Panama City Beach is a paradise known for its sun-soaked beaches and year-round sunshine, but beyond the popular touristy spots you can discover a true treasure trove of hidden gems. From exploring islands to local wineries, take a break from the usual beach activities to explore these hidden gems in Panama City Beach.
Shell Island in St. Andrews State Park
Whether you’re embracing your inner child to go on a pirate hunt for buried treasure or you’re simply hoping to relax and explore the areas natural beauty, Shell Island is the place! The seven-mile-long barrier island inside St. Andrews State Park will transport you to a true oasis, entirely undeveloped and in its natural state. This serene escape offers a perfect setting for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. As you stroll along the untouched beaches, you might be lucky enough to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and even manatees swimming nearby.
If the island isn’t adventure enough, gran your oars and gear up, because getting to Shell Island is an adventure on its own. The island can only be accessed by boat! Luckily you have several options to explore the island, bring your own boat, rent a kayak, or hop aboard the Shell Island Shuttle. Once there, the clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, making it a fantastic spot for both relaxation and exploration.
Panama City Beach Winery
For a unique twist on local flavors, take some time to visit the Panama City Beach Winery. Here all wines are made exclusively from real fruit, most of which are grown locally, allowing you to taste the flavors of the area. This winery breaks from the norm by offering wines without added sugars, ensuring that the fruit you taste on the label is exactly what you get in your glass.
Located just two blocks east of Signal Hill Golf Course, the winery offers a refreshing and flavorful experience for those needed a break from a day on the green, or those simply looking to relax with a glass amongst friends. Enjoy a few samples at their retail location and discover the vibrant tastes that set these fruit wines apart. It’s a delightful spot for wine enthusiasts and a great way to support local agriculture.
Conservation Park
Calling all explorers! With more than 25 miles of hiking trails including raised boardwalks over the area’s wetlands, Conservation Park is a natural paradise with 2,900 acres to explore. This park remains largely wild, offering a variety of recreational activities and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.
The park is particularly renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, hosting many resident and migrating species throughout the year. Bring a pair of binoculars and a bird guide to fully appreciate the diverse avian population. A beautiful picnic area as well as restrooms ensure that you can spend a whole day in the park with a leisurely lunch or snack break in-between exploration.
Emerald Coast Olive Oil
While wineries and craft breweries often attract the most interest, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you missed Emerald Coast Olive Oil! Here you can savor specialty pressed and flavored oils. At their Panama City Beach location, you can sample over 60 different varieties of olive oils as well as vinegars, perfect for cooking or for a light summer salad dressing. Each product is carefully traced from tree to bottle, ensuring maximum flavor and health benefits.
Their selection includes unique blends of natural herbs, fruits, and vegetables, creating distinct profiles that can easily elevate any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to experiment, a visit to Emerald Coast Olive Oil is sure to add a little flavor to your life.
Panama City Beach has so much more to offer than its famous beaches and nightlife. These hidden gems provide a diverse range of activities, from exploring islands and sampling local wines to hiking through pristine parks and discovering unique culinary products, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy when calling Panama City Beach home.
