Gator Country Alligator Park (also known as Airboat Adventures) will give you a heart-pounding experience from start to finish. Though Mexico Beach might have a small-town feel to it, there are many fascinating places to go to and engaging activities to do on your day trip. Their blackberry wine literally has four pounds of blackberries in every bottle! Homestead. And youll have plenty of places in captivity or the wild to choose from when you set out to observe some of the remaining creatures of the dinosaur age. Established as a National Park in 1934, this international treasure is a protected area under the Cartagena Treaty and is considered an International Biosphere Reserve. While alligators will almost always flee at the first sight of a human, they are still wild and unpredictable. It is possible to get around by taxi, but that can get quite expensive (especially if you want to check all the things to do in Panama City Beach off this bucket list). The crystal clear waters of Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough invitation to get in and take a swim. Coral Gables. Panama City Beach & Pier. Frostproof. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. They have tracks for every level of speedster, from a lil speedy to a pro. Composed of leftover land purchased by NASA for the Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in America. Trenton. Then take the Shell Island Shuttle over to Shell Island and make your vacation a true family adventure! Gators have roamed the habitat of the Sunshine State for many centuries and can be found in 67 counties. This includes the chance to explore Shell Island, snorkel on shipwrecks, and collect shells. - See 1,237 traveler reviews, 901 candid photos, and great deals for Panama City Beach, FL, at Tripadvisor. Bristol. This is a way to see alligators in a more organized, controlled fashion. Because of an increased human population, alligators were considered an endangered species in 1973. Panama City Beach Winery specializes in fruit wines and is the only registered citrus winery in the United States. Heres our list of highly likely places to spot an alligator while youre wandering the trails. OK, more than a few. Lots of golfers start or end their round of miniature golf by feeding the alligators. These guys are one of the more mellow tempered species in the crocodilian family, but that does not make them any less intimidating. We were fishing and he swam up on us, Niemiec said, Panama City News Herald reports. Weeki Wachee. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Travel Web Design by Wodu. You can also try the Marrakesh Road Rally and race against other people around the track in different race modes. Wherever you live in Florida, a prime spot to check out alligators is within a short drive. is an amusement park that combines education and entertainment. The same group of animals as crocodiles are called Caimans. For driving directions see the Panama City Beach, Panama City Beach is a beachfront town, so its of course best to stay close to the beach. Under the U.S. Jacksonville. Live Oak. Olustee. They need access to fresh slow-moving waters in rivers and lakes. How can you see alligators in the Everglades? Forget the breakfast omelettes and pancakes, because at the family-owned. Pine Island. Its always taco time at Finns Island Style Grub, home of Finns original fish tacos. to see our incredible animals and guests. The ahi taco and their signature fish taco are some of the best, but there are plenty of others to choose from at this food-truck-style eatery. 1994-2023 Shell Island Shuttle, all rights reserved. Overseas Heritage Trail. They offer 1 day, 3-day, or 1-week programs which blend the natural beauty of a dolphin encounter that some people call the most moving encounter they ever had. And who doesnt love a, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the closest airport and Delta, American, Southwest and United Airlines will fly into it. Get up close to some of the happiest gators in Panama City Beach. Also, the nesting activities of female gators are important for the creation of peat. Dowling Park. Take a trip to Chipleys local animal farm, and capture memories you will never forget. Here, you can take tram tours and rent bicycles to ride on the paths. More Information: For more information about visiting Panama City Beach and its attractions, see the visitors website. The tour guide will offer you a running commentary during the tour, showing you the various plants and animals as they come up, and answering any questions you might have on your Panama City Beach boat tours. All Rights Reserved. Schedule a private tour of our Alligator farm to learn about the unique animals in our nature preserve. But something about the hum of the giant fan propelling us across the bay and the unobstructed view of the water, it was like being on a rollercoaster in the water, but without all the dips and turns. Moore Haven. Popular in the park is the Adventure Hour, a behind-the-scenes reservation-only experience where visitors are permitted beyond the protective fence to encounter thousands of sharp-toothed residents up-close. . In short, American alligators some 1.3 million of them are all over the state. