Attractions Nearby Panama City, Day Trips and Excursions

(Panama City, Florida - FL, USA)

The southeasterly side of Florida is full of exciting theme parks, sandy beaches and family attractions, many of which are just a relatively short journey away from Panama City and lie within Florida's sprawling Panhandle region. Particularly close to Panama City are the outdoor attractions of the Apalachicola National Forest, the stunning beaches of Destin, and the natural beauty at the Florida Caverns State Park.

If you are prepared to travel a little further and leave nice and early, then day trips from Panama City to both Pensacola and Tallahassee are also quite possible. A little further still, excursions to Jacksonville, Tampa and Orlando and its famous Walt Disney World theme park attractions are always popular.

Apalachicola National Forest

Florida's largest national forest and covering more than 880 square miles / 2,280 square kilometers, the Apalachicola National Forest can be found 60 miles / 97 km to the east of Panama City. The main attractions within the Apalachicola National Forest include areas of wilderness and swamps, Bradwell Bay, Camel Lake, the Fort Gadsden Historical Site, the Silver Lake and the New River, where hiking trails, pleasure boats, fishing spots and horse riding are all available.

Destin

The peninsula city of Destin is situated along Florida's scenic Emerald Coast and within Okaloosa County, roughly 52 miles / 84 km to the northwest of Panama City. Famed for its bright white beaches, annual October fishing rodeo and surrounding golf courses, Destin is also a popular spot for shopping and contains two large outlet malls, together with the open-air mall known as the Destin Commons. On sunny summer days, the Big Kahuna water and amusement park soon fills up and is conveniently close to central Destin.

Florida Caverns State Park

Standing just 51 miles / 82 km north of Panama City, within the Florida Panhandle area and close to Marianna, the Florida Caverns State Park has understandably become a leading day trip destination. Visitors to the Florida Caverns State Park can expect to find a myriad of naturally formed attractions and eroded structures within its limestone caverns, such as giant stalactites and stalagmites, flowstones and more besides. Those who prefer outdoor activities will be able to enjoy everything from cycling and hiking trails, to boating, canoeing and camping.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to sunset
Admission: charge, applicable to vehicles and individuals

Pensacola

Located approximately 103 miles / 166 km to the northwest of Panama City, Pensacola started life as a 16th-century Spanish colonial outpost and has grown to become a leading beach resort. The untouched beaches of Pensacola are quite breathtaking and without question the main attraction here, consisting of fine white sand and edged by sparkling clear gulf waters. Attractions in this city include the Five Flags Speedway, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fort Pickens and also the Naval Aviation Museum (National Museum of Naval Aviation).

Tallahassee

The state capital of Florida, Tallahassee is an appealing city and is to be found some 100 miles / 161 km to the northeast of Panama City, part-way between Pensacola and St. Augustine. Tallahassee is full of character, being home to many oak tree-lined avenues, the magnificent Old Capitol building and the Florida State University (FSU). The attractions of Tallahassee many not be in great supply, although the Alfred B. Maclay State Gardens and the Goodwood Plantation, Gardens and Museum are particular highlights, as is the historical Mission San Luis. Both Tallahassee's Tallahassee Museum and the Antique Car Museum may also be of interest to visiting day trippers.