Panama City Beach is well known for its long stretches of sugary white sand. In addition to all there is to see along the coastline, you’ll find islands to explore, nature preserves, and exciting sights and attractions that will keep your itinerary full. Add some of these possibilities to your schedule for your Panama City Beach nature and wildlife journey!
St. Andrews State Park
Bordered by both the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, there’s plenty of room to roam on the water at St. Andrews State Park. Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and kayaking are all popular here, as well as more relaxed activities along the shoreline. Take a walk along the beach to explore the dunes and coastal plants, catching sight of migratory birds and butterflies along the way.
See Panama City Beach Nature at Shell Island
A 7-mile-long barrier island just off the coast of Panama City Beach, this undeveloped area is well worth exploring for those who enjoy getting off the beaten path. With no amenities onsite, the draw of Shell Island is its natural beauty. Bring along everything you’ll need for a day spent along Shell Island’s beautiful beaches and Panama City Beach wildlife!
Panama City Beach Piers
Panama City Beach is home to four fishing piers. Even if you don’t plan to do any angling, the piers are popular spots to enjoy the scenery and take in a sunset. The two main piers are the Russell-Fields Pier and the M.B. Miller Pier (also referred to as the City Pier and County Pier). Both jut out into the Gulf of Mexico at an astounding 1,500 feet long. Enjoy a stroll along the piers and pause to watch some of the local fishermen reeling in their latest catch.
Conservation Park
Panama City Beach’s Conservation Park covers nearly 3,000 acres. With 12 trails to choose from ranging in distance from 0.6 to 11 miles, the Conservation Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while taking a break from the beach. A combination of wooden boardwalks and bridges, paved paths, and dirt trails wind their way through cypress domes. Keep an eye out for Panama City Beach wildlife along the way!
Gulf World
While you won’t exactly be swimming alongside dolphins in the open ocean, Gulf World offers a great opportunity to get up close to these amazing creatures. Gulf World houses dolphins who were either rescued and deemed non-releasable or were born in human care. In addition to bottle nosed and rough-toothed dolphins, Gulf World is also home to a variety of sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, tropical birds, stingrays, and African penguins, so this is an ideal venue for those who enjoy wildlife. Observe stingrays as they swim in an open-top tank, where they can be touched and fed by visitors. Daily sea lion and dolphin shows will quickly captivate your hearts and thoroughly entertain the children with their antics. Those who truly value a more personal animal encounter can consider booking a Dolphin Swim, where getting in the water alongside these friendly creatures will surely be a highlight of your stay in Panama City Beach!
Panama City Beach Boat Tour
Another great way to enjoy the sights and wildlife in Panama City Beach is to head out on the water via a boat tour. Panama City Beach is home to a variety of charter companies offering different boat excursions that cater to a variety of interests. Consider a dolphin sightseeing excursion, snorkeling trip, or sunset sail offered by Paradise Adventures Catamaran. All of these excursions offer the chance to view the Panama City Beach coastline from a different vantage point, while at the same time providing an experience with Panama City Beach wildlife in its most vibrant location – the underwater world. Take in sights of the sea, coastline, and offshore islands as you cruise to your snorkeling destination, where you will then snorkel among tropical fish, keeping an eye out for seashells to collect along the ocean floor. As you cruise among locations, keep the camera poised to capture shots of bottle nosed dolphins swimming, playing, and feeding alongside your boat. Perhaps some of the most spectacular Panama City Beach sights are the sunsets when the sky becomes radiant with color. With tropical music playing in the background, watch as the sun dips below the horizon, leaving a trail of vibrant hues in its wake. Great for a romantic evening as well as families and friends, your time on a boat tour from Panama City Beach offers a special way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Panama City Beach Sightseeing
Enjoy all the best Panama City Beach sites from the convenient location of our Panama City Beach vacation rentals. These luxurious accommodations offer spacious living areas, full kitchens, and ocean views in select rentals. Come experience the natural beauty of Panama City Beach! Check out our Sugar Beach condos in Panama City Beach, where you will be near the white sand beaches!