timer’s guide.
Pier fishing
Fish from the Russell-Fields Pier at Pier Park, or just walk out for the view over the Gulf.
Reef fishing & diving
Head out to the patch reefs placed offshore by the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association.
Sailing & eco-tours
Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions and Flippin’ Awesome Adventures eco-tours, plus paddling from downtown.
Kayak St. Joseph Bay
Calm, clear water for paddling, fishing and wildlife. Outfitters rent kayaks and gear.
Paddle the parks
Rent a paddleboard or kayak at St. Andrews or Camp Helen State Park and explore calmer water away from the surf.
For kids of every age
Gulf World Marine Park
Dolphin, sea lion and penguin shows, plus a sea turtle adoption program the kids will love.
PCB Wheel
Ride the 200-foot enclosed observation wheel at Pier Park for big views up and down the beach.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Find your way through the Gran Maze labyrinth, then play a round on the miniature golf course.
Pier Park entertainment
The Grand IMAX, the Pirate’s Voyage dinner show and Dave & Buster’s.
Climb the lighthouse
Climb 131 steps up the Cape San Blas Lighthouse for wide views over St. Joseph Bay.
History, art and seafood
Historic St. Andrews
Bayfront shops and oyster bars, the Publishing Museum and Oaks by the Bay Park.
Downtown & the Martin Theatre
An art deco theater, the Mural Trail, the Social District and the Ale Trail.
Reid Avenue
Port St. Joe’s main street, with local shops, mom-and-pop restaurants and live music on event nights.
Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Learn how Port St. Joe earned its title as Florida’s “Constitution City” at this small state park museum.
Indian Pass Raw Bar
Fresh oysters, the honor-system drink cooler and live music at this longtime Indian Pass favorite.
Worth planning a trip around
Gulf Coast Jam
A multi-day country music festival held each spring at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach.
National Oyster Day
Celebrate in historic St. Andrews and follow the Panama City Oyster Trail.
Scallop season
St. Joseph Bay’s summer tradition. Dates are set each year by the FWC.
Dates and details change. Check with each event or park before you go.
Find a home base for all of it
Owner-run stays from Panama City Beach to Cape San Blas.