If you’re looking for a fun yet less-touristy destination to visit in or around Panama City, Florida, you’ve come to the right place. Panama City Toyota has created a list of hidden gems in this area that are full of great spots to enjoy Panama City without all the hustle and bustle of tourists. Read on to learn about some of the best locations that are often overlooked by visitors to this city.
Cedar Key
Image via Flickr by santafeegret licensed by CC BY 2.0
Cedar Key is a small and secluded island that includes a town and a beautiful view of the ocean. Grab your swimming gear and get ready to make a splash at this hidden gem, which is only three miles off the coast of north Florida. To get here, you’ll simply need to take Highway 24 and cross over the #4 Bridge. Cedar Key features several historical aspects, and you can enjoy seeing the unique historic buildings, cute cottages, a working waterfront, a small museum, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
There are also several boutique shops and specialty galleries you can visit while in Cedar Key. Consider parking along the street of the main strip of Cedar Key to walk the streets and enjoy these boutiques and galleries. This location is also great for paddlers, bird watchers, and hikers.
Tide Swamp TMA
The Tide Swamp Wildlife Management Area is another hidden gem to consider visiting while in Panama City. The Tide Swamp TMA offers several opportunities for hiking with splendid views, hunting, fishing, and enjoying Florida outdoors. This location is also popular among kayakers and bikers.
One of the best things about this location is the fact that you likely won’t run into too many other people because of the vast amount of trails. There are several small pools and streams, as well as a giant marsh you can explore. There are even campsites for those who want to stay in the park overnight or longer.
Port St. Joe
Port St. Joe is a hidden gem in the Florida Panhandle that offers something for everyone. As part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this location is rarely crowded and is one most known by locals. There are several activities you can indulge in while at Port St. Joe, including charter fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, scalloping, biking, and hiking the Port St. Joe trail.
Another aspect of Port St. Joe that attracts people is the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. The park offers a great experience in terms of swimming, wildlife viewing, and relaxation. The water is gorgeous, so be sure to come prepared with your swimming gear.
Alys Beach
Alys Beach is off the Florida Gulf Coast and is known for its seaside community and luxurious look and feel. When driving down Highway 30A, look for a pair of butterflies. These butterflies indicate that you’ve reached the town. You’ll also enjoy seeing several Medjool date palms along the Alys Beach road as well as colonial homes that have the feel of other destinations like Antigua and Guatemala.
The beach is gorgeous and is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a good book. Or, you could go snorkeling or swim in the blue water. If you plan to stay in Alys Beach, consider renting bikes to ride around town to find secret gardens and courtyards that are scattered throughout this community.
Navarre Beach
Panama City, Florida, is known for some of the best beaches in the United States. Navarre Beach is loved by locals and is perfect for solitude and relaxation. Undiscovered by most tourists, you can enjoy a day at the beach without heavy crowds distracting you from your quiet beach time.
Navarre Beach boasts 12 miles of coastline as well as gorgeous white sand beaches that are as inviting as they are beautiful. Plus, if you don’t feel like sunbathing or swimming, you can take part in other activities around the beach, such as scootering, fishing, and strolling down the fish pier.
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon State Park is considered one of the most exciting hidden gems in Northwest Florida. This park separates Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico and is a great viewing point for the Great Florida Birding trail, which consists of 2,000 miles of land that’s a protected bird habitat. This park is a great location for a day trip and offers a number of activities to enjoy.
Some of these activities include day swimming, hiking, boating, and biking along the Big Lagoon State Park bike path. Additionally, one of the most-loved activities in the park is kayaking around the Grande Lagoon to see a variety of native endangered species. The park also has a campground site for those who want to spend a weekend at the park.
Fort McRee
Fort McRee can be found on a small corner of sand along with northern Florida. While this location becomes more popular every year, it’s still considered a hidden gem that many tourists are unaware of. To truly enjoy peace and solitude, consider visiting Fort McRee during the off-season in Panama City.
Fort McRee is especially loved by boaters, with a boating area along the Johnson’s Beach National Shoreline on the south side and an island on the north side. The water at Fort McRee occasionally creates a small cove, making it a great place to go swimming. There are also a variety of structures that you can explore while in Fort McRee.
Alligator Point
Alligator Point is considered part of Florida’s Forgotten Coast and consists of eight miles of gorgeous coastline that runs along a small beach peninsula. This coastal community is ideal for those looking for a serene location to enjoy a variety of activities, including sunbathing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, biking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and fishing.
There are also several facilities on the premise, including picnic tables, a full-service marina, and BBQ stands so you can make lunch while enjoying Alligator Point. This location is loved by locals and is a must for anyone looking for hidden gems in and around Panama City, Florida.
We can’t wait to hear which of these hidden gems you loved the most. Drop us a line at Panama City Toyota and let us know if we missed anything.
