St. Andrews State Recreation Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Florida. Named by Travel Magazine as "The World's Best Beach," in 1995, St. Andrews is well known for its sugar white sands and crystal-clear emerald green water. Picnic sites are available in several locations on the Gulf beach and Grand Lagoon. Two fishing piers, the jetties and the convenient boat ramp provide many fishing opportunities. Nature trails lead through a number of plant communities where visitors may encounter wading birds, alligators and many small animals. You may wish to sun or pickup shells along the shores of Shell Island, a pristine barrier island just across the ship's channel from the mainland. This 700-acre parcel of St. Andrews remains for the most part, undeveloped.

• Take the Gator Lake Trail which has an overlook providing visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators and a variety of water fowl, wading birds and other small animals.