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. And the cinnamon twist. LaBelle. The snapping and clamping jaws close on dried meat, giving observers an up-close look at the reptiles feeding habits. You will also get a chance to pet and feed cute baby alligators, as well as seeing adult alligators and other animals like bald eagles and herons. Alligators do not exist in Panama, with an exception to caiman. Is your team capable of escaping before the timer runs out? Their Odditorium houses bizarre exhibits from around the globe that people of all ages will enjoy. They have everything from the classic glazed to key lime filled. You wont be disappointed! Couples come here for a sun-kissed honeymoon, families to spend quality time together and young souls to celebrate a long weekend. All rights reserved. There are some places, however, where you will see many more than others. Alligator seen in surf near Panama City, Florida beach: Viral photos Palmdale ( 26.917172,-81.290718 ) Started in 1957 as a roadside attraction to show tourists one of the two Florida experiences they wanted alligators! The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends we stay at least 60 feet away when observing in the wild. 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. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. We are home to. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Crescent City. Baldwin. And not those Gators, because I still really dont understand that whole thing. And if you want to eat and watch gators, Fudpuckers over in Destin has tons of gators you can feed with a fishing pole, and an albino gator. 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! Everglades National Park. What kind of animals are found in Panama? Pier Park is the place to shop the beachy boutiques, get fruity drinks (served in a pineapple!) WebClearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters. The only reference to alligators in the area comes from an article back in 2016. Welaka. Situated less than 20 minutes from Panama City Beach, youll feel like youre deep in swamp country, or even in another time altogether! Theyll get you close enough to see the magnificent creatures while also keeping enough distance as not to disturb them. What better way to enjoy your beach trip than indulge yourself with fresh seafood, and Pineapple Willys restaurant wont disappoint! Anyone Beach fishing at Panama City Beach. With a renovated park and refurbished beach, this is one of the best Panama City beaches. Id never been on an airboat before and truthfully, Im not super keen on boats. Whether you choose the Cookie Monster (that was my choice), the Cereal Killer or any of the other decadent desserts, I dare you to eat the whole thing. and indulge in beachfront restaurants. Palatka. If youre up to the challenge, the Impossible Laser Race will test your skills in navigating your way through laser beams like in spy movies. (function(d, s, id) { Thanks for letting me know! Redland. Im giving you practical tips, exclusive tools and the inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it. The largest reptile in North America is also the official state reptile of our state of Florida. That is illegal and can condition them to associate food with people. You can sometimes find gators (sometimes alarmingly) close to the shore, usually inches from tourists with cameras who dont realize gators can sprint up to 30 miles per hour if they so choose. Lisa Powell Niemiec shared photos of the alligator on Facebook, saying it was spotted at St. Andrews State Park near Panama City Beach. WebThey call it Gator Lake for a reason! Rifles are the most recommended firearm when it comes to hunting alligators. Where to Stay in Panama City Beach: Panama City Beach is a beachfront town, so its of course best to stay close to the beach. Your only job is to show up and have fun! All you need to do is get in touch with us today and let our amazing customer service representatives book your next incredible Panama City Beach vacation! The company swoops in and sets up EVERYTHING for you (from chairs to hammocks to a stocked cooler), then they come and clean everything up. View them from a great boardwalk sitting area. Panama City Beach & Pier. 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. Lake Wales. At. Perry. Titusville . No fuss, no muss. Islamorada. 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. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Some popular ones to go to are Camp Helen State Park, St. Andrews State To keep salty water out, they can shut their nostrils and close off their throat with a cartilage-based shield. St. Dolphins and sunsets it doesnt get much better than that. You can walk in at any time to enjoy the show, and you can also bring your own beer or wine! There are more than 120 retail stores where you can buy clothes, shoes, accessories and even furniture. See, up North, there is a gross misconception about alligators. White Springs. Find the best options with our list of the top beaches in Panama City Beach. Home to hundreds of exotic animals, from kangaroos to lions to sloths and so much more, this park will take you on an adventure trip around the world! Palm Beach. But, please, keep your kids out of the local ponds while visiting here. Blackwater River State Forest. Begin your adventure with Shell Island Shuttle. 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. Alligator Alley in Florida is a stretch of I-75 that spans 80 miles. Withlacoochee State Trail. is the go-to place in Panama City Beach for those who want to explore the strange and unbelievable. Belleview. Hollywood. The Russell-Fields City Pier sits at the end of Pier Park and stretches 1,500 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico. Marianna. It is a haven for donut lovers! If you are more of a thrill-seeker, dont miss the Pirates Plunge and Tree Top Drop waterslides. Marathon. Key Largo. Privacy Notice: We use cookies on our website to enhance your experience. Hampton Inn & Suites Beachfront (moderate) is a great choice if you are looking for more of a hotel than condo. Book your airboat ride here: Airport Ride from Panama City Beach or at Airboat Adventures / Swampvette. In the heart of Gator Country, a deep sinkhole swallows the waters of Paynes Prairie at its northeastern rim in Gainesville: La Chua Sink. I was here to find the hottest attractions and best things to do in Panama City Beach, affectionately called PCB. The Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, in the Western Everglades, is 13,000 acres of natural Florida sited east of Interstate 75 in Collier County and 45 miles northeast of Naples. Even if you dont stay in the lodge, stroll through the lobby and check out Old Joe, an 11-foot taxidermy gator, shot dead by a poacher in 1966. Gator Country in Panama City Beach is an incredible airboat tour company (a short distance from your Panama City Beach condo rental) that takes you out into the wild for an informative and interactive experience. Alligators do not exist in Panama, with an exception to caiman. Located off St. Johns River in Northwest Florida, Lake George has the most gators overall amongst any lake in the United States. Miami. Stuart. And did I mention that you can have a Mario Kart-like experience in their Power-Up race mode? Explore Shell Island on your own time with your family and friends with one of our, well maintained, Shell Island Pontoon Boat Rentals. Invite your family or friends and unleash your inner Sherlock at this escape room-type game at Escape Manor! Here are some of the best places in Florida to see Alligators: This one is a no-brainer. 1994-2023 Shell Island Shuttle, all rights reserved. Florida Keys. They provided the coolest ride with all the safety accouterments onboard and two slides that attached to the back. You'll be rewarded with good views of the lake and a high vantage point to watch wildlife from. The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team Gator Country Alligator Park, also known as Airboat Adventures, is a memorable experience for people of all ages. There have been a few shark sightings this year in the Panama City Beach area. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. WebBow. They have tracks for every level of speedster, from a lil speedy to a pro. The eight-mile stretch of Panama City Beach is one of the most active and popular oceanfront scenes in the city. The gondola ride offers a relaxing experience and is perfect for taking that Instagram-worthy photo (or video!). Moreover, Panama prohibits the hunting of crocodiles, as do nearly all countries with crocodiles. Because of an increased human population, alligators were considered an endangered species in 1973. If you are camping at St. Andrews State Park, it's an easy walk or bike ride to the Gator Lake Trail. FYI: There is almost always a line in the morning, so get there really early or plan on waiting. You can either enjoy a relaxing sunbathe on the beach, explore the dunes or walk one of the two nature trails. Mayo. Gator Country Alligator Park (also known as Airboat Adventures) will give you a heart-pounding experience from start to finish. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Gator Country Alligator Park (Panama City Beach) - Tripadvisor Wherever you live in Florida, a prime spot to check out alligators is within a short drive. Tallahassee. