MARINE PARK: One of Florida's top
attractions, Gulf World is a marine showcase featuring four continuous shows daily. Step
into the exotic Tropical Garden, filled with chatting parrots, flamingos and peacocks, or
take a walk through the thrilling shark tank. Always ready to perform for visitors are the
friendly sea lions, while the bottle-nosed dolphins are eager to amaze and delight with
their skillful acrobatics and intelligence. Take a seat at the Coral Reef Theatre and
experience captivating views of fish and natural coral in an amphitheatre setting or learn
the mysteries of marine life through a scuba diving demonstration.
WATER PARK:
(Closed during the Feast)
The largest water
park within 300 miles, Shipwreck Island encompasses six lushly landscaped acres of rides
and picnic areas, amid tons of rushing water. This landmark on Panama City Beach has
something for everyone from Lazy River's 1,600-foot, meandering course to the
35-miles-per-hour Speed Slide. There are gentle waters geared especially for young
children - Tadpole Hole, the Elephant Slide, and the Kid Car Wash. The adventurous seek
out the Rapid River's cascades or the 370-foot White Water Tube. Lifeguards supervise your
fun. Inner tubes, lounge chairs and umbrellas are free.
AMUSEMENT PARK: The
excitement continues both day and night across the street at Miracle Strip Amusement Park.
Some 30 rides include one of the world's foremost roller coasters - 2,000 feet long - and
the 40-foot high -Sea Dragon,- reminiscent of a Viking ship, which rocks passengers up to
70 feet in the air. The park's nine acres include continuous entertainment, contests,
games and special events for all ages, as well as a full range of snacks and fast food
options.
ZOO: More than 350
animals, including rare and endangered creatures, are displayed in Zoo World Zoological
and Botanical Park on Front Beach Road. Big cats, reptiles, orangutans and other primates
are all part of the entertaining and educational experience at this unusual zoo, an active
participant in The Species Survival Plan -SSP-. SSP was established in 1980 by
international zoological authorities for the purpose of protecting the world's most
severely endangered animal species. Enjoy Zoo World's aviary, the hands-on petting zoo and
stroll the handsome grounds. Open daily at 9:00am.
OCEAN OPRY SHOW: Ocean
Opry is a 1,000 seat family oriented theater featuring country western, old time rock 'n'
roll, blue grass and gospel music. Featuring a cast of 18 performers and big name
entertainment on occasion, the Opry provides good entertainment after the sun sets.
MINIATURE GOLF: Panama
City Beach has responded to the popularity of miniature golf with several elaborate and
colorful courses. Themes range from jungle adventures and pirate ships to treasure hunts
with waterfalls, mountains, dripping caves and lush greenery.
MAZE: Challenge yourself
or your friends to conquer the awesome Gran-Maze. Spanning the length of a football field,
the maze is the first human-size maze of its kind in the country. The safari test of logic
is a race against time as guests validate their tickets at four checkpoints before
clocking out at the exit.
MUSEUM OF MAN IN THE SEA:
Owned by the Institute of Diving and managed by the Panama City Marine Institute, this
one-of-a-kind museum houses relics from the first days of scuba diving and underwater
exploration as well as treasures recovered from shipwrecks. Historical displays trace
man's fascination with the underwater world dating back to 1500. Divers are shown involved
in marine life sciences, underwater exploration, marine salvage and construction,
oceanography and underwater archaeology. Exhibits include artifacts from the Atocha as
well as from the fleet that sank off Ft. Pierce in 1715. Open daily from 9:00am-to 5:00pm.
BAY COUNTY'S JUNIOR MUSEUM:
A short drive from Panama City Beach is an unusual museum for young visitors. Here, they
can see, feel, hear and participate in science, art and nature through exhibits, concerts,
puppet shows, classes and traveling displays. Small visitors can play Indian games and
explore a life-sized teepee in the children's room. Chickens and ducks wait to be fed at a
pioneer village complete with homestead and barn. A nature trail twists through three
environments common to Northwest Florida - a hardwood swamp, a pine island and a hardwood
hammock. Open Tuesday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm.
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