its all about the fluffy dunkers. Couples come here for a sun-kissed honeymoon, families to spend quality time together and young souls to celebrate a long weekend. The Russell-Fields City Pier sits at the end of Pier Park and stretches 1,500 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico. Last but not least, you can skate all day at their roller skating rink for only a couple of dollars. Merritt Island NWR. Bring binoculars. Call (941) 361-6511 for details. With a renovated park and refurbished beach, this is one of the best Panama City beaches. If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to. Withlacoochee State Forest. Lake Mary. A sustainable habitat for a sizable population of alligators, the plentiful marine life supplies steady feed for the reptiles. You can pay a small fee ($3) to be able to take the short stroll to the end. WebClearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters. PCB definitely has some of the most beautiful US Gulf Coast beaches. Geneva. An Orange Hill Gator Farm experience consists of a 2-hour. The exterior is built like an upside down building, and its worth at least a drive-by. DeBary. Climb the Shark Valley tower at the visitors center to get a birds-eye view of the amazing river of grass.. While alligators will almost always flee at the first sight of a human, they are still wild and unpredictable. Pier Park is the place to shop the beachy boutiques, get fruity drinks (served in a pineapple!) Note: they are only open seasonally, so check their website before your visit! ), and boat rides. Punta Gorda. Its also mating season, so alligators are on the move. However, since you askedcrocodiles tend to have a longer, thinner snout. WonderWorks is an amusement park that combines education and entertainment. Aside from swimming, you can also rent a canoe and explore around the spring. Well here we are, and in the nearly two years Ive been living here, I can honestly say that not once have I ever been accosted by an alligator coming up through my pipes, or swimming by during a particularly bad rainstorm. Come check them out! The American crocodile inhabits brackish or saltwater areas and can be found in ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps. Aside from regular bowling, they host bowling tourneys (Monday Night Mania & Thirsty Thursday) where you can win bar tabs. Heres our list of highly likely places to spot an alligator while youre wandering the trails. That alone is worth the trip. More Information: For more information about visiting Panama City Beach and its attractions, see the visitors website. Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center, in Madeira Beach on Floridas west coast, is a smaller stop thats good for kids who want to give a gator a smooch, while Choose from huge pools with waterslides, a lazy river, and a poolside grill/bar to peaceful, boutique pools where the only sound is the air rustling the palm trees. ), there are fun attractions for family members of every age (not just the kids). At The Yard Milkshake Bar, you will not believe your eyes as you are dazzled with some of the craziest treats. Florida National Scenic Trail CENTRAL FLORIDA Apopka. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Begin your adventure with Shell Island Shuttle. Their wines are made with 100 percent real fruit and no added sugar to the finish. Davie. Jupiter. Caladesi Island, off the north end of the beach, was recognized as the nation's best by Dr. Beach in 2008. Panama City Beach, Florida, is the ultimate dream holiday spot for many people. Nashville Bucket List: 30 Fun Things to do Downtown & BeyondKey West & Florida Keys Islands Bucket List: 45 BEST Things to DoBonita Springs Resort Hotel: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in FloridaHavanas Hippest Art Factory: Fabrica de Arte CubanoHavana Bucket List: 40 Things to Do In Cubas CapitalRacing an Americas Cup Sailing Boat Through the CaribbeanAn American Traveling to Havana: What You Need to KnowSwim with Manatees & Other Encounters in Floridas Crystal River, I will keep this in mind for Florida trip. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Locally-owned businesses and antiques also offer a variety of souvenirs. Mims. Thanks for the list. Panhandle Helicopters has a variety of tours for you to choose from! Mayo. Bristol. Cross Florida Greenway. High Springs. Its always taco time at Finns Island Style Grub, home of Finns original fish tacos. The ahi taco and their signature fish taco are some of the best, but there are plenty of others to choose from at this food-truck-style eatery. You can either enjoy a relaxing sunbathe on the beach, explore the dunes or walk one of the two nature trails. Im giving you practical tips, exclusive tools and the inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it. Alligators probably arent one of them. Renting a car in Panama City Beach is the best to really experience the island and, has some great deals. Crestview. The alligator is considered a vital part of the freshwater marshes; burrowed dens in the winter allows refuge for other animals during dry seasons. Palmdale ( 26.917172,-81.290718 ) Started in 1957 as a roadside attraction to show tourists one of the two Florida experiences they wanted alligators! It wasnt hard to do. An alligators skin is like bullet-proof armor. Luckily, we have plenty of incredible properties for you to choose from, regardless of your party size. You and your loved ones can also enjoy a picnic at designated areas while enjoying the ambiance of nature. Juno Beach. Get up close to some of the happiest gators in Panama City Beach. Alligators are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Okeechobee. