Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Alys Beach

"Tropical gardens plus shark feedings, dolphin encounters & sea lion, parrot & dolphin shows. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, alligators, sea turtles, iguana and more. Interactive programs include Swim with a Dolphin, Trainer for a Day, Animal Encounters, Meet N` Greets and many more!"

"Do your kids want to get up close and personal with the marine life of Panama City Beach?. Head to Gulf World Marine Park!. This attraction has been a local staple since 1970 and provides educational and exciting experiences for guests young and young at heart."

"Entertainment meets education at this beautiful marine park!. Enjoy close encounters with dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, exotic birds, and other animals. Directions from the Holiday Inn Resort: Head northwest on Front Beach Road/US 98 ALT."

"With just under 3,000 acres of uplands and wetlands, PCB Conservation Park offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking to bird-watching and wildlife spotting. The park has a dozen well-maintained trails, which range from approximately a half mile to 12 miles in length, a total of 24 miles in all. Several of these have sections of boardwalk, which are especially convenient for strollers and wheelchairs, and most of the dirt paths are reasonably level, making them suitable for anyone."

"Panama City Beach’s Conservation Park covers nearly 3,000 acres. With 12 trails to choose from ranging in distance from 0.6 to 11 miles, the Conservation Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while taking a break from the beach. A combination of wooden boardwalks and bridges, paved paths, and dirt trails wind their way through cypress domes."

"There’s more to PCB than beach scenery, as you’ll discover while hiking through the beautifully-preserved wetlands at Conservation Park. This vast green space provides one of the most peaceful, nature-filled experiences on the Emerald Coast."

"Conveniently located adjacent to Panama City’s public beach, Russell-Fields City Pier is supposedly the longest pier of its kind on the Gulf of Mexico. Stretching more than 1,500 feet out into the gulf, it is a particular favorite of fishermen and walkers looking for the perfect place to capture a breathtaking Florida sunset. It’s common to see many marine animals, including fish, turtles, and rays, and the anglers often haul in impressive catches as well."

"At just over 1,500 feet long, Russell-Fields City Pier is the longest pier of its kind on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a favorite destination for walkers, anglers, and those interested in witnessing an amazing Florida sunset. It’s common to see fish, rays, and turtles in the surf below the pier, and the fishermen often haul up exotic and colorful catches that defy description."

"Take a walk down the Russell-Field Pier extending over 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. Apart from the gorgeous pier, the Russell-Fields offers amazing fishing grounds and lovely views. Access to the pier is $3 for a spectator day pass."

"For those in search of outdoor activities other than the beach, Panama City Beach also offers a variety of parks, ranging from large recreational areas to small neighborhood green spaces. While there are parks located outside PCB's city limits, including St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park, the main three parks on the Beach are Frank Brown Park, Aaron Bessant Park and the PCB Conservation Park, according to Jim Ponek, parks and recreation director for the city. Ponek said Frank Brown is more of a "traditional sports park," with baseball, softball and soccer fields; basketball, tennis and shuffleboard courts; and several playgrounds, concession stands and picnic areas."

"Located on Thomas Drive in Panama City Beach, Rick Seltzer Beach is another convenient beach destination that’s slightly closer to town than the aforementioned St. Andrews Park. There’s ample parking nearby, and the beach is close to popular area hotels and restaurants, making it a great fit for those who want to spend as little time as possible in the car. The beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season, and there’s a boardwalk just inland from the dunes that’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll."

"For some of the best access to the beaches of Panama City Beach, look no further than Rick Seltzer Park. The park boasts one of the best beaches in the entire city. Offering a great lifeguard crew, great views of the sunset, and close access to a variety of restaurants, Rick Seltzer Park is the perfect place to try out Panama City Beach watersports."

"An 1133-acre stretch of marble-colored dunes rolling down to the water's edge, this state park's beauty is genuinely mind-blowing. The park sits nestled against the wealthy but down-to-earth community of Grayton Beach, home to the famed Red Bar and to the quirky Dog Wall – a mural on which residents paint portraits of their dogs. "

"This is the place to see what Florida looked like when only Native Americans lived here. One of the most scenic spots along the Gulf…"

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. If you’re in town with family, especially kids, a visit to SkyWheel Panama City Beach should be in order. This tourist venue mainly features its 200-ft (67-yard) wheel named SkyWheel Observation Wheel, but it is a full entertainment center with other attractions like the 18-hole mini-golf course, ropes course, and zip line."

