Panama City, Florida, is home to many parks, natural beaches, and museums. If you’re planning to try something new in Panama City, you have plenty of options for summer fun. There are many notable things to do and experience in the Panama City area, such as viewing historical sites, taking in the ocean scenery, or just enjoying the nature that various parks have to offer. As a robust tourist destination, Panama City is home to many beautiful destinations, including piers, beaches, and parks.
Keep in mind that Panama City doesn’t just have the great outdoors to offer. Panama City has venues such as water parks and community centers that the entire family can enjoy. Other activities that you may want to try if you’re looking for grown-up activities include an array of wineries, golf courses, and cruise opportunities.
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
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If you’re looking for a cruise, the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise is available just off the Panama City coast and is available for both adults and children. On the cruise, you’ll depart from Lagoon Drive and go past St. Andrews Bay. Throughout your time on the boat, drinks and snacks will be ready for you with staff for both your needs and entertainment.
The ship, which is a replica of a pirate ship, sails past Shell Island during the cruise. During this trip, guests can expect to observe some of the coastal wildlife in the area, such as dolphins and sea turtles near the coasts.
St. Andrews State Park
Just off the coast of Panama City, St. Andrews State Park has the honor of once being picked by Stephen “Dr. Beach” Leatherman as a top beach in America. The St. Andrews State Park is home to many recreational activity options that you can enjoy, including kayaking, hiking and fishing. The park is home to many different native wildlife species, which you can view from one of the many hiking trails available year-round within the park.
Panama City Beach Conservation Park
Panama City Beach Conservation Park is a nature reserve where guests are free to wander many natural trails throughout the grounds. Trails within the conservation park range from just under half a mile long to more than 10 miles long. If you’re into bird watching, hiking, or just experiencing Florida’s nature, then this stop is the one for you. The park measures about 3,000 acres, consisting both of coastal wetlands and beach shores.
The park is open from roughly dusk to dawn and allows visitors to explore and picnic on the property freely. If visitors make a reservation, they can even host events within the covered pavilions of the park. They’re available for rent for parties, group events, and reunions. The staff within the park offers guided tours throughout the park’s landscape.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is located on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach. If you want an indoor experience to help you cool off while you have a little bit of quirky but wholesome fun, going to Ripley’s may be a good idea. Kids love this colorful and entertaining attraction.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a tourist destination that features many kinds of oddities, such as a full-sized replica of the tallest man, recreations of props from movies, and shrunken skulls. Ripley’s is an interactive kind of museum, featuring many areas and games that those of all ages can enjoy, including obstacle courses, mirror mazes, and laser tag.
Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen State Park is 185 acres of nature that visitors can explore. The park sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. You can explore sand dunes and do both freshwater and saltwater fishing here. As a historical site, many old structures remain on the land, preserved for visitors. All guests are welcome to hike in Camp Helen and enjoy the scenery during daylight hours.
Panhandle Helicopter Tours
If you’re not afraid of flying, consider taking a helicopter tour to see the beach properly. Panhandle Helicopter Tours provides guests with a tour of the coast along Panama City pier or for miles around the coastal area. Tours can also cover the sea life below and coastal forests alongside the beach grounds. Depending on what tour you secure, you could even see animal life in the water below you, such as sharks and large coastal fish.
Zoo World
If you want to change up your time in Panama City from just beaches and fun in the water, consider the zoo. Zoo World is one of the most popular non-beach activities in the Panama City Beach area. If you have your family with you, this kind of entertainment can be fun for everyone involved. General admission allows everyone to get close to the enclosures of animals like alligators, giraffes, foxes, and more.
If you’re the adventurous sort, you can pay a little extra to get even closer to the animals, feeding and touching them within a protected space. Animals you can pay extra to see include lemurs, baby alligators, kangaroos, a sloth, and a capybara.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is an edutainment park that the entire family, especially children, can enjoy, The park features mini-golf courses, mazes, and exploration obstacle courses that kids can use to get their energy out while learning a little bit about how to navigate a tricky environment. Parents pay a flat rate to get inside, and after securing a ticket, everyone can stay all day until the park closes. Even if you leave, a quick verification of your purchase can take you right back inside.
Considering going to some of these destinations in Panama City? There’s plenty to do for everyone, even the kids. Why not visit Panama City Toyota? We offer great deals on new and used vehicles with financial policies included.
Our expert staff would love to talk with you about your next vehicle purchase in person at our location, or online on our contact page. Need a rental for your getaway? We’ve got you covered there too. Our Toyota Rent A Car Service is perfect for trips around Panama City. Our rent prices are flexible so that we can meet your needs and be a positive impact on your vacationing experience.
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