St. Andrews SP to St Marks, Fl

[garmp]

Thinking of spending a couple of days at St Andrews SP in Panama City and taking a day trip to St Marks to see San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park. The plan is to take the 2 to 3 hour trip along the coast and sight see, have lunch at the Riverside Cafe, visit the Fort and return to camp with a stop for fresh seafood to grill for supper and another stop at the Panama City Elk's Lodge for an adult beverage or two. None of this is cast in stone and we're very flexible. So: Is the Fort worth the trip? Is the Cafe worth the trip? A better eatery available? Is there something better along the way? Or reroute? Open for all thoughts and suggestions. Help is always appreciated. Seems no matter how much we plan, plot, study and research we always deviate. But it is great to have the options. And that's what retirement is all about!
Thanks

[garmp]

Any seafood market near St Andrews SP better than another (quality, availability,price)? Gotta get some shrimp to cook on the barbie and either amber jack, trigger fish or some other firm fish to grill also. Will there be seasonal issues of availability on any fresh catch? Want local catch if at all possible.

[fla-gypsy]

The trip over to Apalachicola is worth it to knock around town a little while and grab some good food. I also recommend Wakulla Spgs, it is arguably the largest freshwater spring in the world.

[gjcummings]

I have kept a boat at St. Marks in the past and the Fort is not much but the coastal drive is great. We have been to PC too many times to count. While you are there try Uncle Ernie"s in Old St. Andrews it is on the bay (best view of any waterfront eatery) and very, very good. (try the Ensalada salad) If you like a little drive try Port St Joe and Joe Mamas Pizza (try the Quatro) on the main drag. Top 100 on one survey a few years back. We live 35 miles from PSJ and 65 miles from Uncle Ernie's and do each 1-2x/month. I would not make St. Marks a destination. Go a little further 20 mi) from PSJ to Apalachicola and you can spend a great day in a old fishing village shopping and eating (the Owl or Up the Creek) 9 more miles puts you on St. George Island...real real nice only one eatery right on the gulf but the view is worth it. Or, if you are on the Island from 3-4 try Edie Teach's raw bar for 1/2 price oysters...lots of colorful locals and the best oysters you'll find.

If you go west of PC try Cafe 30A in Seagrove Beach..5-6 every day 1/2 price entires and we're talking fine food!

Enjoy

[iawoody2]

Just down Thomas Dr outside of St. Andrews is a place called Scampys great seafood, especially the shrimp.

[agesilaus]

Hmm as I recall the 'fort' is nothing but a pile of rocks. St Marks is a great bird watching spot and it has an old lighthouse which is closed. It's a good photography spot but otherwise not a major attraction.

Wakulla Springs might be a more interesting place to visit unless you are birders.