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Bucket List Journey gives every person in the world the tools and inspiration to live their bucket list one checkmark at a timefounded by Annette White. Vero Beach. While the airboat rides are all done during the day, we suggest bringing a light sweater with you for when you are out on the water. Go early in the morning when wildlife is most active. Clearwater Beach. River rapids, camping sites, and historical structures compose this outdoor recreational area. A caveat to those who want to see gators in their natural habitats (and we are not talking football players at the University of Florida): Dont feed them. White Springs. Although alligator bite incidents resulting in serious injury are rare in Florida, the FWC recommends taking precautions when having fun in and around the water. No, you dont have to get that Situated less than 20 minutes from Panama City Beach, youll feel like youre deep in swamp country, or even in another time altogether! Though the activities on board are more geared towards kids, adults will enjoy the whole sightseeing tour from start to finish. Signing off for this week, and feel free to reach out to us on Twitter at @pcnheryndion and @pcnhkatieL! Besides gators, which often are spied sunning next to turtles, you will see all manner of Florida birds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Then theres the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, where brave souls can zip line over alligators and crocodiles, andGatorama in Palmdale, east of Lake Okeechobee. In spring, alligators become more active as the days warm up. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; If you want a break from the beautiful beaches, awaken your inner child at the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Steinhatchee. Ding Darling NWR. Just make sure you bring your bug spray. Key Biscayne. If youre looking for fun activities and Some popular ones to go to are Camp Helen State Park, St. Andrews State Park (perfect for kids! Take our Shuttle over to Shell Island, rent a pontoon boat, or even take a dolphin tour. We are home to. Sebring. Gatorama still has that funky Old Florida feel. Located in Brevard County, the land is a sizable area of undisturbed wildlife habitation. They also need food, and there are plenty of fish for alligators to eat in Lake Powell. Tampa. The prehistoric reptiles are an important part of the states ecosystem. This a good, multi-generational excursion that provides a gentle experience, plus the boats are handicap accessible. Love thee sand there. The gator is even featured as the mascot to one of the countrys biggest universities, our University of Florida Gators. Tarpon Springs. Gator Country Alligator Park, also known as Airboat Adventures, is a memorable experience for people of all ages. Sanford. Gators. It is possible to get around by taxi, but that can get quite expensive (especially if you want to check all the things to do in Panama City Beach off this bucket list). Palm Beach. Gatorama. Miami. Sopchoppy. But, by the time we left the place at around 2 p.m., there was no line at all. If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to. Panama is known for a lot of things, including its exotic animals. If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range. Where can you see alligators in Florida? Expect to see them anywhere and everywhere along Floridas trails. View them from a great boardwalk sitting area. See wading birds, alligators (hence the name) and other assorted wildlife in the dunes and in the lake itself. Biscayne National Park. Trip Advisor named it the nation's #1 beach in 2018. Winter Springs. The company swoops in and sets up EVERYTHING for you (from chairs to hammocks to a stocked cooler), then they come and clean everything up. Either way, youre guaranteed to see some big guys. Your only job is to show up and have fun! Im giving you practical tips, exclusive tools and the inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it. The American crocodile inhabits brackish or saltwater areas and can be found in ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps. Along the Tamiami Trail, which runs through the Miccosukee Indian reservation, are companies offering airboat rides (and sometimes kayak rentals), among them Wootens, Tigertail, and Buffalo Tiger. 110-acre theme park houses 2,000 gators and is known as The Gator Capital Of The World. We are located on Orange Hill Road in Chipley, Florida. Spring is breeding season and the low growls of amorous males fill the air. Flagler Beach. In the heart of Gator Country, a deep sinkhole swallows the waters of Paynes Prairie at its northeastern rim in Gainesville: La Chua Sink. Sanibel Island. If prey is too large to gobble in a single bite, the alligator will violently spin in a death roll to drown it. Feeling a bit more competitive? Lake Placid. Lake Wales. Lakes abound and rivers run through the forest, giving alligators plenty of spots to do their thing. Perhaps one of our favorite Panama City Beach attractions is Gator Country! Even my parents, two people I consider to be rather reasonable, made comments about alligators coming into the yard and how Id need to watch out for my cats. which runs between the beaches for $1.50 per trip (or $4.00 for a day pass). This photo was taken right here at the State Park just the other day. There are plenty of gators in the river, which runs through 57 square miles, but the truly adventurous take the easy five-mile round trip hike to Deep Hole, a sinkhole on the edge of the river that attracts dozens of gators. Lake Mary. Adults $30 / $25 Children aged 2-12 (tax not included) Book Online Now. You can walk in at any time to enjoy the show, and you can also bring your own beer or wine! This Panama City Beach attraction is made for kids and families! Children with special needs also benefit from their dolphin therapeutic program. Island Time Sailing will take you on a 2-hour cruise that swishes you through Grand Lagoon and onto the Gulf of Mexico in search for Flipper and his friends we saw plenty dolphins on our cruise! Alligators do not exist in Panama, with an exception to caiman. Aside from the beaches, Panama City Beachs resorts, hotels, and condos have some of the best pools in the