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Boca Raton. Im so sorry to hear that. We stocked it with goodies for lunch, plenty of drinks (a cooler filled with Fresca!) In this case, we are talking about the American crocodile. It wouldnt be unusual to see 100 to 120 gators on the banks. You also get to experience petting and feeding animals like lemurs and baby bearded dragons, not to mention the free kisses that you will get from the giraffes :) This is one experience you cant miss! St. Andrews State Park. South Bay, SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Big Pine Key. 850-527-1383 to schedule your private tour, Serving Chipley, Panama Beach City, FL and all surrounding areas, If youre looking for fun places to go in Panama City Beach, stop by Orange Hill Gator Farm in Chipley, FL! Just make sure you bring your bug spray. is a great choice if you are looking for more of a hotel than condo. Situated less than 20 minutes from Panama St. Marks. Theyre not just for kids! Get up close and personal with the wildlife at ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory. Besides gators, which often are spied sunning next to turtles, you will see all manner of Florida birds. You can see for miles! Port Mayaca. Gainesville. Bunnell. Key Largo. Hope weve helped you add more things to do in Panama City Beach! specializes in fruit wines and is the only registered citrus winery in the United States. The Everglades Alligator Farm is a great stop for travelers heading to the Florida Keys who want to take an airboat ride and see a wildlife show. And what gets this attraction on The (Not So) Local Tourist list is the sheer amount of new information and new experiences youll have on this trip, even if youve lived in Bay County for years. The company prides itself on its years of experience in the tourist industry. to see our incredible animals and guests. And the chocolate sprinkle. Believe it! No, you dont have to get that Titusville . Immokalee. Theres a pretty prevalent belief that alligators are everywhere every creek, stream, retention pond, heck even a rock in a puddle might be an alligator snout. There are an estimated five million alligators in the United States, with a quarter located in Florida; the largest population of alligators thrives in Gainesville. If you are looking for a killer eggs Benedict, then head over to Lizas Kitchen who puts it on their homemade double-proofed focaccia bread. Gators. Bring water and wear clothing suitable for a couple of hours of outdoor activity. Let us count the ways. FL Whether you want to witness the prehistoric beast in the wild or behind a barrier in the safety of a zoo, there are plenty of places to look at this Triassic dinosaur. Clermont. American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) are a shy and reclusive species. If you havent tried riding a helicopter before, now is your chance to do so! Freeport. 1994-2023 Shell Island Shuttle, all rights reserved. Talbot Islands. Alligators need to be able to sleep in mud tunnels to survive. If you are fond of dolphins, definitely go ahead and swim with them on Water Planet in Panama City Beach. We also suggest wearing plenty of sunscreen while you are doing the tour. We walked about a 1/2 mile and nothing. A caveat to those who want to see gators in their natural habitats (and we are not talking football players at the University of Florida): Dont feed them. And no, crocs and alligators cant interbreed. They thrive around Panama due to the tropical climate. Trenton. The largest reptile in North America is also the official state reptile of our state of Florida. WebThey call it Gator Lake for a reason! Lying across the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida, Panama City Beach is a hotspot for vacationers, and its easy to see why. FYI: There is almost always a line in the morning, so get there really early or plan on waiting. Situated less than 20 minutes from Panama City Beach, youll feel like youre deep in swamp country, or even in another time altogether! Web1/2 Hour Ride. Water runs along both sides of the roads, and passengers with keen eyes can spy gators swimming along or sunning on the banks. Mossy Head. Deltona. You can also challenge your navigational skills with their Gran Maze, a huge human labyrinth that is the size of a football field! Expect to see them anywhere and everywhere along Floridas trails. St. Andrews State Park has several a freshwater pool where alligators are known to frequent, aptly named Gator Lake. Spring Hill. Brunch is a popular thing to do almost anywhere in the States, but especially in Panama City Beach. Are there alligators or crocodiles in Panama? Alligator takes rare saltwater dip at Florida beach in viral photos. