Natural wonders abound in the Gulf Coast paradise that is Panama City Beach. There’s so much to see and do, from dolphin spotting and bird-watching to kayaking in the Bay and hiking through a memorable Florida state park. Surround yourself with pristine white beaches, emerald waters and warm Gulf air.  You’ll connect with Florida nature and love every minute.  

From breathtaking beachscapes to vibrant plant communities, Panama City Beach Florida offers a diverse natural wonderland where outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds can find paradise waiting to be discovered!

When it comes to plant and animal life, the Panama City Beach gulf area is a key region for diverse and rare species to flourish. The Emerald Coast is often referred to as “The Last Undiscovered Florida Coast,” due to the unique combination of environmental elements. Find some of the best Florida state parks here, where you can explore natural wonders and enjoy outdoor excursions.

Ecotourism is a growing trend around the world, and visitors are flocking to our gulf-coast mecca to take part in responsible, expansive, fun-filled outings. Fishing, hiking, biking, nature photography, swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, boating and bird-watching are just some of the countless opportunities for eco-tourists to explore Florida nature in Panama City Beach Fla.

Below are some points of interest for visitors looking to take advantage of all the natural wonders under the sparkling Florida sun. Florida state parks, nature trails, state forests, top Florida beaches and more.  See our watersports and fishing sections for more information on these specific activities. Check out www.floridastateparks.org for information on all state parks.

St. Andrew’s State Park has been named the #2 beach in the nation, according to Trip Advisor. Leisure travelers can bask in the sun on over one-and-a-half miles of open beach at this Florida state park, or water lovers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities, and two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities providing an excellent opportunity for bird-watching in Panama City Beach.

Take a boat tour to pristine Shell Island, and spend an afternoon collecting stunning shells along the beach or exploring the animal life in the jetties. This wildlife sanctuary island is actually part of St. Andrews State Park and lies between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The 700-acre island is densely populated with bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as a number of different wild bird species, including pelicans, sandpipers, gulls and piping and snowy plovers. Colorful fish, sea turtles and other aquatic life also call the area around Shell Island home. Shuttles are available to take visitors back and forth, and many local boat owners are known to gather and spend Sunday afternoons cruising around the island.

Greenways and Trails is a system which spans the entire island of Panama City Beach with some 25 miles of rugged trails for the active traveler.  Gayle’s Trails connects to St. Andrews State Park on the east end of the beach, and to the 3,000-acre Florida nature park Pines & Ponds on the west end of the beach.  The trail head is located at the corner of Hwy. 79 South and Hwy. 98.

Paddling enthusiasts can hop onto the Econfina Creek Canoe Trail and wind through 22 miles of curving creek. This trail offers narrow, twisting and swiftly flowing waters. Some of the awesomely beautiful characteristics of this route include limestone walls and sand bluffs, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife - a picturesque example of Florida nature. The upper section is narrow with tight curves and several fast water chutes. The lower section is spring-fed and slower. This trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails.

Camp Helen State Park is a hidden gem for those looking to get away. It’s bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell – one of the largest coastal dune lakes in the state of Florida. Natural areas for public enjoyment in the park range from coastal dunes and salt marshes along the Gulf to freshwater wetlands and sand pine scrub along the lake. Fishing areas are available for both freshwater and saltwater enthusiasts at this Florida state park. Other activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study and hiking.

Nature lovers also have plenty of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment in the area’s two state forests.  Pine Log State Forest is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, off-road bicycling, horseback riding, fishing and hunting.

Point Washington State Forest offers 19 miles of less developed trails and is widely used for hunting, off-road biking, hiking and wildlife/bird-watching.

Facts About Sand Dunes:

Act as a buffer to protect upland property and natural habitats.

Are the first line of defense against storms.

Are home to many plants and animals that that include burrow dwelling beach mice,

coach-whip snakes, ghost crabs, nesting sea turtles, least terns, piping and snowy plovers, ground doves and migrating monarch butterflies in Panama City.

Sea Oats build and anchor the sand dunes, and should not be picked!

Sea oats and other native coastal plants trap wind-blown sand. As the sand piles up around the plants, new roots develop on the recently buried stems while new stems emerge from the surface. This traps even more sand and the sand dune grows.

 

Other Facts About Panama City Beach:

The sand’s white color resulted from quartz crystals washing down from the Appalachian Mountains centuries ago. The crystals were bleached, ground, smoothed and polished along their journey. Eventually, the surf of the Gulf of Mexico deposited these millions of grains along the shore.

Over 1,200 species of plants are native to Bay County. These include Coral Honeysuckle vines, Wax Myrtle and Saw Palmetto shrubs, Southern Magnolia trees among others.

 

The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitor’s Bureau began the largest beach nourishment program in the history of Florida in 1998. The program has added 100 feet of beach along nearly 17 miles of Panama City beach, as well as the planting of 600,000 sea oats. Florida nature is a top priority for the Panama City Beach CVB!