Tucked along the edge of St. Andrews Bay, this historic neighborhood in Panama City has stories around every corner. What started as a working fishing village is now a favorite spot for locals and visitors looking for good food, walkable streets, and waterfront views. From museums and parks to murals and shops, there are plenty of things to do in St. Andrews—whether you are here for the day or just passing through. Here are ten easy stops to get you started.

Explore Local Museums

If you are looking for things to do in St. Andrews to learn about the local history, start with a visit to the Panama City Publishing Museum. This historic brick building once housed the printing presses for the area’s earliest newspapers, including the St. Andrews Bay News. Inside, you will find original equipment, restored workspaces, and guided tours that walk you through the story of George and Lillian West, the couple who ran the press and helped shape the local community. The presses still run today during live demonstrations, and the small shop sells printed keepsakes made on-site.

Just across the street, the Native Spirit Museum and Gallery offers another view of local history. The exhibits highlight Native American culture in the Florida Panhandle with a collection of tools, artwork, and everyday objects used by Indigenous communities throughout the region. There’s even a section for kids gifts, plus a gallery space where visitors can shop for authentic handmade crafts. It is a quiet, meaningful stop—and one that connects the past to the present in a very real way.

Visit the Waterfront Park Oaks by the Bay

If you are searching for quiet, scenic things to do in St. Andrews, this waterfront park is a local favorite. Oaks by the Bay is known for its sweeping views of St. Andrews Bay, peaceful walking paths, and wide patches of shade beneath towering live oaks. The most iconic is the “Old Sentry,” a centuries-old heritage oak that has stood through hurricanes and high tides and still anchors the park today.

In addition to the shaded green space, you will find a small bayside beach, wooden dune walkovers, and a picnic area with benches that look out over the water. In the center of the park, there’s also a mural painted directly onto the sidewalk around the “Old Sentry” oak tree—one of many stops along the Panama City Mural Trail—and a historic salt pot, a nod to the area’s early days when St. Andrews was a salt production site during the Civil War.

Discover the Panama City Oyster Trail

One of the most popular things to do in St. Andrews is to follow the Panama City Oyster Trail, especially if you enjoy fresh Gulf seafood. This self-guided trail features local favorites serving oysters every way you can think of—raw, baked, fried, or topped with house-made butter and cheese.

In Historic St. Andrews, a must-stop is Hunt’s Oyster Bar, a longtime local spot known for casual service and oysters shucked right at the bar. It is one of the oldest stops on the trail and a favorite for both visitors and locals. Just down the road, several other neighborhood restaurants serve their own versions, each with a slightly different spin.

Whether it is your first oyster or your fiftieth, this is the place to try it. You can even take home a keepsake from Hunt’s if it is your first—just ask for a “Golden Oyster.”

Cruise the Bay

One of the best things to do in St. Andrews is to get out on the water. St. Andrews Bay is known for its calm, clear water and wide variety of marine life. Whether you are looking for a guided dolphin tour, a sunset sail, or a fishing trip, there are plenty of ways to explore.

Many tours and charters leave directly from the St. Andrews Marina or the CSS Yacht Basin, both located in the heart of the neighborhood. You can also rent your own boat from places like Beachy Boat Rentals if you prefer to cruise at your own pace. It is not uncommon to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and rays along the way, and the shoreline views never disappoint.

With options for every interest—relaxing, fishing, or just spending time on the water—it is an easy way to take in what makes St. Andrews so special.

Follow the Panama City Mural Trail

If you are looking for colorful things to do in St. Andrews, the Panama City Mural Trail is a great way to explore the neighborhood. Murals can be found all throughout the area—from large-scale pieces on the sides of buildings to smaller, tucked-away surprises that pop up when you least expect them.

In Historic St. Andrews, many of the murals reflect the neighborhood’s coastal roots, local stories, and creative spirit. One of the most recognizable pieces is the waterfront scene painted outside Sunjammers, a local outfitter near the marina. Others can be spotted just by walking the main streets—brightening alleyways, shops, and unexpected corners throughout the district.

It is a fun, low-key way to experience the arts scene while exploring the area..

Shop Local

One of the easiest things to do in St. Andrews is to walk, browse, and shop your way through the neighborhood’s local stores. From boutiques and gift shops to outfitters and specialty markets, you will find something different around every corner.

