"Uncover the Secrets of St. Andrews State Park at Park After Dark - A Night of Adventure Awaits!"

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Park After Dark at St. Andrews State Park

Stargazing on the Shores of St. Andrews State Park

A family‑friendly night of telescopes, moonlit views, and coastal quiet at one of Florida’s most beloved state parks.

St. Andrews State Park transforms into a quiet, star‑lit sanctuary during its recurring Park After Dark stargazing series, offering visitors a rare chance to experience the park after sunset. The next event takes place Saturday, February 28, 2026, inviting families, amateur astronomers, and night‑sky dreamers to gather under the glow of the moon and planets.

✨ Event Overview

Saturday, February 28, 2026. The evening runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST at the Jetties Parking Lot, where members of the Astronomical Society of Bay County set up high‑powered telescopes for public viewing. Guests will have the chance to observe the moon, Jupiter, and the Orion Nebula, one of the brightest and most iconic star‑forming regions in the night sky.

To preserve the nighttime experience, all visitors must enter the park by 6:30 PM. The gate closes promptly at that time to new arrivals, so early entry is essential.

🧺 What to Bring

Comfort is key for nighttime viewing. Guests are encouraged to bring:

Blankets for warmth and ground seating
Chairs for relaxed skywatching
Binoculars to complement the telescopes

A $5 donation to the Friends of St. Andrews State Park is requested to support future programs. Standard park entry fees also apply.

🌌 Nighttime Access for Campers 🌙

While the park typically closes at sunset for day‑use visitors, registered campers enjoy extended access to the park’s natural beauty after dark.

⛺ Campground Access

Campers staying at the St. Andrews State Park Campground have 24‑hour access to the park. Those arriving after sunset must call 850‑708‑6100 ahead of time to receive the gate code and instructions for late entry.

🎣 Piers & Trails

Registered campers and annual pass holders may visit the fishing piers and select walkways after dark, offering peaceful nighttime views of the water and wildlife.

⚠️ Safety Reminder

Swimming at night is strongly discouraged. Alligators are nocturnal and more active after sunset, making nighttime waters unsafe.

📍 Essential St. Andrews State Park Information

Address: 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408
Hours: 8:00 AM to sunset, open daily year‑round
Entry Fee: $8 per vehicle (2–8 people)

Official Website: Florida State Parks – St. Andrews

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Interesting Facts

Panama City Beach is known for having some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world, which are made up of nearly pure quartz crystal.

The Panama City area is home to St. Andrews State Park, which was named the best beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor