Under The Oaks Park

If you are looking for a peaceful corner of nature in the Sunshine State, Panama City has a true "hidden gem" waiting for you. Under the Oaks Park is a cozy recreational space nestled on the shores of the picturesque St. Andrews Bay in the USA. As the name suggests, the main pride of this location is its majestic perennial oaks, whose sprawling canopies provide a cooling respite even on the sweltering days.

This spot is ideal for those wanting to escape the city bustle for a while. The park harmoniously combines open green lawns with dense shade, offering visitors a tranquil atmosphere and stunning waterfront views. Here, you can not only enjoy the silence but also stay active in the fresh air.

Despite its modest size, Under the Oaks Park offers everything needed for quality recreation: from well-equipped picnic areas to modern playgrounds. Its proximity to the historic district makes it a popular stop for tourists wishing to see the authentic beauty of the Gulf Coast.

To plan your visit to Under the Oaks Park, it is helpful to have up-to-date contact information on hand. You can check the details regarding facility operations or visiting rules through official communication channels.

There is something for everyone at Under the Oaks Park. Active lifestyle enthusiasts will appreciate the fitness trail and nature paths that wind through the trees, offering magnificent views of St. Andrews Bay. For those who prefer sports, the park features a disc golf course, and a boat ramp allows you to launch kayaks or canoes for a water excursion.

Families with children will find a spacious and creative playground where little ones can play safely while adults relax in the shade of ancient oaks. The green lawns are perfect for a cozy family picnic — dedicated areas with all the necessary amenities are provided here.

If your goal is relaxation, head to the observation deck. It is the perfect spot for yoga, reading a book, or simply contemplating the water. The park's high visitor rating confirms that even a simple walk here can restore your energy and provide inspiration.

The easiest way to reach the park, located at 5843 E Hwy 98, is by car. The drive from downtown Panama City or from the resort area along the coast takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Convenient free parking is available for visitors right at the entrance.

For those who prefer alternative ways to get around, taxi services are a good option since the public transportation network in this part of the city is limited. If you are staying in the Historic St. Andrews district, you can reach the park by foot or bicycle, enjoying the sea breeze along the way.

Highway 98 serves as your main landmark — the park is situated directly off the road, making navigation simple even for those visiting this part of the state for the first time.

Although Under the Oaks Park is a modern Bay County recreational facility, its surroundings are steeped in history. The park is located in close proximity to the Historic St. Andrews district, which in the mid-19th century was a thriving fishing village and an important center for salt production.

The main silent witnesses to the past here are the trees themselves. The oaks that gave the park its name have grown on this land for decades, and some of their "neighbors" in nearby groves are estimated to be up to 250 years old. These natural giants remember times when the coastline looked quite different.

No specific historic buildings or ancient artifacts remain on the park grounds, as it was designed as a modern space for outdoor recreation. Nevertheless, a walk along its trails allows you to experience the spirit of Old Florida, carefully preserved amidst the developing urban infrastructure.

For a leisurely stroll through the park, enjoying the views from the platform, and resting in the shade, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient for most visitors. This provides enough time to appreciate the local flora on the nature trails and enjoy a quick picnic.

If you are planning a more active visit, such as a round of disc golf or launching kayaks into the bay, you should budget up to 3 hours. The park is compact, so all its main features are within easy walking distance of one another.

You can visit Under the Oaks Park daily during daylight hours. It is open to guests from early morning until evening, allowing you to catch both the picturesque sunrises over the bay and the soft pre-sunset light.

The park's operating schedule is consistent throughout the week: from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

The surrounding area offers many interesting locations to help make your day even more fulfilling. Proximity to historic buildings and entertainment centers allows you to easily combine a nature break with a cultural program or active leisure.

Exploring nearby attractions is a great way to better understand the character of Panama City and see how history and modern resort energy intertwine here.