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Explore the Outdoors, Discover New Experiences, and Enjoy Life in Bay County.
From the sugar-white beaches of the Gulf Coast to the quiet waters of St. Andrews Bay and the wooded trails of Northwest Florida, Bay County offers opportunities to get outside, stay active, and explore.
Whether you're spending a day on the water, discovering a nature trail, cheering from the sidelines, or enjoying a neighborhood park, recreation is part of what makes Bay County a distinctive place to live and visit.
With coastal landscapes, community parks, sports facilities, and outdoor experiences throughout the region, there's something to discover at every pace.
Beaches, Bays & Coastal Adventures
Where the Water Is Part of Everyday Life.
Bay County's connection to the Gulf of Mexico, St. Andrews Bay, and its surrounding waterways creates opportunities for recreation throughout the year.
From swimming and beachcombing to boating, paddling, and exploring coastal habitats, the region's waterways are central to the Northwest Florida experience.
St. Andrews State Park
Located at the eastern end of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Its coastal setting provides access to both Gulf waters and the calmer waters around Grand Lagoon, making it a destination for a variety of outdoor activities.
Shell Island
Accessible by boat, Shell Island offers an opportunity to experience an undeveloped stretch of Bay County's coastline.
Visitors can enjoy beachcombing, swimming, wildlife observation, and the natural surroundings of this barrier island.
With limited visitor facilities, planning ahead and respecting the island's sensitive coastal environment are important parts of the experience.
Camp Helen State Park
Situated near the western edge of Panama City Beach, Camp Helen State Park offers a quieter coastal experience where natural landscapes, coastal dune lakes, and local history come together.
Visitors can explore trails, enjoy fishing and paddling, and experience the diverse habitats found along Northwest Florida's coast.
Parks, Trails & Natural Spaces
Find Your Path. Enjoy the Outdoors.
Beyond the beach, Bay County offers parks, trails, and natural areas where residents and visitors can explore, exercise, and spend time together.
From preserved landscapes and walking trails to neighborhood playgrounds and community gathering spaces, these destinations make outdoor recreation accessible in different ways.
Conservation Park
Panama City Beach's Conservation Park provides opportunities to explore preserved natural landscapes through an extensive network of trails and boardwalks.
Popular activities include walking, hiking, biking, birdwatching, and observing the region's native habitats.
Frank Brown Park
Frank Brown Park is a major recreational destination in Panama City Beach, offering sports fields, playgrounds, walking areas, and facilities for community activities.
The park also serves as a gathering place for tournaments, festivals, and other events that bring residents and visitors together.
Neighborhood Parks & Community Recreation
Across Bay County, municipal and county parks provide opportunities for families, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their communities.
From waterfront parks and playgrounds to sports fields, picnic areas, and walking paths, these spaces support recreation close to home.
Communities such as Lynn Haven, Callaway, Panama City, Parker, Springfield, and Mexico Beach each contribute to the region's network of outdoor spaces and recreational opportunities.
Boating, Fishing & Water Recreation
Discover Bay County From the Water.
Water recreation is an important part of Bay County's coastal lifestyle.
St. Andrews Bay, Grand Lagoon, the Gulf of Mexico, and the region's interconnected waterways offer opportunities for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Whether you're exploring a sheltered bayou or heading offshore with an experienced charter captain, there are many ways to enjoy the water.
Fishing & Piers
Bay County offers a variety of fishing experiences, from inshore waters and public piers to offshore excursions.
Popular destinations include Russell-Fields Pier and M.B. Miller Pier in Panama City Beach, along with fishing opportunities throughout St. Andrews Bay and surrounding waterways.
Local fishing guides and charter businesses can also help visitors explore the region's fishing opportunities.
Boating & Paddling
Boat ramps, marinas, and public access points connect residents and visitors to the region's waterways.
Kayaking and paddleboarding offer opportunities to explore coastal habitats and quieter waters, while boating provides access to fishing areas, waterfront destinations, and recreational excursions.
Before heading out, check current weather, water conditions, boating regulations, and access information.
Sports, Fitness & Active Living
Places to Play. Opportunities to Compete.
Bay County's recreational opportunities extend beyond its natural landscapes.
Sports complexes, athletic fields, aquatic facilities, golf courses, and community recreation programs provide opportunities for athletes, families, and spectators.
Publix Sports Park
Located in Panama City Beach, Publix Sports Park hosts youth and amateur sporting events, tournaments, and recreational activities.
The facility contributes to Bay County's sports tourism offerings while providing a destination for organized athletic competition.
Community Sports & Recreation
Throughout Bay County, local parks, recreation departments, schools, and community organizations support opportunities for youth sports, fitness, and recreational participation.
Whether you're looking for a team sport, a place to exercise, or an activity for the family, explore the recreational resources available in your community.
Outdoor Experiences Beyond the Beach
Explore Another Side of Northwest Florida.
Bay County's inland landscapes offer a different kind of outdoor experience.
Forested areas, freshwater waterways, natural habitats, and rural communities provide opportunities to enjoy nature beyond the Gulf Coast.
From hiking and wildlife observation to freshwater fishing and exploring scenic surroundings, these experiences highlight the diversity of the region's natural environment.
For those interested in additional outdoor activities, Bay County's public recreation resources include designated facilities for activities such as target shooting. Visitors should consult the appropriate managing agency for current access requirements, safety rules, and operating information.
Events, Festivals & Community Activities
Find Something to Look Forward To.
Recreation in Bay County isn't limited to parks and outdoor adventures.
Throughout the year, sporting events, community celebrations, festivals, and recreational programs bring people together.
Aaron Bessant Park in Panama City Beach is among the region's outdoor gathering places, hosting concerts and community events in an open-air setting.
Explore the Community Events Calendar to discover upcoming activities throughout Bay County.
Explore More of Bay County
Find Your Next Favorite Place.
From waterfront communities and local businesses to cultural attractions and outdoor adventures, there's more to discover throughout Bay County.
Explore the places and experiences that make Northwest Florida a destination for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
EXPLORE BAY COUNTY COMMUNITIES →
Make the Most of Bay County.
Whether your ideal day includes a sunrise walk, a fishing trip, an afternoon at the park, or a community celebration, Bay County offers opportunities to connect with the outdoors and the people around you.
Discover your next adventure in Bay County.
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