St. Andrews State Park - Florida

Address:4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, Florida

A State Park, a botanical garden and an historical sight, Maclay Gardens is filled with elegance and brimming with nature's most beautiful flowers. The majority of the plantings here are azaleas and camellias, which are speckled with many other florals, including coontie, gardenia, ginger, jasmine, and Oriental magnolias. The nature trails here meander through wooded hillsides of cypress, dogwood, hickory and holly and are great for hiking and jogging. Park wildlife includes alligators, bobcats and deer and birds and many of the species found here throughout the year make for excellent wildlife watching. In addition, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming are available in the Park's Lake Hall recreation area, ensuring a great time will be had by all!

Well known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities - a splendid opportunity for bird-watching. Those wanting to relax can sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion. Full-facility campsites, as well as primitive youth group camping, make this park a popular overnight destination. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, and fishing amenities. Shell Island Boat Tours are available during the spring and summer. Located three miles east of Panama City Beach, off State Road 392 (Thomas Drive).