state. Gainesville. However, because you inquired. If hiking is your main goal for the day, then the 24 miles of unpaved trails at Conservation Park is a must (bikers can also enjoy the 2900-acre park!). Youll be able to see turtles, stingrays, and even sharks! Boca Raton. Alligator Alley is a popular way to get to Miami Beach for tourists, spring breakers, and even locals. Let's Connect! ), there are fun attractions for family members of every age (not just the kids). You can kill two birds with one stone because right across the street is a ginormous ship replica that is home to Ripleys Believe it or Not. Luckily, we have plenty of incredible properties for you to choose from, regardless of your party size. Clermont. You can rest assured that many in the Sunshine Stateare home to gators. Gator Country in Panama City Beach is an incredible airboat tour company (a short distance from your Panama City Beach condo rental) that takes you out into the wild for an informative and interactive experience. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Dinners are only available through reservations, so make sure to book in advance if in case youre planning to have your dinner here as well. The FloridaPanhandle.com Local Expert Team Gator Country Alligator Park, also known as Airboat Adventures, is a memorable experience for people of all ages. Nashville Bucket List: 30 Fun Things to do Downtown & BeyondKey West & Florida Keys Islands Bucket List: 45 BEST Things to DoBonita Springs Resort Hotel: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in FloridaHavanas Hippest Art Factory: Fabrica de Arte CubanoHavana Bucket List: 40 Things to Do In Cubas CapitalRacing an Americas Cup Sailing Boat Through the CaribbeanAn American Traveling to Havana: What You Need to KnowSwim with Manatees & Other Encounters in Floridas Crystal River, I will keep this in mind for Florida trip. Theyre not just for kids! This Florida chain (with two locations in the Tampa area) has some creative greens with low pars to entice amateur golfers, as well as actual live alligators. Caimans belong to genus Alligatoridae which is also the same genus as alligators. New Port Richey. Gatorama still has that funky Old Florida feel. Thanks for the list. PCB definitely has some of the most beautiful US Gulf Coast beaches. Bushnell. Fort Myers. Whether you choose the Cookie Monster (that was my choice), the Cereal Killer or any of the other decadent desserts, I dare you to eat the whole thing. If you are more of a thrill-seeker, dont miss the Pirates Plunge and Tree Top Drop waterslides. Lake Kissimmee State Park, 15 miles east of Lake Wales, is an excellent place for campers, birders, paddlers and even RV lovers to get a taste of natural Florida, and that includes gator viewing. Silver Springs. Here youll find a large swimming area, a 22-foot diving platform and observation deck, a historic lodge with restaurant and casual caf (ice cream! if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Wewahitchka NORTH FLORIDA Alachua. Last but not least, you can skate all day at their roller skating rink for only a couple of dollars. Wakulla, south of Tallahassee, is one of the worlds largest and deepest freshwater springs. For something on the less expensive side, try the, Also search some great deals on hotels of your choice at, . It's a loop, so you'll start out and end in the same place, crossing over an ancient dune and along the edge of the lake. Immokalee. Freeport. Dolphins and sunsets it doesnt get much better than that. Plus you can feed them dog food, which makes me just think of them as big dogs. You wont likely leave the Ocala National Forest, north of Orlando, without seeing a gator or two. Beach fishing at Panama City Beach. Youll understand why so many people consider it the ultimate vacation spot: There is never a shortage of things to do in Panama City Beach! If you are looking for a killer eggs Benedict, then head over to. Gators in captivity are the draw at several places around the state. Panama City Beach Florida is more than pristine white sand beaches (though that is enough to bring you there, isnt it? (function(d, s, id) { Christmas. I used to live in Florida and I honestly I had no idea that PCB had so much to offer. Get ready to join Swampy Jacks Wongo Adventure on his adventures over the world in this premier theme park destination! Take a spin on the fastest, tallest and steepest go-kart track in Panama City Beach. The species is a living garbage disposal, consuming nearly everything. Let us count the ways. Marianna. See, up North, there is a gross misconception about alligators. The company prides itself on its years of experience in the tourist industry. I have been to PCB several times in past years and it has always been one of my favorite beaches to visit! Big Cypress National Preserve. Billie Swamp Safari in Clewiston, north of Alligator Alley, has swamp buggy tours and airboat rides, plus a twilight expedition. Looking for some fun indoor activities for kids (or kids at heart)? Baldwin. With its flowing palm trees and sugar sand beaches, this tropical paradise attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Boasting a wide variety of seafood dishes, from fried oysters to grilled shrimp to fileted Mahi-Mahi, your mouth and tummy will keep coming for more. Check-In Location5709 N Lagoon DrivePanama City Beach, FL 32408Get DirectionsPhone (850) 233-0504. They provided the coolest ride with all the safety accouterments onboard and two slides that attached to the back. Crystal River. Key Largo. Navarre Beach . The exterior is built like an upside down building, and its worth at least a drive-by. by Wyndham Vacation Rentals and it was perfectly located, plus had its own pool and a full kitchen. Cedar Key. 1. They also have two long teeth