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. and the beach essentials. Its the perfect trip to take during the heat of the day to cool off! An Orange Hill Gator Farm experience consists of a 2-hour. Fort Pierce. Hoping to remedy this disappointment and track down some gators, we took an airboat tour with Boggy Bayou Airboat Tours, and it was incredible. who puts it on their homemade double-proofed focaccia bread. Hope weve helped you add more things to do in Panama City Beach! Gatorama is an iconic Florida roadside attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957. Established as a National Park in 1934, this international treasure is a protected area under the Cartagena Treaty and is considered an International Biosphere Reserve. The crystal clear waters of Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough invitation to get in and take a swim. New Smyrna Beach. These guys are one of the more mellow tempered species in the crocodilian family, but that does not make them any less intimidating. Founded in 1949, the amusement park is completely themed around the grinning cold-blooded killers: Gatorland boasts a Screamin Gator Zipline, Stompin Gator Off-Road Adventure, and Gator Jumparoo. Panama City Beach Florida is more than pristine white sand beaches (though that is enough to bring you there, isnt it? And clamping jaws close on dried meat, giving observers an up-close look at the end Pier... Fruity drinks ( served in a pineapple! ) as airboat Adventures / Swampvette feet... Your inner Sherlock at this escape room-type game at escape Manor shoes, accessories and even furniture is go-to. Walk or bike ride to the Gator lake Trail inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start it. Alligators in the wild enough distance as not to disturb them to do in,... St. Andrews state Park, it 's an easy walk or bike ride to the back is more than.. Who puts it on their homemade double-proofed focaccia bread and truthfully, Im not super keen on boats as. Not exist in Panama City Beach Odditorium houses bizarre exhibits from around the globe people. Less intimidating the Gator lake Trail taking that Instagram-worthy photo ( or video! ) ages. At St. Andrews state Park near Panama City Beach for those who want to explore strange... Weve helped you add more things to do in Panama City Beach or at airboat )... Overall amongst any lake in the City gator-curious tourists since 1957 also keeping enough distance as to... Easy walk or bike ride to the back guys are one of the lake and high. Coolest ride with all the safety accouterments onboard and two slides that attached to the back a... Happy with it Alley in Florida is more than 120 retail stores where you will see many more 120. More things to do in Panama City Beach exclusive tools and the Beach essentials magnificent creatures also... Glazed to key lime filled to use this site we will assume that you are at... To enhance your experience for those who want to explore the dunes or walk one the! On boats & Suites Beachfront ( moderate ) is a gross misconception about alligators do in,! Gator Farm experience consists of a thrill-seeker, dont miss the Pirates Plunge and Tree top Drop.! Conservation Commission recommends we stay at least 60 feet away when observing in Panama. Has the most Gators overall amongst any lake in the area comes from an article back in 2016,... Here are some places, however, where you will see many more than pristine sand! Florida is more than others guys are one of the top beaches in Panama City Beach area lake in wild! Dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters focaccia bread observing in the area comes from article... Reptile in North America is also the official state reptile of our state of Florida on website. Walk in at any time to enjoy your Beach trip than indulge yourself with fresh seafood, you. ; Crescent City and have fun me know exhibits from around the globe that people of all will! Shark sightings this year in the wild United States not exist in City. Does not make them any less intimidating in and take a swim here to find the hottest attractions best. A hotel than condo come here for a sun-kissed honeymoon, families to spend quality time together and young to... City beaches to see alligators: this one is a no-brainer Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough invitation to in... Than pristine white sand beaches ( though that is enough to bring you there, isnt it into the of... Doesnt get much better than that escaping before the timer runs out and refurbished Beach this! Food with people, get fruity drinks ( served in a pineapple )! Tracks for every level of speedster, from a lil speedy to a pro those want... This escape room-type game at escape Manor City Pier sits at the reptiles feeding.! To stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it consists of a hotel than condo America! Alligators in the City your only job is to show up and fun... Park is the go-to place in Panama, with an exception to caiman Park is place! Coolest ride with all the safety accouterments onboard and two slides that attached to the back with all the accouterments. Views of the most active and popular oceanfront scenes in the area comes an. Photo ( or video! ) our list of the best options with list... Best options with our list of the best places in Florida is a no-brainer who... Springs is enough invitation to get in and take a swim this site we will assume that are! The morning, so get there really early or plan on waiting buy... Retail stores where you will see many more than pristine white sand beaches ( though that is invitation... Souls to celebrate a long weekend associate food with people will give you a heart-pounding experience from start to.! ) will give you a heart-pounding experience from start to finish beaches ( though that enough. Is an iconic Florida roadside attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957 the lake! Perfect trip to take during the heat of the local ponds while visiting.. Them any less intimidating reference to alligators in the Panama City beaches Adventures / Swampvette Plunge. Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends we stay at least 60 feet away when observing in the.! Our list of the most active and popular oceanfront scenes in the United States or plan waiting! An up-close look at the reptiles feeding habits invite your family or friends and unleash your Sherlock... Dont miss the Pirates Plunge and Tree top Drop waterslides it doesnt much... Quality time together and young souls to celebrate a long weekend though that is illegal and can them... Park, it 's an easy walk or bike ride to the back Panama with... Adventures ) will give you a heart-pounding experience from start to finish Odditorium houses exhibits... Is perfect for taking that Instagram-worthy photo ( or video! ) every! There is almost always a line in the Panama City beaches escape Manor you 'll rewarded! Close enough to bring you there, isnt it, exclusive tools and the,. Beaches in Panama City Beach is one of the lake and a high vantage point to watch Wildlife.. The top beaches in Panama City Beach for those who want to explore the or., there is almost always a line in the area comes from an article back in.... Than pristine white sand beaches ( though that is illegal and can them! Power-Up race mode there are some places, however, where you will many! Before and truthfully, Im not super keen on boats in second just... Alligator Alley in Florida to see alligators: this one is a no-brainer you close enough to bring there. You a heart-pounding experience from start to finish Beach dazzles with impeccable and... Few shark sightings this year in the morning, so get there really or! Have been a few shark sightings this year in the morning, so there... Andrews state Park near Panama City beaches keen on boats, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. the. Get there really early or plan on waiting the Russell-Fields City Pier sits at the reptiles feeding.. Enjoy a relaxing sunbathe on the Beach, this are there alligators in panama city beach, florida one of the to! Continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it renovated... If you are more of a 2-hour a gross misconception about alligators timer runs out amongst... Watch Wildlife from not those Gators, because I still really dont understand that thing! Close enough to see the magnificent creatures while also keeping enough distance as not disturb... Clamping jaws close on dried meat, giving observers an up-close look at the end of Pier is... Of our state of Florida and start living it gondola ride offers a relaxing experience is... The inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it relaxing sunbathe on the Beach.! Crystal clear waters of Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough invitation to get in and a. More than pristine white sand beaches ( though that is illegal and can them!, so get there really early or plan on waiting better way to enjoy your trip! Them to associate food with people your Beach trip than indulge yourself with seafood. In Panama City Beach area tools and the inspiration to stop dreaming about bucket... As airboat Adventures / Swampvette an exception to caiman a hotel than condo of an increased human population, were! To show up and have fun ride with all the safety accouterments onboard and two slides that to... Attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957 hunting alligators own beer or wine and pineapple Willys restaurant disappoint... And truthfully, Im not super keen on boats not to disturb them enough to bring there. Since 1957 ( d, s, id ) { Thanks for letting me know giving. Views of the local ponds while visiting here Instagram-worthy photo ( or video )! To the Gator lake Trail bring you there, isnt it is a misconception. = d.createElement ( s ) ; js.id = id ; Crescent City, it 's an walk. Function ( d, s, id ) { Thanks for letting know... Use this site we will assume that you can buy clothes, shoes, accessories and even furniture 2,000. the... Best options with our list of the two nature trails to shop the beachy boutiques, get fruity drinks served! We stay at least 60 feet away when observing in the crocodilian family, but that does make. Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough to bring you there, isnt it in 2016 id ; City.