5 minute read
Eco-Tourism
TAKE A WALK ON THE Wild Side
A glimpse at Panama City Beach’s public and state parks
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STORY COURTESY OF RESORT COLLECTION PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT PANAMA CITY BEACH
Fall in love with the outdoors and breathe in the smell of pine needles and salty air. That old-fashioned idea of family fun still exists in Panama City Beach. Home to some of Florida’s best park and recreation areas, Bay County has something for everyone. Whether it is camping, biking, bird watching or fishing, get your adrenaline pumping as you discover the natural surroundings and revel in the beautiful landscapes of Panama City Beach.
ST. ANDREWS STATE PARK
Known for its stretch of sugary white sands and its emerald green waters, St. Andrews State Park sits in the heart of Panama City Beach, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Andrew Bay. There are also two fishing piers that provide sufficient opportunities for anglers. The campgrounds offer 60 sites equipped with electricity, water, picnic tables and grills, plus a nature trail that winds through the coastal plant communities and is great for bird watching. Continue your adventure on a shuttle or pontoon boat (available for rent), and head to Shell Island for some sightseeing: many critters inhabit the 700-acre island, including deer, turtles, pelicans, sandpipers, gulls and even alligators.
TO DO:
Beaches • Biking • Boat Tours • Boating • Camping • Canoeing and Kayaking • Fishing • Hiking • Interpretive Exhibit • Picnicking • Scuba Diving • Snorkeling • Surfing • Swimming • Wildlife Watching
Fee: $4–$8 per vehicle; $2 pedestrians and bicycles Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown
FloridaStateParks.org/Park/St-Andrews
PANAMA CITY BEACH CONSERVATION PARK
Hidden in plain sight, this park is a gem located just north of Highway 98 in Panama City Beach and focuses on protecting wildlife while providing outdoor recreational opportunities. The Panama City Beach Conservation Park stretches across 2,900 acres and offers 24 miles of trails split into 12 different routes ranging in lengths from a little over half a mile up to 11 miles, with over a mile of wooden boardwalks leading through cypress domes. Remember to bring binoculars while you’re at it to discover the wide range of birds — from herons to owls — hiding in the wetland areas.
TO DO:
Biking • Birding • Geo-Seeking • Hiking/Nature Trails • Wildlife Watching
Fee: Free Hours: Dawn until dusk
PCBeach.org/panama-city-beach-conservation-park
GAYLE’S TRAILS
Crafted since 1998, Gayle’s Trails continue to bring hiking and biking aficionados to Panama City Beach for expansive and challenging trails. What began as construction for walking paths is now a network of linear paved trails radiating from a central trailhead at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach, the three route options. The trail system includes 5 miles up State Road 79 across the West Bay Bridge, 3.5 miles at Frank Brown Park, and 1.5 miles at Aaron Bessant Park. The trails also connect at the Panama City Beach Conservation Park east of State Road 79.
TO DO:
Biking • Birding • Geo-Seeking • Hiking/Nature Trails • Wildlife Watching
Fee: Free Hours: Dawn until Dusk
ECONFINA CREEK
Whether you’re there to take in the scenic beauty and relax or to paddle your way down Econfina Creek, one thing’s for sure: this is one of Florida’s most spectacular canoe trails. Nestled in a recreational area less than 30 miles from Panama City Beach, this stunning creek is crystal clear and perfect for exploring by canoe, on foot or off-road bicycle. The exploration is highlighted by breathtaking views of coastal Florida featuring lush vegetation, white sand dunes and crystal-clear water to splash around in.
TO DO:
Canoeing or kayaking • Fishing • Geocaching • Picnicking • Snorkeling • Swimming • Tubing
Fee: Cost of canoe, kayak or tube rental; free to bring your own Hours: Dawn until dusk
CanoeEconfinaCreek.net
CAMP HELEN STATE PARK
Located to the west of Panama City Beach, Camp Helen State Park is rich in natural and cultural resources. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in the world, the park grounds host five distinct natural communities — mesic flatwoods, scrub oaks, basin swamps, depression marshes and marine unconsolidated substrate. The area is believed to have been colonized over 4,000 years ago; today it is designated as an archaeological site.
TO DO:
Birding • Canoeing or Kayaking • Fishing • Hiking • Interpretive exhibit • Picnicking • Swimming
Fee: $4 per vehicle; $2 pedestrians and bicycles Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year
FriendsOfCampHelen.org
FRANK BROWN PARK
Encompassing two hundred acres dedicated to outdoor fun, Frank Brown Park is definitely not your ordinary park! This family- and dog-friendly park has something for everyone. The park is enriched with playgrounds, picnic areas, a freshwater fishing lake, greenways, a dog park and running/walking paths. Into traditional sports? An indoor gymnasium, tennis, baseball, soccer, basketball facilities, and a state-of-the-art aquatic center and splash park are all there.
TO DO:
Basketball • Biking • Fishing • Geocaching • Hiking/nature trails • Soccer • Swimming • Tennis • Wildlife watching
Fee: Free; additional fees to access aquatic center Hours: Varies seasonally
PCBfl.gov/departments/parks-recreation-department
AARON BESSANT PARK
Located adjacent to Pier Park is Panama City Beach’s newest and most manicured park, Aaron Bessant Park, which also doubles as a state-of-the-art amphitheater for live events, movies and more. The park also features a veteran’s memorial, three looping trails that are great for walking or jogging, and an open, large patch of lush green grass perfect for picnics, cloud watching and other leisure activities with friends and family.
TO DO:
Biking • Picnicking • Walking
Fee: Free Hours: Dawn until dusk
