Panama City, FL Offers Unforgettable Outdoor Exploration along Florida’s Scenic Trails and Wildlife Corridors

Panama City, FL: July 31, 2025 — In honor of National Wildlife Day (September 4) and National Public Lands Day (September 27), Panama City, Florida invites nature lovers, birders, hikers, and paddlers, and all outdoor enthusiasts to explore the region’s diverse ecological treasures, from rare bird habitats and federally designated hiking trails to some of the most scenic paddling routes in the area. Located along the Gulf Coast and part of Florida’s Emerald Coast Region, Panama City is a gateway to some of the most diverse and ecologically important outdoor landscapes in the state.

Part of the Florida Paddling Trails Association’s Emerald Coast Region

Panama City is proudly featured on the Florida Paddling Trails Association map as part of the Emerald Coast Region, where paddlers find a haven of calm bay waters, freshwater creeks, and estuarine environments. Nestled between two of the area’s most beloved inland paddling routes, Econfina Creek and Holmes Creek, Panama City serves as a gateway to countless water-based adventures.

One of the area’s most remarkable assets is its connection to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT), a 1,515-mile sea kayaking paradise that stretches from Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola, around the entire Florida peninsula and Keys, and finishes near the Georgia state line. The CT is Florida’s longest and most ambitious paddling trail, giving adventurers the chance to explore every coastal habitat type found in the state, from barrier island dunes and mangrove estuaries to tidal marshes and seagrass beds. Along the way, paddlers traverse 20 national parks and wildlife refuges, 37 aquatic preserves, and 47 state parks, making it a bucket-list journey for wilderness lovers.

Closer to town, St. Andrews Bay, recognized as one of the most biologically productive bays in North America, offers paddlers easy access to protected waters teeming with marine life. From paddling around Shell Island to exploring the natural shoreline of St. Andrews State Park, opportunities to connect with nature are everywhere. Whether launching from a public ramp or booking a guided eco-tour, local outfitters provide gear rentals, trail maps, and expert guidance to help explorers of all skill levels safely enjoy the bay’s crystal-clear waters.

Explore the Florida national Scenic Trail

Land-based adventurers can explore a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a federally designated, 1,300-mile hiking trail stretching from the Everglades to the western edge of the Panhandle. The Panhandle Region, which includes Bay County, is home to unique hardwood hammocks, floodplain swamps, and longleaf pine ecosystems that are rarely found outside of Florida. Trail access points in and around Panama City offer hikers a chance to explore the area up close.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise Along the Atlantic Freeway

Panama City is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a vital migratory corridor that stretches from the Arctic to the Caribbean. This positioning brings a remarkable diversity of bird species to the region during spring and fall migrations, in addition to the more than 500 species that call Florida home year-round. Birders can explore two officially designated sites on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail within Panama City, offering accessible and rewarding opportunities for birdwatching in bayside settings.

Oaks by the Bay Park, home of the St. Andrews Birding Trail, features a waterfront boardwalk and interpretive signage that highlights commonly seen birds such as Double-crested Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, herons, and egrets, making it especially welcoming for beginners and casual birders.

A short drive away, St. Andrews State Park offers more viewing opportunities. The beaches north of the jetty are known to attract shorebirds such as Snowy Plovers, Willets, and the occasional Black Skimmer. During spring, Gator Lake within the park becomes a rookery for Great Blue Herons and both Great and Snowy Egrets, providing a dynamic glimpse into the area’s rich avian life.

As Florida’s public lands continue to serve as critical habitats and outdoor escapes, Panama City offers visitors a front-row seat to the wild beauty of the Gulf Coast. From the bay to the backwoods, the area’s natural assets are easily accessible and deeply woven into the fabric of the community.

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For more information on outdoor trails, wildlife experiences, and eco-adventures in Panama City, visit, visit DestinationPanamaCity.com.