Panama City Beach may be best known for the emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand of its award-winning beaches. But travelers looking for an off-the-beaten path destination will find plenty of unexpected natural wonders to fill their vacation experience.

St. Andrews State Recreation Area
St. Andrews State Recreation Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Florida. The park's uplands are characterized by rolling, white sand dunes separated by low swales of either pinewoods or marshes. Dunes covered with sea oats abound. Dunes found farther inland are covered with sand pines, scrub oaks, rosemary and other hardy plants that help prevent soil erosion. Visitors are encouraged to hike the Blue Heron Trail that starts at a reconstructed Cracker turpentine still and winds through a number of plant communities. Freshwater and saltwater marshes teem with wildlife and birds. The Gator Lake Trail provides visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators and a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and other small animals. Button Bush Marsh is a favorite feeding place for a variety of birds including herons and ibis.

The 1,260-acre park is located on the peninsula and has more than 1.5 miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico and the Grand Lagoon. In fact, Travel Magazine named it the "World's Best Beach" in 1995. The park offers swimming and snorkeling in the warm waters of the Gulf and in the shallow, protected pool behind the jetties. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the deep-sea jetty and surf fishing opportunities. Two fishing piers, boat ramp and concession stands meet every need. For visitors who want to get the most of their experience in the park, two campground loops are located in the pinewoods near the Grand Lagoon. The park's 176 campsites can accommodate everything from tents to 40-foot RVs. Primitive group camping facilities are also available for organized groups.

Beachcombers won't want to miss a trip to Shell Island, a pristine barrier island situated just across the ship's channel from the mainland. This 700-acre island is underdeveloped and provides a peaceful spot for sunning or collecting shells. Shuttle boats carry passengers to the island in spring and summer for a small fee.

Pine Log & Point Washington State Forests
Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities in the area's two state forests. Pine Log State Forest is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, off-road bicycling, horseback riding, fishing and hunting. There are 23 miles of hiking trails winding through the forest, yielding great wildlife and bird viewing opportunities. Visitors are invited to camp in the forest, with facilities that range from RV camping to primitive tent camping. Self-guided tours and interpretive programs help visitors get the most from their experience in Pine Log State Forest. Point Washington State Forest is less developed than its counterpart. It is widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking on its 19 miles of trails. Point Washington is a favorite location for wildlife and bird watching.

Florida Trail at Econfina Creek
The Florida Trail, designated a national scenic trail in 1986, is under development along Econfina Creek. The trail in this area is a road walk. The Econfina is a beautiful, swiftly flowing 22-mile creek with high limestone walls, sand bluffs, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. The upper portion is characterized by narrow waterways, tight curves and several fast water chutes, while the lower portion is spring-fed and slower moving. Canoeing Econfina Creek is a great way to explore the personality of this ever-changing waterway.

Unique Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
From bottle-nosed dolphins and giant Manta Rays in the Gulf of Mexico to alligators and egrets in the swamps of North Florida, there is plenty of wildlife to experience in the Panama City Beach area. And, with everything from high-speed airboat adventures to glass bottom boat tours and respectful dolphin encounters, there are many ways in which to experience it.

Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of silky, white-sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida destination enjoys recognition as a top U.S. beach from Conde Nast Traveler, The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, parks, sporting events, delectable dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-5070) or visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.