Page 26 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2026

Trade Snow for Sand in
PANAMA CITY BEACH
BY ROBYNNE TRUEMAN
eel the salt air on your skin and get a taste of Gulf Coast living
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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.
DIVE INTO CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
Panama City Beach is part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail,
making it a top destination for scuba diving. Of the 20 historic wrecks
lurking below the surface in this region, several are found here,
including the USS Strength, a World War II minesweeper around 24
metres below the surface, and El Dorado, a modern luxury cruise liner
that was deployed as an artificial reef in 2019. Also new is Black Pearl.
Once a movie prop in Pirates of the Caribbean, the 30-metre vessel is now
a pirate-themed artificial reef resting southwest of St. Andrews Pass.
CRUISE TO SHELL ISLAND
Take a full-day excursion from Panama City Beach to the clear waters of
Shell Island. This beach is accessible by shuttle boat but remains a
preserved, peaceful destination with 11 kilometres of undeveloped
beauty to explore. The island and its surrounding waters are inhabited
by a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, ghost crabs, sea turtles,
and bottlenose dolphins. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera to
snap some unforgettable photos!
TRAVEL PLANNER
Learn more and plan your beach adventure at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com
PHOTOS: VISIT PANAMA CITY BEACH
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DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2026