Heritage Highlights

Panama City is home to the Junior Museum of Bay County, where interactive programs and exhibits focus on science, history and the environment. Authentic buildings, furnishings and tools evoke northwest Florida's pioneer history. The museum also features a natural science exhibit where visitors can learn about local and global environmental issues.

Cast away, if only for a day, on Shell Island, off the mainland of St. Andrews State Park. With seven-and-a-half miles of undeveloped coastline, this barrier island offers the best shelling this side of Sanibel Island.

Nature Trek

"PCB," as Panama City Beach is affectionately called, is synonymous with frolicking, fun-loving spring breaks and affordable family vacations. But it's also one of the prettiest places along the Gulf Coast.

Cast away, if only for a day, on Shell Island, off the mainland of St. Andrews State Park. With seven-and-a-half miles of undeveloped coastline, this barrier island offers the best shelling this side of Sanibel Island. Snorkel in the grassy flats of Spanish Shanty Cove, or hike inland for a glimpse of the foxes and other wildlife that make their home on the island. The island is accessible only by boat. Commercial charters run daily, but set your own schedule and catch the pontoon ferry from the park, which runs every 30 minutes May - Oct.  If you'd rather stay on the mainland, St. Andrews offers two fishing piers, jetties to snorkel and a convenient boat ramp. Nature trails lead through a number of plant communities where visitors may encounter wading birds, alligators and many small animals.

One of the best times on your vacation will be at Gulf World Marine Park.  During your visit, you'll see the Dolphin Show, Scuba Show, Sea Lion Show and Tropical Bird Show. Enjoy a stroll through the 20,000 square-foot Indoor Tropical Gardens. Visit the sting ray petting pool, otter, iguana, alligator, penguin and sea lion exhibits. Ask about how you can swim with a dolphin, or even become a "Dolphin Trainer For A Day." At night, don't miss the "Splash Magic" laser show. Open every day at 9 a.m., rain or shine.


Culture Quest

Park the car and dance the night away under the dazzling starlight of the clear ocean sky. The Lady Anderson Dining Yacht Cruise leaves nightly for sunset dinner/dance cruises from Anderson's Marina. On board, juke and jitter to jazz and boogie the night away to disco favorites; between dances, wine and dine on a full-course dinner. Call for reservations. Forgot your sea legs? There's plenty to keep you busy - and your belly full - at Captain Anderson's Restaurant & Waterfront Market. A local tradition is to dine early and watch the fishing fleets unload their catch.

The Orchestra of St. Andrews Bay is a community orchestra made up of professionals alongside student musicians. Programs are generally classical or semi-classical selections. The orchestra's season runs from September to May, with many of its concerts played at the Martin Theater in downtown Panama City.