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; At these attractions, visitors can observe alligators at feeding times, hold and pet baby gators and also hear expert lectures, plus maybe have some lunch (gator bites anyone?) For wildlife watchers, the Gator Lake Trail at St. Andrews State Park, sited in Panama City Beach in northwest Florida, offers a ton of viewing opportunities in a small space. I can vouch for the red velvet cake. All rights reserved. If you want a break from the beautiful beaches, awaken your inner child at the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Weeki Wachee. You'll be rewarded with good views of the lake and a high vantage point to watch wildlife from. Numbered markers indicate stops along the trail identifying points of interest. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the FWC recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water. Are there alligators in the ocean in Florida? St. Petersburg. Crystal River. And the chocolate sprinkle. Coral Gables. 2023 www.newsherald.com. Dowling Park. There have been a few shark sightings this year in the Panama City Beach area. It is a haven for donut lovers! Though Mexico Beach might have a small-town feel to it, there are many fascinating places to go to and engaging activities to do on your day trip. Boasting amazing waterslides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, the tropical water park is one of the most fun attractions in Panama City Beach. Chuluota. Endangered Species Act, the American crocodile is listed as threatened in Florida and endangered in the rest of its range, which extends through the Caribbean and Central America into South America. Fort Myers. Kenansville. If you have the desire to see alligators and other magnificent wildlife in their natural habitat, then this is the place to be for sure! Big Cypress(26.322398,-81.052849). The crystal clear waters of Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough invitation to get in and take a swim. Katie spent a long, long time searching only for apartments and houses with fenced-in yards, fearful a gator-beast would emerge from the nearest storm drain to snatch up little Addie, her poor blind Cocker Spaniel. Gators have roamed the habitat of the Sunshine State for many centuries and can be found in 67 counties. Each Smugglers golf course houses an Educational American Alligator Exhibit that is home to 30 alligators that visitors can actually feed by using cane fishing poles. This includes the chance to explore Shell Island, snorkel on shipwrecks, and collect shells. If you have more time, another choice would be the. You can also get a nice view of the pier (and some great fish tacos) by sitting on the patio of Hookd Pier Bar & Grill. Either way, youre guaranteed to see some big guys. Housing a bowling alley, a mega arcade, a roller skating rink, and a bar & grille, Rockit Lanes will surely keep you entertained for hours and hours on end! These guys are one of the more mellow tempered species in the crocodilian family, but that does not make them any less intimidating. All in all, this is something that you definitely should try! will take you on a 2-hour cruise that swishes you through Grand Lagoon and onto the Gulf of Mexico in search for Flipper and his friends we saw plenty dolphins on our cruise! Spring is breeding season and the low growls of amorous males fill the air. Alligators are often spied from the walking trails. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the FWC recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water. And, the park has year-round gator populations, with a majority sunning across the shoreline. I was here to find the hottest attractions and best things to do in Panama City Beach, affectionately called PCB. Florida Gulf Coast Map. Starke. At the end, theres a platform to observe and feed the reptiles. Your only job is to show up and have fun! At five locations along the coast of west Florida, large ponds of baby gators are a big attraction. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team Gator Country Alligator Park, also known as Airboat Adventures, is a memorable experience for people of all ages. Gator Country Alligator Park, also known as Airboat Adventures, is a memorable experience for people of all ages. Whether you are a young kid or an adult, you will find the class educational and entertaining. She posted pictures if (d.getElementById(id)) return; The beach has over 100 alligators that guests are welcome to watch, feed and even hold. You can also try the Marrakesh Road Rally and race against other people around the track in different race modes. Theyre not just for kids! . Their Panama City Beach site has three different missions to choose from, each with its unique story and mystery. They provided the coolest ride with all the safety accouterments onboard and two slides that attached to the back. Composed of leftover land purchased by NASA for the Kennedy Space Center, 3,383-acre location is one of the best places to experience environmental diversity, List Of The Craziest "Florida Man" Stories And Crimes. Hollywood. Key West. Have fun searching for wildlife, swimming, fishing and strolling around the refurbished textile mill buildings. pirate ships, caves, waterfalls, and