Things to do in Panama City, Florida

Panama City is a wonderful location filled with a welcoming and kind community. Whether you are from Panama City Beach or are one of the thousands of visitors the city sees annually, you’ll be happy to know that there are endless opportunities to explore and learn in this dynamic city. From museums to famous beaches, there are numerous ways to spend a day, or weeks, having fun in Panama City. Read on to learn about our list of the top things to do in Panama City, Florida.

Shell Island

“Shell” by TheTurducken is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Visit Shell Island via the Shell Island Shuttle. This can’t-miss adventure offers a pristine slice of the Florida coastline for beach lovers and outdoor adventurers. Sitting across from St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island awaits at the far end of the long stretch of resorts and condominiums. This locale is an underdeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach. It makes up the southern area of St. Andrews State Park but can only be accessed by private boat or by the official Shell Island Shuttle. If you want the feel of an untouched beach and the experience of swimming with dolphins or snorkeling in clear waters, you must visit Shell Island.

The snorkeling folks will enjoy habitats ranging from sand bottom to shallow grass flats and the rocky faces of the jetties. You’ll be excited to see a slew of tropical fish, crabs, rays, sea turtles, and resident bottle-nose dolphins. You can rent snorkeling gear at Jetty Shore or select it as part of a package when purchasing your Shell Island Shuttle ticket. Just ask for the Shell Island Snorkel Tour.

Another way to explore Shell Island is to rent a pontoon boat. Because the boats are safe, stable, and easy to operate, they make a great option for families or a group of friends. Explore the crystal-clear waters, cruise St. Andrew Bay, or sit and take in the incredible landscape.

Shell Island Dolphin Tours is one of the most memorable ways to spend your day. The tours are limited to six people per trip, so be sure to plan ahead for this one. A small group allows you to explore the bay in comfort, interact with the captain, and get up close and personal with the dolphins. Lucky participants can snap a few prized photos while everyone enjoys watching the majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Shell Island Shuttle prices begin at $22.95 per adult and #15.95 per child. The ticket is round-trip. Just be sure to keep track of the time so that you don’t miss the last shuttle back. During the summer, the shuttle runs every 30-minutes and every hour during the off-season. Shell Island is left in its natural state, so whatever you take with you, including coolers, and chairs, you must bring back. Because the island is left alone, there are no restrooms on the premises. Check-in for the shuttle is at  5709 N Lagoon Drive. For more information, call 850-753-8301.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium

A visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium is a must for anyone who likes the absurd, the different, and the unique elements of life. This destination is great for kids who are tired of the sand and water and want to explore other areas of Panama City. The young and the young-at-heart will both love to see eye-catching art, explore fun interactive, and relish in the weird. Sitting in what looks like a giant boat, Ripley’s Odditorium has strange exhibits to instill curiosity in everyone.

Visitors love the 7D moving theater with 3D shows, digital effects, and motion seats to enhance the experience and include all your senses. The Marvelous Mirror Maze is another key feature you should check out while visiting. Challenge yourself and your sense of direction by finding your way through the maze of thousands of mirrors. Inside the Odditorium, you’ll also find over a dozen exhibits celebrating the bizarre and mysterious.

Ripley’s is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 9907 Front Beach Road. Adult general admission tickets begin at $24.99, while children start at $19.99. Prices go up to experience the 7D theater and explore the mirror maze. Check the website for details and package pricing. For information, call 850-230-6113.

St. Andrew’s State Park

St. Andrew’s State Park is the one destination in Panama City you don’t want to forget. Encompassing five distinct ecological landscapes in one exceptional location, St. Andrew’s State Park is a nature lover’s dream. Sandwiched by the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew’s Bay, the park is an ideal spot for snorkeling, waterskiing, and swimming fan in your family. Experience sugar-white sands, emerald green waters, and witness the beauty of the birds in flight. Those who enjoy bird-watching will revel in the opportunity to see this popular migratory stopover for various birds and butterflies alike.

Along with a mile and a half of pristine beaches, St. Andrew’s offers visitors the opportunity to explore the pines, walk along the dunes, and marvel at all the coastal plants. You can opt to camp out and stay overnight in the campground. Everything from scuba diving to swimming, snorkeling, hiking, biking, geo-seeking, and boating await at St. Andrew’s State Park.

The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Expect to pay at least $8 per vehicle. You’ll find this famous location at 4607 State Park Lane. For more information, call 850-708-6800.

So there you have it. Allen Turner Chevrolet has just shared with you our list of the top things to do in Panama City. When you’re looking for something exciting and entertaining to do in this picturesque locale, try visiting one of these spots. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite place to visit for adventure? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message sharing your ideas, and we’ll be happy to check out your suggestions.