"Aaron Bessant Park is one of Panama City Beach’s newest event destinations, and it’s most well-known for its free concert series. The park’s grounds are comprised of nearly 70 acres and include a large amphitheater that hosts evening concerts in a wide range of music genres, from country and rock to jazz and the blues. Concerts start in the evening when the sun has gone down, and most guests spread blankets on the ground and bring folding chairs along with coolers full of food and drinks."

"Recognized as an award-winning park, Frank Brown Park is the center of all things active in Panama City Beach. The area offers facilities to accommodate a variety of sports including baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, football, basketball, shuffleboard, gymnastics, and fishing. In addition, Frank Brown Park features a community center, playgrounds, a dog park, an aquatic center, and over twenty acres to host large scale events."

"Offshore from St Andrews State Park, this sandy 'desert' island is fantastic for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. There are neither facilities nor shade: wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen. To get here, buy tickets for the Shell Island Shuttle at Pier Marketplace in the park; there's a trolley service to the boat. Snorkeling packages ($27) and kayak rental (single/tandem $55/65 per day) are available – the price includes your shuttle trip to the island. Check website for details and schedules."

"Mr. Puff’s is a great place to go for a little outside-the-box frozen-dessert foraying. The ice cream here comes in rolled-up form, accentuated by any number of different toppings. There’s a novelty factor to enjoying your ice cream in this getup, but the flavors are also mighty tasty: They include everything from brownie/Oreo and strawberry/blueberry combos to cookie dough and the ultra-sugary Fruity Pebbles option."

"Take your usual ice cream experience to the next level at Marble Slab Creamery, where you’ll encounter small-batch flavors with plenty of options for mix-ins. Fresh ingredients ensure that every cup, cone, sundae or shake tastes delicious, regardless of your preferred flavor. Even seemingly simple options such as vanilla taste wonderful due to the care that goes into selecting and preparing the shop’s high-quality ingredients."

"Sweets galore await you within the fragrant embrace of Riviera Creamery, where in addition to toffees, chocolates, and other hand-made confections you’ll find a polar paradise of ice cream, sorbets, and sherbets delivering the perfect refreshing cool-off for that Panama City Beach swelter. Flavors run the gamut, including French Vanilla, Pralines & Cream, Raspberry Truffle, Butterscotch Vanilla, Orange Sorbet, and Salted Caramel Pretzel. If you’re a coffee-lover, don’t miss the Guatemalan Ripple, which combines Guatemalan coffee ice cream with mocha fudge swirl and chocolate truffles."

"The staff members at Riviera Creamery are just as sweet as the shop’s beloved desserts. If you’re like most visitors, you will be impressed by the welcoming environment long before you taste the wonderful ice cream. But while you’ll appreciate the friendly surroundings, the flavor will ultimately hook you."

"The unique menu at Chewie’s Kitchen includes several imaginative dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Panama City Beach. Sandwiches and salads abound, with a fancy take on grilled cheese ideal for vegetarian visitors. With brunch, the kid’s menu is actually more vegetarian-friendly than the standard adult options, although the Housemade Chewie Hash can be enjoyed without meat."

"We had never had this chain and while on vacation we had planned to visit based on the menu. We arrived later in the night around 7 or 8p, it was pretty ..."

"the food came quickly and without problem right to our condo. the delivery guy was nicest I've met and the pizza was good!. pizza could use a little…"

"If you like Thai or Sushi, this is your restaurant, they make killer food, the presentation of the food is just as good as the flavor, seems very…"

"Along with enjoying a wide range of Hawaiian- and Thai-inspired dishes, Pokee & Ice Rolls gives you the opportunity to taste a frozen dessert concocted in Thailand: the irresistible ice roll!. It’s essentially stir-fried ice cream, and it’s wonderful. Choose a base ice-cream flavor as well as a filling, and then select whatever goodies you want on top of your rollup, including fresh fruit, drizzle, or whipped cream."

"Pokee & Ice Rolls is bringing Panama City Beach a vibrant fusion of Thai and Hawaiian delicacies. You’ll have nearly limitless ways to create your own culinary masterpiece. Our friendly staff will guide you in your pokee order as you choose from a bowl, sushi burrito, or salad, and then complete it with a selection of fresh proteins and other toppings."