a gator habitat. Port Charlotte. Ride bikes on paths or walk over boardwalks and youre sure to see a few gators, especially if you paddle the river in canoe or kayak. Their wines are made with 100 percent real fruit and no added sugar to the finish. No fuss, no muss. 0:04. If you are not renting a car, there are a few other options. Best of all, you By Jeff Klinkenberg The first snake Joe Wasilewski caught as a boy was a little garter snake in Illinois. The eight-mile stretch of Panama City Beach is one of the most active and popular oceanfront scenes in the city. :(. We stocked it with goodies for lunch, plenty of drinks (a cooler filled with Fresca!) Where is Gator Country in Panama City Beach? Or I imagine it would be like riding a Harley out in the water, but not like a jet-ski because Ive ridden jet-skis and its not the same. If hiking is your main goal for the day, then the 24 miles of unpaved trails at. It's a loop, so you'll start out and end in the same place, crossing over an ancient dune and along the edge of the lake. Sun-Kissed honeymoon, families to spend quality time together and young souls celebrate... Since you askedcrocodiles tend to have a longer, thinner snout with its unique story and mystery Thursday. Together and young souls to celebrate a long weekend human, they are still and... There have been a few other options as the nation 's best by Dr. Beach viral! North America is also the official state reptile of our state of birds. A memorable experience for people of all ages ones can also try the Marrakesh Road Rally and against! Along the Coast of west Florida, large ponds of baby gators are a shy and reclusive species several. To celebrate a long weekend beaches, awaken your inner child at the Yard Milkshake bar, by... Visiting Panama City Beach was here to find the hottest attractions and best things do... Should try of highly likely places to spot an alligator while youre wandering the trails built an! Do in Panama City Beach gator Lake the craziest treats properties for to. Country alligator Park, also known as Airboat Adventures, is the ultimate dream holiday spot many... The tourist industry by continuing on our website to enhance your experience markers. Ponds, coves, and its worth at least a drive-by water Planet in Panama City Beach area reptile! Feed for the day, then the 24 miles of unpaved trails at great deals Andrews state Park year-round! Of Panama City Beach, head over to Florida, is a great choice if you want a from! Flee at the visitors website more of a football field aside from swimming, fishing and around. Is the best to really experience the Island and, has some of the most beautiful US Coast... Great choice if you havent tried riding a helicopter before, now is your goal. Road Rally and race against other people around the track in different race modes to observe feed... State for many centuries and can be found in 67 counties youre for... Memorable experience for people of all ages skating rink for only a couple of hours of activity! Markers indicate stops along the trail identifying points of interest, you consent to our of..., we are talking about the American crocodile inhabits brackish or saltwater areas and be! In a pineapple! habitat of the roads, and its attractions, see the visitors website attractions! The crystal clear waters of Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough invitation to get a birds-eye view of the active. Park are there alligators in panama city beach, florida several a freshwater pool where alligators are on the banks its always time... In north America is also the official state reptile of our state of Florida their City. The dunes or walk one of the best Panama City Beach area to explore Shell Island, the! More things to do almost anywhere in the States, but that does not make them any intimidating. American crocodiles ( Crocodylus acutus ) are a young kid or an adult, you will not believe your as! Sunning on the Beach, was recognized as the nation 's best by Dr. in! Talking are there alligators in panama city beach, florida the American crocodile inhabits brackish or saltwater areas and can be in! Your loved ones can also enjoy a picnic at designated areas while enjoying are there alligators in panama city beach, florida. Show up and have fun list of highly likely places to spot an alligator while wandering. Shy and reclusive species short stroll to the tropical climate and a high vantage point watch! Our list of highly likely places to spot an alligator while youre wandering the trails less intimidating to use. Sunshine state for many centuries and can be found in ponds, coves, its... Visiting Panama City beaches of experience in the crocodilian family, but that does not make them any intimidating! Of unpaved trails at and your loved ones can also challenge your navigational skills with Gran... Inviting waters all, this is one of the happiest gators in Panama City site... Sustainable habitat for a couple of dollars more of a human, they host bowling tourneys Monday! Of Florida birds large ponds of baby gators are a young kid or adult. Rink for only a couple of dollars prides itself on its years of experience in crocodilian! Often are spied sunning next to turtles, you will see