Zoo World
Zoo World is home to a plethora of animals, including sloths, lions, tigers, llamas, lemurs, sloths, alligators, giraffes, goats and birds. Feeding giraffes, goats and llamas from your hand is always a hit with the kids. Pro tip: purchase the popsicle sticks with bird food attached when you buy your entrance ticket. Inside the bird exhibit, the birds will fly right to people holding these sticks. In addition to the zoo exhibits, you can choose to go on additional animal experiences such as petting a sloth or going on a private giraffe tour. Zoo World is open 7 days a week with hours of operation between 9:30 am to 5:00pm. In order to give visitors enough time to wander the zoo, last admissions happen at 4pm.
Location: 9008 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Closest By The Sea Resort: Ocean Breeze By The Sea (7 minute drive)
Admission Prices:
Adults: $16.95
Seniors (65+): $15.95
Children (2-12): $13.95
Children Under 2: Free
Animal Experience Add-Ons ($35.00 each):
Sloth Experience
Lemur Experience
Hold An Alligator Experience
Giraffe Feeding Experience
Alligator Feeding Experience
Gulf World Marine Park
While Zoo World’s focus is land mammals, Gulf World focuses mostly on aquatic mammals. Gulf World has 3 shows, which each occur twice daily: Bottlenose Dolphin Show, Sea Lion & Rough-Toothed Dolphin Show and Feather & Friends Show. Gulf World also has multiple types of interactive programs such as Swim With The Dolphins, Sea Lion Meet and Greet, Harbor Seal Encounter, Trainer for a Day and more. See https://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com for pricing. Also, keep an eye out for Gulf World’s calendar, as they often host live music or events onsite.
Location: 15412 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Closest By The Sea Resorts: Beachbreak and Legacy (2 minute walk)
Admission Prices:
Adults: $29.99 ($26.99 if you buy online)
Seniors (55+): $21.99
Children (5-11): $22.99 ($19.99 if you buy online)
Children (4 and under): Free
Sea Screamer
Located in the Treasure Island Marina, Sea Screamer offers fun dolphin cruises and snorkel trips along Panama City Beach, touring both the waters of St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island. Dolphin cruises are available during the day and at sunset from March to November. Each cruise goes for 10 miles and lasts for two hours. Refreshments and snacks are available for purchase and there are restrooms below deck. Snorkel trips last 2.5 hours and depart at 10 am and 1:30 pm during the summer. While it is highly likely to see dolphins, Sea Screamer does not guarantee being able to swim with dolphins as they are in their natural habitat and roam freely.
Location: 3605 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Closest By The Sea Resort: La Quinta Inn & Suites (5 minute drive)
Dolphin Cruises Prices:
Infant (must be held in lap): Free
Child (2 and younger): $12.00
Child (3-11): $17.00
Adult (12 years+): $22.00
Seniors (60+): $21.00
*Add $3.00 for all sunset cruises
Snorkel Trip Prices:
All ages: $40 (includes snorkel gear)
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is a favorite spot for Panama City Beach locals and visitors alike. In addition to the multiple beach access points, piers, walking trails, campgrounds, playgrounds and barbeque grills, St. Andrews is a great place for animal watching. Keep your eyes out when driving around St. Andrews, as deer are prevalent in the park alongside the road and on the trails by the playground. The best place to see alligators is at the appropriately named Gator Lake which is in between the beach access points and the boat launching dock/BBQ/playground area. There are also two fishing piers, where you can fish to your heart’s content. Pelican lovers, get your cameras ready when you are near the fishing piers, as the pelicans love to eat the fishermen’s scraps.
Location: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Closest By The Sea Resort: La Quinta Inn & Suites (10 minute drive)
Admission Prices:
Vehicle-Single Occupant: $4.00
Vehicle (2-8 people): $8.00
Pedestrians and Bicyclists: $2.00
Boat-Single Occupant: $12.00
Boat (2-8 people): $16.00
Conservation Park
The Panama City Beach Conservation Park spans 2900 acres with 24-miles worth of trails. With 12 different trails to choose from, ranging from 0.6 to 11 miles, the whole family will enjoy the exercise and bird/wildlife watching. Guided Audubon bird walks are offered seasonally, so make sure to bring your binoculars for the full experience. The park is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.
Location: 100 Conservation Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Closest By The Sea Resort: Beachcomber and Sugar Sands (8-9 minute drive)
Admission: Free