Explore Panama City Beach the Natural Way!

Fishing, hiking, biking, nature photography, swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, boating and bird-watching are just some of the opportunities for eco-tourists to explore Florida nature in Panama City Beach, Fla.

St. Andrew’s State Park has been named the #2 beach in the nation, according to Trip Advisor. Over one-and-a-half miles of open beach at this Florida state park, to lounge in the sun or water lovers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty {the greatest beach ever for families}, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities, and two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities providing an excellent opportunity for bird-watching at St. Andrews State Park Florida in Panama City Beach.
You can also take a boat tour to Shell Island, the 700-acre island is densely populated with bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as a number of different wild bird species, including pelicans, sandpipers, gulls and piping and snowy plovers. Colorful fish, sea turtles and other aquatic life also call the area around Shell Island home. Shuttles are available to take visitors back and forth from St. Andrew's State Park. If you feel really adventurous, you can rent kayaks and make the voyage across the pass on your own.

Camp Helen State Park is a hidden gem for those looking to get away. It’s bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell – one of the largest coastal dune lakes in the state of Florida. Natural areas for public enjoyment in the park range from coastal dunes and salt marshes along the Gulf to freshwater wetlands and sand pine scrub along the lake. Fishing areas are available for both freshwater and saltwater enthusiasts at this Florida state park. Other activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study and hiking. My family really enjoyed walking the park and studying all the wildlife. The old buildings are very interesting too.

Conservation Park is made up of 12 trails ranging from 0.6 to 11 miles for walking, biking, wildlife & birdwatching. The Conservation Park integrates two fundamental principles which remain a continuing focus for local government and community. The desire to protect and balance our natural resources while providing outdoor recreational opportunities is the driving force in establishing the Panama City Beach Conservation Park. The 2,900 acres of the West Bay Ecosystem is being protected by the management and utilization of the City’s reclaimed water to rehydrate wetlands. The natural water balance in these wetlands was altered many years ago as tree “farming” became predominant in the area. My family was amazed at how large conservation park was! We loved it and we still have never seen the entire park....great Natural Florida.

So Panama City Beach doesn't just have to be about the strip, shopping, and swimming. Panama City Beach has several hidden gems just waiting to be explored. Bring the family and come on down!

Schooner's Lobster Fest Starts Tomorrow!!!

This is so much fun! Me and the kids went last year and really enjoyed it. Make sure you stop by at some point and check it out! Lots of lobster, live music, games, and sand sculpting going on. Here is their tentative schedule of events and make sure to scroll all the way down to see the special menu for this weekend.

Schedule of Events 2012:
Tentative Schedule/Subject to Change

Thursday, September 13th
Sand Sculptor begins on the beach - Sand Odyssey
11am-10pm: Lobster specials all day til close
4:30pm-til – DJ BEACHHOUSE Emcees
5pm-7:30pm – SOL SHINE on the Main Stage
8pm-12am: Arizona on the Main Stage
10pm: Nightly Raffle Drawing for $300
Friday, September 14th
11am-10pm: Lobster specials all day til close
5pm: Diver registration
6pm: Diver safety meeting
7pm-9pm: Panama City Bop & Shag Club, DJ Beachhouse Emcees, DJ Dave Tracy spins
9pm-1am: Arizona on the Main Stage
10pm: Nightly Raffle Drawing for $500
Saturday, September 15th
Dive tournament begins
8:30am: Registration for sand castle and sand sculpting contest begins
9am: Open division for advanced sand castle & sand sculpting starts
10am: Sand castle and sand sculpting contest for all other divisions start (youth, teen, adult, family)
11am: Beach stage goes live with music & games for families and children. DJ SURFER MARK & BEACHHOUSE Emcee, DJ DAVE TRACY spins
11am: Lobster mini-feast on the beach begins
11am-10pm: Lobster specials all day til close
12pm-4pm: Barry Fish Band on the Beach Stage
2pm: Sandcastle and sand sculpting competition ends - all divisions
2:30pm: Sand sculpting awards presentation on the beach stage
3pm: Weigh-ins start. Scales close at 6pm
4pm-5pm: DJ SURFER MARK & BEACHHOUSE Emcees, DJ DAVE TRACY spins
5pm-9pm: Cool Rayz on the Beach Stage
5pm: Lobster mini-feast ends (lobster specials still available til close on the menu)
9pm-1am: Arizona on the Main Stage
10pm: Nightly Raffle Drawing for $750
Sunday, September 16th
11am: Beach stage goes live with music & games for families and children. DJ SURFER MARK & BEACHHOUSE Emcee, DJ DAVE TRACY spins
11am-6pm: Lobster Feast Buffet on the Beach & Beach Party
11am-til: Lobster specials all day til close
12pm-3pm: Weigh-ins, scales close at 3pm
12pm-4pm: Cool Rayz on the Beach Stage
4pm: Lobster auction, diver awards & door prize raffle on the main stage
4pm-5pm: DJ SURFER MARK & BEACHHOUSE Emcee, DJ DAVE TRACY spins
5pm-9pm: The Swingin' Medallions
8pm: Grand Prize Drawing