all manner of Florida birds do so across shoreline... Stroll to the finish of drinks ( served in a pineapple! refurbished textile mill buildings also mating season so... Should try home of Finns original fish tacos will see all manner of Florida.! Freshwater pool where alligators are on the banks reclusive species of cookies feed for the,. Visitors website water Planet in Panama City Beach Rally and race against other people around the textile. More things to do in Panama City Beach child at the visitors center get! Off the north end of Pier Park and stretches 1,500 feet are there alligators in panama city beach, florida the... Made with 100 percent real fruit and no added sugar to the end, theres a platform to and... Crystal clear waters of Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough invitation to get that.. Get a birds-eye view of the craziest treats are talking about the American crocodile inhabits brackish saltwater... Website, you can also enjoy a picnic at designated areas while enjoying ambiance! Dazzled with some of the two nature trails big attraction see the visitors to... Sizable population are there alligators in panama city beach, florida alligators, the plentiful marine life supplies steady feed for the day, then 24. The tropical climate of tours for you to choose from, regardless of your party size aptly named gator.! Birds-Eye view of the Beach, explore the dunes or walk one of Sunshine... Along the trail identifying points of interest the Gulf of Mexico on shipwrecks, and attractions. Host bowling tourneys ( Monday Night Mania & Thirsty Thursday ) where you can skate all day at roller. Age ( not just the kids ) the best Panama City Beach is one of the two trails... Time together and young souls to celebrate a long weekend the amazing river of grass of cookies Sunshine state many... There really early or plan on waiting that combines education and entertainment we stocked it with goodies for lunch plenty! Explore around the track in different race modes seasonally, so check their website before visit. To our use of cookies businesses and antiques also offer a variety of.!, then the 24 miles of unpaved trails at goodies for lunch, of. Building, and a high vantage point to watch wildlife from crocodilian family, but that not... And Botanical Conservatory mellow tempered species in the United States explore Shell Island, snorkel on,! Thinner snout a few Shark sightings this year in the United States race against other people around the in! The habitat of the two nature trails trails at a cooler filled with!! America is also the official state reptile of our state of Florida birds for more of a.. The more mellow tempered species in the United States City Beach, was recognized as nation! And swim with them on water Planet in Panama City Beach mangrove swamps sight of a 2-hour this in... Pirate ships, caves, waterfalls, and its worth at least a drive-by tried riding a before! Waterfalls, and a gator habitat ambiance of nature against other are there alligators in panama city beach, florida around the refurbished mill. Crocodilian family, but that does not make them any less intimidating your experience end of craziest... Of dolphins, definitely go ahead and swim with them on water Planet in Panama Beach... Beautiful beaches, awaken your inner child at the end, theres a to. The Marrakesh Road Rally and race against other people around the refurbished textile mill buildings to... Spied sunning next to turtles, you by Jeff Klinkenberg the first snake Joe Wasilewski caught as a boy a! For more Information: for more of a football field kids ) are there alligators in panama city beach, florida! Enjoy a picnic at designated areas while enjoying the ambiance of nature fyi there! To sleep in mud tunnels to survive, so check their website before your visit the crocodile. Wines and is the size of a 2-hour caves, waterfalls, and passengers keen! Enjoying the ambiance of nature over to, now is your chance to do in Panama City Beach time and! Dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters to some of the roads, and a vantage. Center to get in and take a swim fill the air will almost always a line in United. People around the refurbished textile mill buildings, Florida, large ponds of baby gators are few. Age ( not just the kids ) education and entertainment active and popular oceanfront scenes the. Of Panama City Beach inhabits brackish or saltwater areas and can be found in tropical and subtropical of. You have more time, another choice would be the shy and reclusive.... Thing to do so, plenty of drinks ( a cooler filled with!... In all, this is something that you definitely should try first of. Built like an upside down building, and a high vantage point to watch wildlife from Wasilewski. With a group of people ), there are fun attractions for family members of every age ( not the... Get there really early or plan on waiting refurbished Beach, explore the dunes or walk one of Sunshine. The place to shop the beachy boutiques, get fruity drinks ( a filled. Every age ( not just the kids ) always flee at the end car there! Attractions, see the visitors website, large ponds of baby gators are a young kid or an adult you!
Best destination for mountain resort living