Staying on Panama City Beach near St. Andrews SP
 

My wife has never been to Florida and I haven't been since I was a child. We are driving from Austin with a 3yr old (who loves beaces as we've been to the Texas coast multiple times), so wanted to find a nice, fun place with multiple activities that wasn't too far. We tentatively picked a place for the 2nd week of May called Moonspinner Condos for on Panama City Beach, which is supposedly a couple hundred feet from St. Andrews State Park. We also have the option of staying a couple of days in a cabin in Grayton Beach State Park. Can anyone comment on either of these destinations with respect to their beaches, water, activities, etc? Thanks!

I can highly recommend St. Andrews State park. The family and I have gone there a couple of times and have really enjoyed it. It has a protected rock lined cove with water from 0 feet to around 20 feet. Not too much wave action, but lots of shoreline for a little one to play in the water.

The water is quite clear, and you can watch all sorts of fish and crabs, ect. I would recommend a mask to see the tadpoles,crabs up close.

When we were there it had the beautiful blue/green color from the distance.

You can even rent chairs and an umbrella for the day, or hour. There is a shower and restrooms just up from the beach area. There is also a gift shop, but I can't remember if food is available.

There is a tour on Saint Andrews out to Shell Island, a barrier island. It has the kind of water you are used to in Texas. Large waves, and sandy beaches. It was quite hot as I remember. They used to do "swim with the dolphins", but are no longer allowed.

Hope this helps.

Thanks very much for the information ... it definitely helps. The waveless shoreline sounds perfect because waves are the one thing that keep our daughter out of the water on the Texas coast.

St. Andrews is a nice park with great facilities but they are currently doing some big time dreaging with lots of large pipes running along the beach area and along the protected cove. I'm not sure when they will get done. You may want to check with the park.

Ooh, that doesn't sound good. I'll definitely check with them ... thanks for the heads up!

Grayton Beach is FANTASTIC! Prettiest Beach!