Lobster Festival Menu

SATURDAY'S MENU (EVERY ITEM $15)
Grecian Lobster Pita
Generous portion of lobster meat tossed with tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, artichokes, olive oil and oregano. Served in warm pita bread with potato chips on the sideLobster Creole
Lobster and shrimp simmered with onions, bell peppers, garlic, stewed tomatoes, butter and fresh herbs. Served over white rice.Lobster Mac-n-Cheese
Lobster claw and knuckle meat, tossed in our homemade cheese sauce, with penne pasta.
Lobster Burgers
Lobster cake served on an onion roll with tomato, arugula, red onion and homemade lemon/chive mayo. Served with potato chips.
SUNDAY'S FEAST ($25 PER PERSON)
Lobster Gumbo
Traditional Louisiana gumbo loaded with lobster and seafood
Lobster Bisque
Rich, creamy and full of lobster with a hint of sherry
Smoked Lobster Dip
Hickory smoked lobster tails blended with special herbs and spices
Lobster Ceviche with Shrimp and Scallops
Fresh lime juice, diced onion, diced peppers, diced tomatoes and cilantro make up this traditional South American delicacy
Lobster Creole
Lobster and shrimp simmered with onions, bell peppers, garlic, stewed tomatoes, butter and fresh herbs. Served over white rice.
Lobster Pastalaya
Traditional Cajun dish with a twist. Lobster, shrimp, crawfish and gator sausage, cooked slowly with fresh vegetables and served with penne pasta
Lobster Paella
Lobster, shrimp, mussels, chicken and andouille sausage, baked in rice with a saffron/herb butter
Grilled Lobster Tails and Sausage
Half tails and Andouille sausage grilled with herbed butter
Lobster Pot Pie
Our version of a traditional classic. Loaded with fresh lobster, vegetables and a savory sauce, topped with puff pastry
Lobster Macaroni & Cheese
Lobster claw and knuckle meat, tossed in our homemade cheese sauce, with penne pasta.
Corn and Potatoes
Buttered corn and potatoes with savory herbs and spices

Bid on Bay is Back!!!

If you are looking for some deals for Bay Co....Bid on Bay is back baby!!! Lots of great deals from lots of great companies. Everything from Boating, the Zoo, Cleaning Services, Kids Camps, etc....You will find it all on BID ON BAY..Click here to see for yourself!

WEEKEND FUN!

If you are here for Labor Day weekend, here are a few things you can enjoy other than the usual stuff:
This weekend is the Grand Master Lee's Battle on the Beach, Edgewater Beach Resort's Conference Center~Check out this amazing display of martial arts! The will be a variety of martial arts including traditional sparing, weapons display and a combat weapons competition!

