Best outdoor activities in the Panhandle area

Question

Hi there,

My husband and I are staying in the area for the first time in late October. I have a bunch of brochures about the Panhandle so have gathered an impossibly long list of things to do but we only have three full days so I'm hoping to get some help in narrowing it down. If we only have time to go to one or two of these state parks below, could you please share your opinion on which ones you think are nicest?

The ones on my list are:

St. Andrews State Park (And possibly Shell Island?)

Grayton Beach State Park

Camp Helen State Park

Econfina Creek Livery

Topsail Hill preserve State Park

Henderson State Park

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

Visiting the Florida Panhandle for the first time in late October gives you a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors without the intense summer crowds. With only three full days, it’s best to focus on a mix of iconic beaches, nature trails, and unique water experiences. Among your list of state parks and activities, a few stand out as must-sees.

Here’s a breakdown of the options:

St. Andrews State Park (and Shell Island) – This is arguably one of the top choices for a first-time visitor. The park offers beautiful white sand beaches, excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities, and a chance to take a boat over to Shell Island, which is an undeveloped barrier island perfect for relaxing, kayaking, or spotting wildlife. Late October is ideal because the water is still warm and the crowds are lighter.
Grayton Beach State Park – Located a bit west, this park features stunning dune lakes and pristine beaches. It’s excellent for hiking, birdwatching, and simply soaking up the natural beauty of the area. The park is very photogenic and offers a quieter, less commercialized beach experience than St. Andrews.
Camp Helen State Park – This is smaller but charming, with a mix of freshwater lake and Gulf access. It’s perfect for a peaceful half-day trip if you want to combine beach time with a short nature walk or picnic.
Econfina Creek Livery – Ideal if you enjoy kayaking or canoeing. The creek is scenic and the trip through the natural springs is serene and relaxing, a nice contrast to the busier beach areas.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – Offers a mix of dune lakes, trails, and beaches. It’s a bit more remote and less crowded, great for biking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
Henderson Beach State Park – Very close to Panama City Beach, this is convenient if you want a quick, beautiful beach visit. The sand is soft and white, and it has picnic areas and nature trails.

Suggested itinerary for three days:

Day 1: St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island – spend most of the day at the beach and take the boat to Shell Island for snorkeling or relaxing by the water.
Day 2: Grayton Beach State Park – enjoy hiking, dune lakes, and photography; optional lunch in nearby Seaside town for a picturesque small-town vibe.
Day 3: A mix of Henderson Beach State Park for a final beach morning and Econfina Creek Livery for a half-day kayaking adventure in the afternoon, which balances beach relaxation with a light adventure activity.

Overall, St. Andrews and Grayton Beach offer the quintessential Panhandle experience with both beach and nature elements. If your focus is more on relaxation, Henderson Beach and Camp Helen are easy choices. For a more active day, Econfina Creek and Topsail Hill give excellent opportunities for kayaking and hiking.

Late October is also ideal for fewer crowds, cooler weather for hiking, and still warm enough to enjoy water activities. Bring insect repellent just in case, as some areas near lakes and marshes can have occasional mosquitoes.

Best outdoor activities in the Panhandle area

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