Parker FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Parker, Florida.
1. St. Andrews State Park
PRISTINE WHITE SAND PARADISE
St. Andrews State Park features over 1.5 miles of beautiful white sand beaches recognized as one of America's best by Dr. Beach. Visitors can enjoy mainland beaches with easy access from two parking areas or take a ferry to Shell Island for a completely secluded experience during spring and summer. The park protects one of the largest areas of untouched barrier island in the Florida Panhandle, offering opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and glimpses of rare wildlife like snowy plovers and Choctawhatchee beach mice.
2. Shell Island
UNDEVELOPED NATURAL ESCAPE
Shell Island is a completely secluded and undeveloped slice of natural Florida accessible by ferry or paddle from St. Andrews State Park. This pristine barrier island offers visitors a chance to experience untouched coastline away from the more developed mainland beaches. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to spot rare shorebirds and wildlife in this protected natural setting.
3. Rick Seltzer Park
CONVENIENT BEACHSIDE RETREAT
Richard Seltzer Park on Thomas Drive is a nearly 5-acre haven of coastline with plenty of free parking available. The park features picnicking pavilions, public restrooms, and shower stations, plus visitors are just a crosswalk away from beachside restaurants and shopping. Open from sunrise to sunset, this local favorite offers the ultimate form of relaxation with toes buried in the sand and emerald waters stretching to the horizon.
4. Kiddie Pool at St. Andrews
PROTECTED FAMILY SWIMMING AREA
The Kiddie Pool lagoon at St. Andrews State Park offers a great saltwater swimming area with clear, shallow water perfect for families with children. Protected by jetties, this calm swimming area provides a safer alternative to the open Gulf waters. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of St. Andrews while swimming in this sheltered spot ideal for younger swimmers.
5. Carrabelle Beach
PET-FRIENDLY FORGOTTEN COAST
Carrabelle Beach is located 1.5 miles west of Carrabelle's city center on Highway 98, featuring recently renovated 'Old Florida Style' covered areas and picnic tables. This pet-friendly beach offers plenty of convenient parking, outdoor showers, bathroom facilities, and grills in a setting that's rarely overcrowded compared to larger areas. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy watching dolphins hunt mullet up close in the surf and spotting various shorebirds, making it a hot spot for birders during spring and fall migrations.
6. Gulf Drive Beach
ACCESSIBLE LOCAL SHORE
Gulf Drive Beach is one of Bay County's public beach access points providing residents and visitors with convenient entry to the Gulf waters. The beach offers the signature white sands and emerald waters that make this coastline famous throughout the region. Visitors appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to enjoy Florida's natural coastal beauty without entrance fees.
7. Hollywood Beach
CLASSIC FLORIDA SHORELINE
Hollywood Beach is a public access beach point maintained by Bay County that provides visitors with another gateway to Florida's stunning Gulf Coast. The beach features the region's characteristic soft white sand and clear emerald waters that draw beachgoers year-round. This access point allows both locals and tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of the panhandle's coastline.
8. Laguna Beach
TRANQUIL COASTAL GETAWAY
Laguna Beach is a public beach access point in Bay County offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the busier tourist areas. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along this stretch of the beautiful Gulf Coast. The beach provides a perfect balance of accessibility and tranquility for those seeking a peaceful day by the water.
9. Spyglass Drive Beach
LOCAL'S HIDDEN GEM
Spyglass Drive Beach is one of Bay County's lesser-known public beach access points, offering a more secluded experience for beachgoers. The beach provides the same stunning Gulf waters and white sands found throughout the region with typically smaller crowds. Visitors seeking a quieter day at the beach often prefer this access point for its more intimate setting.
10. Surf Drive Beach
WAVES AND WHITE SAND
Surf Drive Beach is a public access point in Bay County that, as its name suggests, can offer excellent opportunities for those looking to catch some waves. The beach provides convenient access to the Gulf of Mexico's beautiful waters and characteristic white sands. Visitors appreciate this access point for both relaxation and water activities along Florida's picturesque coastline.