Browse trendy clothing and accessories at The Trendy Side or Gypsy Willow. Gypsy Beach Treasured Kreations and Floriopolis feature handmade art, jewelry, and décor. Sunjammers is a go-to for outdoor gear and water-friendly apparel, and you can even treat yourself to a relaxing service or wellness product from one of the local spas nearby.

On Saturday mornings, head to The Market at St. Andrews at Oaks by the Bay Park. It is one of the best spots in town to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, and handmade items—all with bay views in the background.

Taste the Local Flavors

Food is always one of the top things to do in St. Andrews. This neighborhood is home to some of Panama City’s most loved restaurants, where the focus is on fresh ingredients, local seafood, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere. Enjoy a waterfront meal at Uncle Ernie’s, where the two-story outdoor deck overlooks the marina, or grab a table at Alice’s on Bayview for elevated Southern dishes with a view.

Stop by a neighborhood bodega, coffee shop, or taco joint—each with its own story and personality. Whether you are after oysters on the half shell, a cozy brunch, or a cold drink on a sunny patio, there is something for every appetite.

For those arriving by boat, many of the restaurants in St. Andrews offer dock and dine options. Pull up to the marina, dock just steps from your table, and enjoy a meal without ever leaving the water. It is a favorite way for locals and visitors to end a day on the bay—and one more reason why St. Andrews is worth the stop.

Paddle through St. Andrews Bay

For a different perspective of St. Andrews, try getting out on the water. The calm, protected bay makes it easy to explore by paddleboard or kayak, whether you are looking for a solo paddle or a guided experience.

Launch from Oaks by the Bay Park or connect with Katie’s Paddleboarding Adventures for lessons, group nature tours, or sunset paddleboard yoga. All equipment is included, and the routes are beginner-friendly with plenty of scenic views along the way. It is one of the more peaceful things to do in St. Andrews—and a great way to slow down and take in the bay.

Celebrate Mardi Gras with Krewe of St. Andrews

In Panama City, Florida, Mardi Gras comes alive with 3 days of epic festival celebration, parades, beads, & live music when the Krewe of St. Andrews Mardi Gras parade and festival fills the streets of Historic St. Andrews. For over 25 years, it has been the largest, most popular celebration in Bay County. You can enjoy three fun-filled days of Mardi Gras festivities. From the main parade to special parades for kids and even your pets, Mardi Gras in Panama City is family-friendly, aiming to entertain kids and adults alike. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Panama City’s funky, salty, and soulful culture than by joining the fun of the local Mardi Gras festivities.

Witness the Blessing of the Fleet

The Blessing of the Fleet is one of Panama City’s most beloved traditions and top things to do in St. Andrews every year. Held each spring along the docks of the St. Andrews Marina, this long-running tradition honors the community, local sailors, and the deep connection this waterfront town has to its working boats and open water. You’ll see shrimp boats and sailboats lined up along the seawall, some decked out in streamers, some just showing up like they always have—ready to be blessed for safe voyages and smooth water ahead.

After the boats are blessed, the socks come off. Literally.

In the weeks leading up to the event, Historic St. Andrews gets a little saltier. Strings of socks appear across porches, patios, and storefronts, hung like salty little banners that leave first-timers asking, “What’s up with the socks?” Locals know—it’s almost time to lose the shoes and welcome in warmer days.

Event goers gather around to burn their socks in a communal fire pit—a lighthearted ritual that marks the changing of seasons and says, in true coastal fashion: it’s time to let go of the layers and get back to the water. It’s a nod to sailors who, after a long winter in boots and shoes, couldn’t wait to free their feet and feel the deck under bare feet again. Around here, it’s equal parts good luck, good fun, and a great reason to join the party. 

So go ahead. Free your feet, bless your boat (or cheer on the ones that pass by), and take part in one of the quirkiest, most beloved traditions on this side of the bay.

About Panama City

Embraced by beautiful St. Andrew Bay on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Panama City offers a myriad of water sports ranging from world-class sailing to some of the best year round in-shore and off-shore fishing in the U.S. Off the water, visitors to the Northwest Florida city delight in the sunny destination’s eclectically rich neighborhoods offering a thriving visual and performing arts scene, a range of dining that makes full use of bounteous local seafood, and diverse shopping and antiquing.