Our Excursion to St. Andrew's State Park

We decided to venture out to St. Andrew's St. Park in nearby Panama City Beach, Florida. It was a ideal sun shiney day in December- what better time to check out a park in the winter?

We had a load of fun. But were certainly tired. We hope our little one came away with a fun outdoor experience in the park. All in all the park was a welcoming winter spot. Hiking this time of year in Florida is best in St. Andrew's. Summers are just too hot- I want to be near or on some body of water. The highlight, of course, is the pristine beaches. But we had a fun time looking for shells without the heat and being in the water- and the walk on the beach is great.

Here are a few of my recommendations for visiting in St. Andrew's State Park:
1) Bring a change of clothes. We were soaked from walking on the beach.
2) Bring a bag to put the dirty clothes in
3) If you are planning on collecting shells, bring a zip-lock type bag to put them in. It is eaiser to carry, and less messy than putting them in a jacket pocket.
4) Wear tennis shoes
5) Snack. Little ones can't live without snacks. And if your planning a day in the winter, a picnic is best. The camp stores looked like a ghost town
6) If you plan to go on a trail or leisure walk- the area, remember, is sandy- so an all-terrain stroller is ideal.
7) Dress in layers. It's Florida. We have crazy weather here.

St. Andrew's State Park entrance. It wouldn't be Florida without palm trees!

First things first: our little one was very eager to ride his new BIKE in the park. So, that is just what we did. There are several areas (like the camp area) where we biked and had a view of the bay. The other areas of the park are wooded and provide an opportunity to find deer roaming the park.

Then off to JETTY BEACH. As we approached, Jetty Beach, this was the view. Breathtaking. I know.

And we walked out on the wooded walkway. It is a fun spot for the little ones to run. There was a sort of camp store behind us- but it was a ghost town on this December day.

It was a RED FLAG day meaning that the waves were too rough. Don't worry, we didn't plan on swimming on the cold December water though it made for a windy adventure on the beach.

THE JETTIES and a view of the gulf.

One of our favorites things to do is to find shells to skip on the water.

The park has a ton of SEA SHELLS- the best sea shell hunting area we've found yet. Cam found a a shell to add to our collection.

Smiles on the beach.

People fishing off the jetties.

Yes, there were guys skim boarding.

And ther was the OTHER PIER. This is where, as the sign says, boats and kayaks can be rented. We decided not to this windy December day. We opted to watch the fishermen and the PELICANS.

Guys casting their nets.

 Nearby the smaller pier, there was an Old Cracker Turpintine Still. Our little one was a interested in it. But, we went for a walk and the nature walk behind it. He enjoyed running through the woods much more.

Playground Near the Turpintine Still. Much needed.

On our way out, we ran into a group of DEER grazing by the road. My son was amazed at this apparent commen place in the park.

     Jessica