Public admission is $4.00 with ages 4 and under being free.
Not into martial arts? How about some free saltwater fishing? This weekend the FREE SALTWATER FISHING DAY! You do not have to have a saltwater fishing license tomorrow. Grab a pole and see if the fist are biting.
Also, don't forget the St. Andrew Farmer's Market {sat 8am-1pm} or the PCB Farmer's Market in the Tacky Jack's parking lot Sunday {1pm-6pm}. Check out our printable section for coupons for shell island shuttle tickets, putt-putt and more! Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Labor Day!

Free Fishing Day Coming Up SEPTEMBER 1

Free saltwater fishing day is coming up again. Grab that fishing pole and head for the gulf!! Click HERE for more information.

Another Great Fishing Boat!

Looking to do some saltwater fishing? 4th of July we met a guy down at the docks that is super nice. He runs Southern Hooker Charters at the Treasure Island Marina. He offers a 41' Hatteras with bathroom and bunks (for resting on the long trips). You can choose from 4-12 hour trips at various prices. He even offers some last minute deals if you head to the dock at departure time. Visit his site HERE or on FB HERE.

Paddleboards!

Everyone out on the water seems to be up on the newest trend. Paddleboarding! There are lots of new companies opening up offering paddleboard rentals. Here are a few of the newest deals we have found.

Guided Tour from Walkin' on Water Paddle Boards ~Deal of the Day! $22

Mr. Surf's Surf Shop~
Stand-Up paddle Boards - Hourly $15 / Daily $60
Surfboards - Hourly $8 / Daily $40
or
Mon. - Surf-Skim-Paddle Lessons at OSPREY & Driftwood Resort (Guests have priority for slots but it is OPEN to Public)
$35 for Guests $45 for Non-guests (2 Hour lesson)

Tues. & Wed. & Thurs.:
"Mr. Surf's SURF & BEACH Summer Day Camps"
(pending weather)
What to expect: Instruction in Surfing - Skimming - Paddle boarding + other water activities for the kids all set to Beach Music. Pictures included.
Location: Rick Seltzer Public Park Time: 8am till 11am
Limit: 12 persons - Open to ALL AGES
What to Bring: Swimsuit, Sunscreen, Towel, Surfshirt / Rashguard, Drinks & Snack, & a HUGE Smile!
Cost: $40 per camp / day


Panama City Paddle Board ~
Paddle board at Shell Island for just $60/board. Boat ride is included. 
Don’t wanna board? Join the boat ride for just $25!

WOW Paddleboards~
Gulf/Lake Tour: $45.00
Sunset Tour : $45.00
River Tour : $75.00

Private lesson: $60(1hr.) or $120 for 3 lessons
Group Lessons:$35(1hr.) Per Person (max of 6), we do have group discounts

Thomas Dr. Paddle Board RENTALS near Schooners and Seychelles
$20 per hour or 3 hours for $50
Call Flo for reservations or just show up...... 850-688-3878

Sunset Cruise and Dolphin Watch $12 Adult/$6 kids

 Captain Anderson's Sunset Boat Cruise and Dolphin Watch

This is amazing to me......over a 1 hour boat cruise and dolphin watch for $12 adult/ $6 kids!!!!

Departs at 5:15pm / Returns at 6:30pm

Be sure to bring your camera!

Adults: $12 / Children: $6. (Prices include Florida sales tax.)

CLICK HERE to go to the Capt Anderson site to book your trip online and look at some of the other packages they have!!

The Captain Anderson boats come out to the pass to watch the Dolphins play at sunset!

Free Saltwater Fishing Day~No License Required

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at some saltwater fishing??? Tourist licenses are fairly expensive, but if you are visiting on June 2nd, you are in luck. That will be the LICENSE FREE Salt water fishing day. Try it out at one of the piers, in the state park at the jetties, or just on the beach. Don't forget your fishing pole! If you are not a fan of saltwater fish, June the 9th will be the day for you. License free day for freshwater will be on that day. For details on other fishing regulations, check out www.MyFWC.com/Fishing or call 850-265-3676.