Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Panama City Beach
Bracketed by two state parks – St. Andrews to the east and Camp Helen to the west – Panama City Beach stretches nearly 20 miles along the Gulf of Mexico.
Although most of the shoreline is heavily developed, there are free public beach access points all along the shoreline, including several larger parks with parking lots.
The bay side of Panama City Beach is where the trails are. Near West Bay, Conservation Park includes a whopping 2,200 acres, most of which is pine plantation. More than 11 miles of trails crisscross the park.
A paved bike path network called Gayles Trails connects it with West Bay and Frank Brown Park, an aquatic center bayside.
Just 15 minutes north of West Bay are the state’s oldest state forest, Pine Log, and the spring-fed Econfina Creek watershed. The Florida Trail crosses both.
While this region took a strong hit from Hurricane Michael in October 2018, recreation areas have reopened and the beaches are as lovely as ever.
Featured Destinations
Camp Helen North Trail Following the edge of Lake Powell for nearly half its distance, the North Trail at Camp Helen State Park offers an up-close look at natural shorelines along Florida's largest coastal dune lake.
Camp Helen South Trails Explore the bluffs and shoreline of Lake Powell on this trio of nature trails that tie to the interpretive loop around the historic lodge and cottages at Camp Helen State Park. 
Camp Helen State Park Haunted by a sea monster sighted in one of the largest ancient coastal dune lakes on Florida's coast, Camp Helen State Park offers seaside relaxation and historic interpretation. 
Deer Lake State Park Home to one of the less-visible coastal dune lakes along the South Walton coast, Deer Lake State Park provides the opportunity to see both ends of this coastal dune lake.
Eastern Lake Trail A chain of three stacked loops that enable you to walk or ride up to 10.9 miles, the Eastern Lake Trail offers an immersion in Point Washington State Forest for hikers and cyclists.
Econfina Creek Nature Trail On the Econfina Creek Nature Trail, discover rugged climbs, steep drop-offs, bubbling springs, and deep crevices into the earth as you walk between two major springs where you can swim.
Eden Gardens Tucker Bayou Trail Starting on the edge of Tucker Bayou, an easy-to-follow nature trail tunnels into dense uplands habitats with striking autumn leaves.
Faye and Dutch Trail Looping six miles through Florida’s oldest state forest, the Faye and Dutch Trail can be tackled as a day hike or a short backpacking trip.
Florida Trail, Econfina Creek 18.4 miles. Winding along rolling hillsides north of Panama City, the Econfina Creek section of the Florida Trail offers a challenging hike with stunning views of its namesake creek.
Frank Brown Park The primary recreational complex in Panama City Beach - with aquatic center and ballfields - Frank Brown Park also provides access to biking on Gayle's Trails. 
Gayle’s Trails A network of paved trails north of US 98, Gayle's Trails connect two major parks in Panama City Beach with nearby neighborhoods. 
Grayton Beach Nature Trails A duo of interpretive trails explores windswept habitats sandwiched between Western Lake, a coastal dune lake on the South Walton coast, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Grayton Beach State Park Cradled in a cocoon of coastal dunes, Western Lake shimmers in the sun. At Grayton Beach State Park, it's the focus of both passive and active recreation.
Lynn Haven Bayou Park & Preserve Protecting habitat for the endangered Panama City crayfish, this waterfront park and preserve edges the marshy rim of McKitchen's Bayou and the open waters of North Bay.
Oaks by the Bay Park An urban green space in Panama City, Oaks by the Bay Park protects a natural shoreline along St. Andrews Bay.
Panama City Beach Conservation Park String together a set of well-maintained trails to hike loops of up to 11 miles through this vast protected area of woodlands and wetlands in Panama City Beach. 
Panama City Beach Conservation Park Green Trail Sample an array of habitats on this easy 1.8 mile loop featuring two boardwalks and a meander through restored pine flatwoods and savanna.
Pine Log Crooked Creek Trail A windy singletrack at Pine Log State Forest shared with off-road cyclists showcases pine savannas, tannic creeks, and a pitcher plant bog on this 4.5 mile hike.
Pine Log State Forest Florida's oldest state forest offers waterfront camping and a variety of loop trails for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, plus a 5.7 mile linear segment of the statewide Florida Trail.
Point Washington State Forest Protecting the upland watersheds of the Coastal Dune Lakes along the South Walton coastline, Point Washington State Forest offers extensive offroad biking and hiking trails.
St. Andrews Buttonbush Marsh Overlook Less than a mile from the strumming waves of the Gulf of Mexico, Buttonbush Marsh at St. Andrews State Park provides an important habitat for wildlife at the end of the barrier island at Panama City Beach.
St. Andrews Gator Lake Trail At St. Andrews State Park, the Gator Lake Trail is only a half-mile but hits the park's high point with panoramic views in the scrub forest and great birding along an established rookery.
St. Andrews Heron Pond Trail At St. Andrews State Park, the interpretive Heron Pond Trail is a walk through coastal history, starting with a mockup turpentine distillery at the trailhead. 
St. Andrews Jetty Beach One of Florida's most popular beach destinations, Jetty Beach at St. Andrews State Park offers both wild and mellow surf on either side of the jetty.
St. Andrews Sandy Point One of the secrets of St. Andrews State Park is its gentle, sweeping beach along Sandy Point, a natural extension of the barrier island that divides Grand Lagoon from St. Andrews Bay.
St. Andrews State Park Anchoring the eastern end of Panama City Beach, this popular state park is an important natural haven and outdoor recreation destination in an urban setting.
Timpoochee Trail Showcasing the beauty of the South Walton coastline, the Timpoochee Trail connects coastal communities while leading cyclists past Florida's renowned Coastal Dune Lakes.
Walt Oberst Way Explore a cypress strand and pine flatwoods along an easy accessible trail that's a must on a visit to Panama City Beach Conservation Park. Articles
Florida’s Best Urban Parks (10/27/2016) When you live in a tightly packed space, you need somewhere green as your go-to place nearby. These are our top picks for parks in Florida's urban areas, chosen for their diversity of outdoor activities and/or their unique green spaces.
River Levels in North Florida (3/2/2013) Cold weather and high water causes hypothermia, so play it safe. Before hiking in winter in North Florida and the Florida Panhandle, check these flood gauges. Where to Stay in Panama City Beach
On our trips to Panama City Beach, we’ve intentionally steered away from the dense strip of condos and hotels that dominate much of the oceanfront west of St. Andrews State Park.
We’ve often made the Sheraton Bay Point Resort our base camp, enjoying its natural setting along Grand Lagoon.
We’ve also been guests at Pinnacle Port, a condo complex adjoining Powell Lake, one of the largest freshwater coastal dune lakes in the world.
It was easy to walk right into Camp Helen State Park along the oceanfront, and to view sunsets over Powell Lake from the balcony.
For camping, St. Andrews State Park is a popular destination. Just a block from the beach, Raccoon River Campground has 30/50 amp sites as well as tent sites.
There are also several RV-only accommodations off US 98. Naval Support Activity Panama City has two RV parks as well as cabins for active military and veterans use.