It’s likely that planning a trip to Panama City Beach includes plenty of time set aside on the itinerary for settling into sandy beaches and making the most of the sunshine and blue waves rolling in. While Panama City Beach is definitely a fun place to relax and unwind, it’s also a vacation destination where those that love to sightsee and explore will find ample outlets to do so! From stops that feature the best of natural beauty to those that speak more to man-made fun, Panama City Beach has the best of it all in the way of sightseeing in Panama city beach.
Explore Conservation Park for Some Panama City Beach Sightseeing
Located at 100 Conservation Drive, Panama City Beach’s Conservation Park is a must for those that are looking to enjoy time in nature and savoring the sights that are specific to this lush area of the state. This public park goes well beyond the traditional green space set aside to be enjoyed and instead features acres upon acres of sprawling reclaimed wetlands and cypress woods perfect for sightseeing in Panama city beach. Restored to their original splendor, guests today visit Conservation Park to walk the more than 24 miles of trails the area hosts-some of which are paved and other of which are dirt paths. Home to alligators, boars, lizards, and a wide variety of local birds, Conservation Park is an authentic look at Panama City Beach nature at its finest.
Stop By Pier Park
When you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the most commercial side of Panama City Living, a stop at Pier Park is bound to be the right choice. This cultural center in the heart of Panama City Beach is home to a long list of stores, boutique shops, and restaurants that draw in large crowds daily. Pier Park is located at 600 Pier Park Drive and hosts more than 120 establishments within its parameters. Come to people watch, shop, or take in a movie at the IMAX while you’re here emoting Panama city beach sightseeing.
Take the Downtown Panama City Beach Historic Tour
Those visitors to Panama City Beach with a heart for history will want to begin their journey by taking the downtown Panama City Beach historic tour during their stay. A self-guided adventure through downtown’s most notable sights and stories begins with picking up a paper walking tour guide at the Visitor Center located at 228 Harrison Avenue. Feel like saving a tree? Consider downloading the guide instead and using technology to guide your way through Panama City Beach’s past.
Book a Boat Tour
Explore the sights of Panama City Beach from a different vantage point when you book a boat tour with one of the many charter companies in the area. In fact, out on the water is one of the best places to catch a fiery Panama City sunset! Many boat tours include activities such as snorkeling, as well as one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Panama City Beach – Shell Island. This barrier island is approximately 7 miles long and is graced with postcard-perfect white sand dunes and coastal scrub forest. With no infrastructure or facilities on the island, wildlife has plenty of room to roam. Keep an eye out for deer, nesting shorebirds, ghost crabs, plovers, and loggerhead and green sea turtles. Without all the rental gear and water activities, the quiet beaches of Shell Island present a serene vibe. Spend some time lounging along the shoreline or taking a walk to explore this beautiful destination. Bring along items such as water and snacks and be sure to pack out all trash to continue keeping this island pristine!
Take a Spin at SkyWheel
Even if you don’t plan to ride it, visiting the iconic observation wheel that towers over the beach and skyline is a must. Of course, the view is much better from the top, which reaches nearly 200 feet in height. Take a ride in one of the fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas that are situated around the SkyWheel, where you’ll enjoy views of the ocean and nearby shopping districts from a bird’s eye view. For more onsite fun, try your hand at mini golf on the 18-hole course or explore the challenging ropes course!
Pier Hop Along the Panama City Beach Coast
There’s just something about a long pier extending into the ocean that invites you to slow the pace of life and enjoy a scenic stroll. Panama City Beach offers three piers that jut out into the Gulf of Mexico, as well as one that extends into the Grand Lagoon. The Russell-Fields Pier and the M.B. Miller Pier, often referred to as the City Pier and the County Pier, extend an astounding 1,500 feet into the sea, promising plenty of space for a long, leisurely walk. Watch the fishermen pulling in a fresh catch and admire the shoreline from a different vantage point! Two additional piers are located within St. Andrews State Park.
Book Your Florida Adventure Today
There’s no reason to wait when you’re ready to enjoy the best of Panama City Beach. Contact Vacations Perfected today to learn more about our many rental options in the area and to start planning your exciting adventure to sunny Florida.
