Feel the salt air on your skin and get a taste of Gulf Coast living with an escape to the white sands of Panama City Beach (PCB). Home to a 14.5-kilometre stretch of pristine beach and crystal-clear waters, PCB is perfect for watersports and eco-tourism.

So this winter, leave the snow behind for some real fun on the beach under the Florida sun.

Engage in Ecotourism at Two State Parks

PCB is primed for outdoor adventure, conveniently situated between two state parks. To the East, St. Andrews State Park offers opportunities to get closer to Florida’s wildlife. Hike around Gator Lake to spot alligators and birds, or rent a bicycle at the camp store and explore the park on the short paved Gator Lake trail.

West of PCB, check out Camp Helen State Park, a 73-hectare day-use park between the Gulf Coast and Lake Powell. With its unique location between these two bodies of water, Camp Helen State Park encompasses several ecosystems, including salt marshes and freshwater wetlands. Or opt for eco-friendly exploration of the waterways with airboat tours from Airboats Gone Wild. These boats have blades that operate above the waterline, making them one of the best ways to navigate the park without disturbing wildlife.

Pick Up a Paddle

Whether on a kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard, there is no better way to enjoy the idyllic waters off the coast of Panama City Beach than paddling your way through them. Rent your vessel of choice and paddle to the Grand Lagoon, known as the Gateway to the Gulf, at the east end of PCB. You can also book your rental from St. Andrews State Park or Camp Helen State Park for shoreline views that highlight nature.