If you love soft sand but hate hauling a trunk’s worth of stuff, beach gear rentals at St. Andrews State Park feel like a small luxury that quickly turns practical. This park gives you both Gulf-front beach time and calmer lagoon water in one place, so the right rental can change your whole day—shade when the sun is high, snorkel gear when the water turns glassy, or a wagon when you want to bring “just one more thing.”
Where Rentals Usually Happen
Inside the park, rentals are commonly tied to seasonal park stores and beach-area shops. You’ll often hear names like Jetty Store, Pier Store, and the Camp Store (locations can vary by season). Think of it like a well-placed “toolbox” around the park: beach items near the sand, watercraft near the lagoon/boat areas, and ride options closer to camp and interior roads.
Beach Area Shops
Chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, and “make-it-easier” add-ons like wagons or coolers (availability depends on season).
Camp Store Area
Often linked with bike rentals, golf carts, and, in warm seasons, kayaks for Grand Lagoon exploring.
Jetties & Marina Zones
You’ll see options aimed at the water—kayaks and sometimes paddleboards—built for protected paddling and short coastal exploring.
What You Can Rent On Site
St. Andrews is known for its wide, walkable beaches and that mix of open Gulf views with lagoon calm. Rentals typically mirror the park’s personality: comfort gear for the sand, and adventure gear for the water. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I really want to carry all of this?”—this is the part where the answer becomes “not today.”
Beach Chairs And Umbrellas
For many visitors, chairs and a large umbrella are the two pieces that change the feel of the day the most. The sun can be bright, and the sand can feel like a skillet by midday—shade turns the beach into a place you can linger. Rentals are often offered at beach-area shops such as the Jetty Store and Pier Store, so you can set up close to where you want to swim, snorkel, or simply listen to the waves.
- Single-day comfort without packing bulky items
- Quick setup so your first ten minutes aren’t a wrestling match
- Easy pairing with shade + cool drinks for longer stays
Snorkel Gear For The Jetty Area
The jetty zone is a favorite for snorkeling because you can get clearer views in the right conditions, and the setting has that “natural aquarium” vibe when the water behaves. On-site shops often rent snorkel sets so you don’t have to travel with fins and masks. If you’re deciding between bringing your own or renting, ask yourself one simple question: “Will I actually use it more than once on this trip?” If not, rental makes sense.
Small detail that matters: snorkel rentals typically focus on the essentials—mask, snorkel, fins. If you prefer a full-face mask style, that’s the kind of preference worth mentioning at the counter. A quick chat saves you from “almost right” gear when you want just-right comfort.
Wagons, Coolers, And “Make-It-Easier” Items
This is the gear nobody dreams about, until they need it. A beach wagon turns multiple trips into one smooth roll. A cooler rental can be useful if you flew in, or if you simply didn’t want to buy one for a short stay. Some beach-area rental menus also include fishing rods and similar add-ons, which pair nicely with the park’s laid-back shoreline energy.
Bikes And Golf Carts Inside The Park
If you like seeing the park beyond the sand, bicycle rentals are a fun match for the paved stretches and the “let’s wander a bit” mood. Some operations also offer golf cart rentals connected to the camp store side of the park. Rental durations are commonly offered in short blocks (a couple of hours) and full-day options, which makes it easy to match the rental to your pace instead of forcing your day into a strict schedule.
Kayaks On Grand Lagoon And Near The Jetties
Kayaking at St. Andrews can feel like stepping into a quieter world. One minute you’re on a bright beach, the next you’re gliding across Grand Lagoon with shorelines close enough to spot birds and changing water colors. In warm seasons, kayaks are often available through the park’s store system near the boat area, and some rental operators run directly in the park with pickup points at the jetties and marina. Rentals commonly include the basics—paddle and life jacket—so you can focus on the experience, not the packing list.
| Rental Item | Where It’s Commonly Picked Up | Where It Shines Inside The Park | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach chairs | Beach-area shop (often near the jetty beach) | Gulf beach lounging and long sit-downs | Often paired with an umbrella; daily setups are common |
| Beach umbrella | Jetty/Pier store area | Shade near the shoreline, especially midday | Ideal when you want to stay out longer without carrying bulky poles |
| Snorkel gear | Jetty-area shop | Jetty waters when visibility is good | Ask what’s included (mask, fins, snorkel) so expectations match reality |
| Wagon | Beach rental menu | From parking to sand when you have multiple items | Great for groups; half-day or full-day options are common |
| Cooler | Beach-area rental menu | All-day beach comfort | Useful for short trips where you don’t want to buy a cooler |
| Bicycle | Camp store area | Exploring roads and interior park areas | Typical time blocks include a few hours or a full day |
| Golf cart | Camp store area | Moving around the park with ease | Availability can be seasonal; check on arrival |
| Kayak | Boat area / jetties / marina | Grand Lagoon and protected shoreline paddling | Often includes a PFD and paddle; sit-on-top styles are common |
| Beach wheelchair | By request at participating locations | Beach access for visitors who need mobility support | Programs may offer motorized/floating models; an ID hold is commonly required |
Matching Rentals To The Park’s Beach Areas
St. Andrews is famous for giving you options without making you drive to a second location. That also means your rental choice depends on where you plan to spend your time. It’s like picking shoes: sandals work on the boardwalk, but you’ll want something different if you’re heading into the water.
Jetty Beach Feel
This is where snorkel gear and chair + umbrella combos feel especially natural. The vibe is active but relaxed—swim, float, peek underwater, then reset under deep shade.
Open Gulf Beach Mood
When you want long stretches of sand time, comfort rentals matter. A large umbrella and sturdy chairs can turn “a quick visit” into a full afternoon with ocean views.
Grand Lagoon Calm
For the lagoon side, kayaks (and sometimes paddleboards) fit the setting. The water is often more protected, so it feels like a quiet coastal corridor you can explore at your own pace.
How Rentals Typically Work At The Park
Most on-site rentals follow a simple rhythm: pick up, enjoy, return. The details are worth knowing because they shape your timing. Some items are day-based, others are hour-based. Bikes often come with short time blocks plus full-day options. Wagons may offer half-day and full-day choices. Water rentals usually include the essentials like a PFD, and staff will point you toward areas that match the conditions.
- Pick-up location: commonly a beach-area shop, camp store, or a marina/jetties point
- Rental window: short blocks or full-day use, depending on the item
- What’s included: ask for the basics upfront (paddles, life jackets, fit options)
- Return process: usually the same place you picked it up, within store hours
When your setup is easy, the beach feels bigger. You stop “managing stuff” and start enjoying the shoreline.
Beach Wheelchairs And Accessible Beach Comfort
One of the most meaningful rental-style offerings you may find here is the availability of beach wheelchairs. Programs connected with park services can offer models designed for sand, including motorized and even floating options in some cases. Access often works on a simple trust system—commonly a license/ID hold during use—so visitors can focus on time at the waterline, not barriers.
Good to know: accessible pathways and ramps in the public areas can make a big difference in how a beach day feels. If you’re planning around mobility needs, it’s worth asking staff where the closest ramps and restrooms are, so the day stays smooth and comfortable.
Seasonal Availability And Timing
Rental menus and store hours can be seasonal. In the busier stretch of the year (often roughly March through Labor Day), park stores are more likely to be operating with a fuller set of options—chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, and kayaks—while shoulder seasons may feel quieter and more flexible. If you arrive early, you usually get the widest choice of gear and locations, and you can spend the rest of your time doing what you came for: enjoying the park.
