Are you looking for an educational experience while visiting Panama City, Florida? Look no further! Panama City is home to a variety of unique sites and trails that offer a wealth of knowledge and insight into the area's history and culture. From the Museum of Man in the Sea to Shell Island and Camp Helen State Park, there are plenty of educational opportunities to explore. The Museum of Man in the Sea is a one-of-a-kind museum located along Panama City Beach Parkway. This 5,000 square foot museum was inaugurated in 1982 and is owned by the Diving Institute.
It features a variety of exhibits and documents related to the history of diving, allowing guests to explore the roots of diving through authentic artifacts. Visitors can climb a submarine, learn about the evolution of hulls and other equipment, and even see SEALAB 1, the world's first underwater habitat. Shell Island is a wildlife sanctuary located between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The Shell Island shuttle service provides easy access to the island, allowing visitors to explore its stunning sandy beach and crystal clear waters. St.
Andrews State Park is another great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This 1,200-acre state park is located just 3 miles east of Panama City Beach and offers beaches, nature trails, camping options, and seasonal Shell Island boat trips. Visitors can enjoy five different ecological landscapes in this impressive place, with views of both the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay.
The park also features 1.5 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and emerald waves, as well as swimming, snorkeling, surfing, diving, fishing, bird watching, and people watching opportunities. The Panama City Beach Conservation Park is another great spot for exploring nature. This 2,900-acre park has more than 24 miles of trails and more than a mile of boardwalks that pass through cypress domes. Trails range from 0.6 miles to 11 miles long with 12 different trails to choose from. The park also offers parking, public restrooms, picnic tables, and an indoor pavilion that can be rented out. Camp Helen State Park also offers a variety of trails in unique areas of the park.
The 1.8-mile-long North Trail begins with a paved trail along Lake Powell before reaching a one-mile loop filled with dirt. There are numbered poles along the circuit that correlate with a native plant brochure found at the beginning or at the visitor center. For those who want to follow a smoother path than those found in the Conservation Park, Gayle's trails are an excellent choice. Recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of the three best golf cities in the United States, Panama City Beach has affordable golf courses combined with award-winning course design. Biking around Panama City Beach is another great way to explore the area and see things that just fly by in a car. Stand-up paddle surfing (SUP) is also popular in Panama City Beach's open and protected waters. If you're lucky enough to spend the day on Shell Island in Panama City Beach, don't forget your family, camera, and fishing gear! Cruise along the coast in search of tarpon and enjoy their impressive acrobatics. Located on 2,912 acres, the Panama City Beach Conservation Park was developed to protect the area's natural resources while encouraging residents and visitors to get outdoors and enjoy its incredible scenery. At Camp Helen State Park on Panama City's westernmost beach, visitors can explore Gulf of Mexico on one side and St.
Andrews Bay on the other side. No matter what type of educational experience you're looking for while visiting Panama City Beach, there are plenty of options available for you to explore! From museums to state parks to conservation parks to golf courses - there's something for everyone! Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure or an educational experience - Panama City Beach has it all!.
