Editor's note: Beaches and parks are listed geographically from west to east.

Beaches with this symbol have beach wheelchairs available, either provided as a courtesy, or available for (prearranged) rent and delivery from private companies.

This popular family resort spot is famous for its powdery white sand beaches and emerald waters. The area is also known as the "Wreck Capital of the South," with numerous historic wrecks in the offshore waters just waiting to be explored. These 27 miles of pristine beach are perfect for swimming, diving, snorkeling, shell collecting, fishing and boating.

Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen State Park is a unique area surrounded on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico, Phillips Inlet and Lake Powell. The diversity provided by the three different bodies of water creates a unique habitat for wildlife. The more than 183-acre park contains maritime hammocks, freshwater wetlands, sand pine scrub, coastal dunes, as well as a salt marsh. The lodge at Camp Helen and its cottages offer a look at how tourists spent their vacations in the 1940s. Be prepared to hike a bit to enjoy this park's wonderful trails and beaches. Fishing for both fresh and saltwater species has traditionally been popular at Camp Helen.
St. Andrews State Park was voted the best U.S. beach in 1995 and today it still lives up to the honor with more than 1,260 acres, two fishing piers, jetties and two and a half miles of pristine shoreline.


St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park was voted the best U.S. beach in 1995 and today it still lives up to the honor with more than 1,260 acres, two fishing piers, jetties and two and a half miles of pristine shoreline. With a recently renovated park and refurbished beach, the park offers swimming and snorkeling in the warm waters of the Gulf and in the shallow, protected pool behind the jetties. Camping, hiking, cycling, canoeing and more are sure to please everyone in your family. As a bonus, Shell Island, a 700-acre barrier island that is part of the park, is a peaceful spot for swimming and collecting shells. Shuttles run to the island spring and summer.

Panama City Beach and Pier
This lively waterfront pier and park anchor Panama City Beach's eight miles of pristine beach. Everything sun and surf can be done here, from body surfing and parasailing to sunbathing and castle building. The City Pier spans the Gulf of Mexico affording spectacular views if the Gulf. It's a great spot for you to catch a fish. The pier is adjacent to one of the areas most popular public beaches. The park includes an amphitheater, pavilions, walking trails and lakes.

Among the honors Panama City Beach has received are: Third Best Beach by National Geographic Traveler/Yahoo Travel in 2003, the Top Beach by the American Coastal Coalition in 2002; 10th Beach in America by The Travel Channel in 2001; Third Beach in America by Southern Living in 2000; and the Best Sports Beach on the Gulf by Dr. Beach (Dr. Stephen P Leatherman) in 1998

M.B Miller Pier
This popular stretch of sand vibrates with activity. The county pier is open 24 hours and the beach is perfect for skim boarding, volleyball and body surfing. Miracle Strip Amusement Park is nearby.

Rick Seltzer Park
Located near Bay Point, this 4.7-acre community park features a recreational area, gazebo, nature trail and beautiful beaches.