Panama City, Florida, is one of the most beautiful cities in America, making it a great place to spend time outside with your family. With many different outdoor activities to enjoy, there is no shortage of family fun to be had. Here at Panama City Toyota, we’ve pulled together seven of our favorite sources of outdoor fun you can find in and around Panama City, Florida.
Shipwreck Island
If you need a break from the beach but still want to have some wet fun in the sun, Shipwreck Island Waterpark is the place to be. There’s something for everyone in the family, with plenty of activities suited for all personalities, from laid back to full throttle thrill. When relaxing is more your speed, you can spend some time in the Ocean Motion Wave Pool or at the Lazy River. When you want to step up the excitement, you can give the more exciting flume activities and daring water slides a try.
Shipwreck Island is a retreat from the beach that keeps you cool, entertained, and as active as you want to be. The water park’s hours vary throughout the year, but summer hours are typically from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m. Admission varies by height (which determines the rides you’re safely allowed to go on), with $38.86 for people at least 50 inches tall, $30.53 for people under 50 inches tall, and children under 35 inches tall are free.
Panama City Beach SUP (Paddle Boarding)
Paddleboarding has become something of a sensation, and Panama City is an excellent environment for you to try this fun watersport. Spending time out on the water is a great way to explore the natural waterways and learn about Panama City’s ecology and local wildlife population. Panama City Beach SUP has professional instructors and provides pickup and delivery from any location in town. Planning for a family paddleboarding adventure is simple and can all be done online. Rental prices depend on how many days you rent equipment for, with the one-day rate at $70 and the seven-day rate at $235.
St. Andrews State Park
If you are looking for a unique state park experience, look no further than St. Andrews State Park. This park is situated between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. Whether you want to snorkel, swim, surf, or do all three, the park has some of the best around. Bird watchers will also have a great experience at St. Andrews State Park with an ever-changing array of birds to view. Other enjoyable activities at the park include cycling, boat tours, boating, camping, and fishing, to name a few.Â
Park occupancy and hours may vary and are available for review online, allowing you to make the most out of your visit. Admission fees include vehicle-entrance fees, boat launching, and camping, and vary depending on your activity and how many people you bring along for the adventure.
Zoo World
Ocean dwelling animals aren’t the only creatures that call Panama City home, and you can discover many different animal species while visiting Zoo World. You and your family can view over 200 animals, such as llamas, lions, giraffes, tigers, wolves, and more. When you enter Zoo World, it’s like you have left Florida and entered into a whole other ecosystem.
Daily hours of operation are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $19.95 each, kids’ admission is $13.95 each, and seniors’ admission is $18.95. For an additional cost, you can take advantage of having up-close and personal encounters with different animals as you hold or feed them under the zoo staff’s supervision.
Pirates Island Adventure Golf
Mini golf is an excellent activity for the whole family that allows you to relax and enjoy friendly, outdoor competition. Pirates Island Adventure Golf offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views. As you play the course, you will be putting along waterfalls, over streams, and inside of caves, and the adventure theme also has you searching for lost treasure belonging to Captain Kidd.
Pirates Island is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adults and kids 13 and up can play for $13.50 and children ages 4 to 12 can play for $10.50. Bring the little ones, too, since kids 3 and under play for free.
Captain Black’s Fishing
If deep-sea fishing is on your agenda, Captain Black’s Fishing has you covered. This is a grand experience for kids of all ages and adult anglers, too. You can call them to find out the pricing of their tours, ranging from four hours to all-day excursions.
Captain Black has over 40 years of boating and fishing experience and will help you make the most of your trip with tips and personalized coaching. Captain Black also used to be a licensed nurse/EMT, adding security and safety for your family to each trip. Plus, The Lady Black prides itself as one of the cleanest and most comfortable fishing boats in Panama City since it’s sanitized after every trip and provides amenities like bunks, showers, a bathroom, and air conditioning.
Panama City Beach
Image via Flickr by MyDiscoveryTV
Panama City Beach is the main attraction for outdoor fun in Panama City. With 27 miles of pristine sandy beaches, there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the whole day by the ocean. There are many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and shopping destinations within walking distance to the beach, making it a great place to vacation for one or two weeks. There are many activities you can take part in, such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing, to name only a few.
Included in the most beautiful stretches of beaches in America, Panama City Beach offers miles of walking, running, and cycling for you to enjoy. You and your family can see breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, walk the beach under the moonlight, and create elaborate sandcastles. There’s no end in sight for the fun you can have while visiting Panama City Beach.
These and many more sources of outdoor fun are waiting for you in and around Panama City, Florida. Getting your family together and taking advantage of the area’s best offerings will soon become a favorite family vacation plan. Did we miss your favorite outdoor destination? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