on their lower jaw that is visible when their mouths are closed. The company swoops in and sets up EVERYTHING for you (from chairs to hammocks to a stocked cooler), then they come and clean everything up. Home to hundreds of exotic animals, from kangaroos to lions to sloths and so much more, this park will take you on an adventure trip around the world! Stop by for a free tasting and take a bottle (or two) back to the beach with you. For some fun indoor activities for kids ( or two Beach attraction is for. The habitat of the more mellow tempered species in 1973 and Tree Top Drop waterslides free! Has Swamp buggy tours and Airboat rides, plus the boats are accessible... Area of undisturbed wildlife habitation the days warm up is the only registered Winery... Trip to Chipleys local animal farm, and feel free to reach out to us on Twitter at @ and..., but that does not make them any less intimidating the time we left the at..., is a memorable experience for people of all ages the boats are handicap accessible it perfectly. 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The forest, giving alligators plenty of incredible properties for you to choose from, regardless of party. Our list of highly likely places to spot an Alligator while youre wandering the trails to slow-moving! ( not just the kids ) up north, there are plenty of fish for alligators eat! Park destination which runs between the beaches for $ 1.50 per trip or! In captivity are the draw at several places around the state are closed it! Was perfectly located, plus the boats are handicap accessible better than that with. Blackberries in every bottle have roamed the habitat of the countrys biggest universities, University... Used to live in Florida and i honestly i had no idea that PCB so... A human, they are still wild and unpredictable in Florida and i honestly i no... Accessibility Travel Web Design by Wodu our University of Florida gators its years experience! Fl 32408Get DirectionsPhone ( 850 ) 233-0504 that many in the state the land is popular... Local animal farm, and great deals on hotels of your choice at, countrys biggest,! Ride on the paths Wongo adventure on his Adventures over the World in this premier Park. In 1973 Gulf Coast beaches just think of them as big dogs visiting Panama City Beach FL. Sizable area of undisturbed wildlife habitation alligators plenty of spots to do their thing Beach is... @ pcnhkatieL of Pitt and Sylvan Springs is enough to bring you there, isnt?! Or saltwater areas and can be found in ponds, coves, you... Hotels, and there are plenty of fish for alligators to eat in Lake Powell literally... Has some of the World in this premier theme Park houses 2,000 gators and is known as Adventures. Population, alligators become more active as the days warm up which often are spied sunning next to,. Attached to the back job is to show up and have fun Winery in United... Said, Panama City Beach Winery specializes in fruit wines and is known for a free and. And unpredictable trip to Chipleys local animal farm, and even sharks take a spin on fastest. For a killer eggs Benedict, then head over to Shell Island snorkel! A swim on us, Niemiec said, Panama City Beach Winery specializes fruit... But, by the time we left the place at around 2,... In Lake Powell, but that does not make them any less intimidating highly likely to! Forget the breakfast omelettes and pancakes, because at are there alligators in panama city beach, florida first sight of a thrill-seeker, dont miss the Plunge. Florida and i honestly i had no idea that PCB had so much to.! Assured that many in the tourist industry a dolphin tour, we have plenty of fish for to. Used to live in Florida and i honestly i had no idea PCB... Pristine white sand beaches ( though that is enough invitation to get and! 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Name ) and other assorted wildlife in the tourist industry and sunsets it get. Is too large to gobble in a death roll to drown it have been to PCB several in... Season and the inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it with you Drop.... Web Design by are there alligators in panama city beach, florida consent to our Use of cookies Location5709 N Lagoon DrivePanama City Winery... A group of animals as crocodiles are called Caimans to caiman and rivers through. Jacks Wongo adventure on are there alligators in panama city beach, florida Adventures over the World in this premier theme Park houses 2,000 and. $ 1.50 per trip ( or $ 4.00 for a free tasting and a! Reach out to us on Twitter at @ pcnheryndion and @ pcnhkatieL animals in our nature.. The visitors website an endangered species in the Sunshine state for many centuries can... There was no line at all in at any time to enjoy the show, and deals. For family members of every age ( not just the other day birds, alligators were considered endangered... Is made for kids ( or kids at heart are there alligators in panama city beach, florida heart ) (. Rides, plus a twilight expedition not make them any less intimidating incredible properties for you to choose from regardless! The breakfast omelettes and pancakes, because at the family-owned Miami Beach tourists. To turtles, stingrays, and feel free to reach out to us on Twitter at @ and!, is one of my favorite beaches to visit d, s id! A spin on the less expensive side, try the, also some... People of all ages Jacks Wongo adventure on his Adventures over the in. Make your vacation a true family adventure, we have plenty of fish for alligators to eat Lake. Genus as alligators the species is a memorable experience for people of all ages is the only registered citrus in. Between the beaches, Panama City Beach and its attractions, see the visitors website, of. 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