Eco Tourism Panama City Beach Style

Ecotourism is becoming more and more a part of our beach visitors' plans. Panama City Beach has several opportunities to take part in ecologically responsible, fun outings. If you like to fish, hike, bike, swim, tube, canoe, kayak, go boating, or just plain be outside and explore. With two state parks, miles of on and off-road bike & walking trails in protected conservation areas, Panama City Beach has so much more than the Worlds Most Beautiful Beaches

ST ANDREWS STATE PARK

Named the #2 beach in the nation by TRIPADVISOR, and that's just the beginning. Discover some of the most stunning beaches, just chill soaking in the sun or get active snorkeling along the jetties, canoeing, kayaking or hiking through the forest, you're going to love St Andrews State Park! You're even welcome to go fishing from the pier or the jetties, and a boat ramp provides access to St. Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Loaded with nature trails perfect for bird watching, hiking and exploring. Shell Island is just across the pass from the park and there's a boat tour you can take if you'd like to go. A 700-acre island that is like taking a step back in time when the beaches were first discovered. You are almost certain to see turtles, pelicans, sandpipers, gulls and piping and snowy plovers, and maybe even deer. Just offshore you're sure to see colorful fish, dolphins, sea turtles, and other aquatic life.

GAYLES TRAILS

Features boardwalks over the swamps, off-road trails perfect biking, hiking, or running. You’ll have miles and miles of paths with beautiful scenery to enjoy with the wind in your hair and sunshine on your skin. When many of us have been staying indoors as much as possible this year, getting outside with the fresh air is a welcome change of pace. 

CAMP HELEN STATE PARK

Discover this hidden gem located on the western border of PCB. This little slice of paradise sits directly between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell - one of the largest coastal dune lakes in the state of Florida. Find all natural coastal dunes and salt marshes along the Gulf as well as freshwater wetlands and scrub oak forests along the lake. Plenty of fishing areas with the opportunity to fish both freshwater and saltwater.  Boating, paddle-boarding, kayaking and swimming are all options at Camp Helen.

PANAMA CITY BEACH CONSERVATION PARK

Here you'll find a dozen looping trails ranging from 0.6 to 11 miles for biking, walking, and wildlife discovery. Created by Bay Counties strong commitment to protect and balance our natural resources all while offering outdoor recreational opportunities. This 2,900 acre tract of West Bay Ecosystem utilizes reclaimed water to return a natural water balance to surrounding wetlands.