Nestled between Panama City and Panama City Beach, Florida’s Upper Grand Lagoon is a go-to destination for people who love being in and on the water. Rent vessels of all types to explore the lagoon or board a charter boat or ferry for fishing or cruising in St. Andrew Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. Accommodations, restaurants and activities here are noted for their family-friendly emphasis.
Reserve a spot on an excursion from Capt. Anderson’s Marina. Experienced guides lead charters for sport fishing, with boat sizes to accommodate four to 44 guests. You can also arrange a boat or guide for scuba diving in the bay, where sunken pirate ships provide interesting spots to explore. If you’re not a certified diver, try snorkeling, using a required flag float for safety.
Make a trip to Shell Island, a barrier island just east of the bay. Practice Florida’s favorite pastime of combing the beach for shells at low tide. Any empty shells you find are allowed to be removed as souvenirs from your trip.
Off the water, play golf at Bay Point Golf Club. Set in a nature preserve, the course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. Hole number five is a classic, with extraordinary views over the lagoon and bay. Be sure to bring a camera in your golf bag.
Head south across the Grand Lagoon Bridge to reach the coastline. The 1,200 acres (480 hectares) of St. Andrews State Park offer opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, beach activities and fishing from lagoon and oceanfront piers. From here the exquisite shoreline stretches northwest for 27 miles (43 kilometers). Enjoy the sandy stretches, piers and wide range of attractions of Panama City Beach.
Drive to Upper Grand Lagoon in about 6 minutes from Panama City Beach or 10 minutes from Panama City. The closest airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, about 33 minutes away by car.
