» Gulf World Marine Park

Looking for something to do away from the beach? Hoping to find something that will keep the whole family happy and entertained? Gulf World Marine Park should be top of your list. This first-class marine park is one of Panama City Beach’s top attractions, and promises to deliver a fun-filled day of animal antics and discovery. First time visitors will be thrilled at the variety of species that call Gulf World home, and if you’ve been before, you’ll have the opportunity to once again see your favorite marine friends in action. Located on the west end of Front Beach Road, Gulf World Marine Park is a must for any Panama City Beach itinerary. Dolphins The dolphins are a huge part of what makes Gulf World so special. You will instantly fall in love with these beautiful and friendly creat...

Fun at Gulf World Panama City Beach is known for being a family-friendly destination, but there may not be a family-friendly attraction anywhere on the beach more exciting than Gulf World Marine Park. Located a block east of Pier Park, Gulf World Marine Park is a full-on marine experience complete with dolphin shows, sea lions, all sorts of tropical birds and fascinating exhibits. More than just a show, Gulf Work is fully interactive allowing you to enjoy hands-on interaction with the animals like petting sting rays and even swimming with the dolphins. I spent an afternoon on the grounds going to the shows and had loads of splash-tastic fun. As soon as you walk through the doors you see glowing blue portals, windows to an underwater world, that extend out to a 100,000 gallon tank filled w...

Top 10 Reasons to Vacation on Panama City Beach 10. Weather Do you know the average temperature for Panama City Beach? No? 78°. That’s right, a magnificent 78°, which I’ll bet for some of you is warmer than your summer days. Early spring begins late January where you will find “snowbirds” (winter vacationers) walking the beach, tanning and building sandcastles. Summer temperatures are in full swing by April, warming the gulf enough for water sports and excellent fishing. And the Fall, my personal favorite, keeps the nights a cool 68 – 75° , perfect for seasonal outings and dinner cruises. 9. Ripley’s Believe or Not Museum Who doesn’t love a good ol’ shrunken head? But after a while even tiny skulls get boring. Panama City Beach’s “Ripley’s” ...

Panama City Beach Isn’t Like I Remember… Chances are, if haven’t visited Panama City Beach in a few years, on your next visit you may not recognize the place. Repeat tourists have often told me stories of how they remembered Panama City Beach. They exalt places like the old Hangout and the fun their kids had at Miracle Strip—even long-graduated Spring Breakers and their tales of transforming our beach into Northwest Florida’s largest rave. When cruising down the “Strip,” gone are the mom and pop hotels and random snowcone huts; gone are the giant chicken wire and plaster figures that towered over roadsides. Gone, even, is good ol’ Petticoat Junction (some of you may not remember that one). Much has changed. In fact, since I was young, Panama City Beach is completel...