Panama City Beach and the surrounding areas offer a number of adventurous and educational day trips which showcase the region's rich history and natural beauty. Just hop in your car and go! General drive times are listed and all of the trips will take less than 24 hours to complete. We know they will make your vacation even more memorable.

Florida Caverns State Park
800 scenic acres. Florida's only publicly accessible limestone caverns, with guided tours,nature trails, swimming, hiking, canoeing, picnicking, camping and fishing. One and a half hour drive north - US 231 to SR 167. 850-482-1228

Falling Waters State Park
67 Foot waterfall, which empties into a 100 foot deep sinkhole, 945 feet of boardwalk transversing numerous dry sinkholes, swimming, picnic and camping areas. One hour drive north on SR 77A. 850-638-6130.

Torreya State Park.
Famous for its high bluffs that rise steeply 150 feet above the Apalachicola River. See a restored antebellum mansion and nature preserve, claimed to be the Garden of Eden because of the magnitude of plants indigenous to the park. Camping and hiking. One and a half hr drive - US 231N to SR 10 to SR 12 on CR 1641. 850-643-2674

Wakulla Springs
One of the worlds deepest and largest fresh water springs. (185 feet deep) The grounds are home to an abundance of wildlife. Enjoy glass bottom boats and jungle cruises, swimming, nature trails and picnic areas. (2 hour drive - US 231 N to SR 20 to SR 267). 850-224-5950

Apalachicola
City with over 200 nationally registered historic homes from the late 1800's. The river and bay provide fishing and the neighboring St. George Island is home to miles of pristine beach. Browse the old fashioned gallery stores of downtown and enjoy the freshest seafood from local restaurants. Area produces 90% of Florida's oysters. (1.5 hr drive east on Hwy 98)

Eden Gardens State Park
A stately 1895 post Civil War southern mansion among moss draped live oak trees surrounded by lush gardens - and a popular wedding destination. Approx 30 minute tour of the house. 30 minute drive E on Hwy 98. 850-229-8029.

Tallahassee
Florida's state capital with a multitude of unique historic sites; see the cemetery where Union and Confederate soldiers rest alongside Prince Murat, Napoleon's nephew, McGinnis House, a gallery honoring Florida's first artist; a 1633 Spanish Mission site and the Museum of FL history. (2 hr drive north US 231 to SR 20)

Ponce deLeon Springs State Park.
Consists of 2 flows which produce 14 millions gallons of water daily at a year round 68 degrees. Swimming, picnicking and nature trails (1 hr drive - SR 79 to 20W to 81N) 850-836-4281.

Deerpoint Dam and Hutchison Park
5,000 square acre fresh water lake provides 760 million gallons of water per day. Picnic area. (45 minute drive - SR 77 to 388E)

Chautauqua Vineyard in Defuniak Springs
Delightful day tour reflecting a place of culture, arts and crafts. (1 hr drive - Hwy 98W to 331 N) - 850-892-5887

Econfina Creek
One of Florida's designated canoe trails where wildlife is abundant and adventure awaits. 22 miles of narrow, twisting and swiftly flowing waters. 850-488-3701

Chipola River
52 miles through high limestone bluffs, past caves and exciting rapids and shoals. Canoe liveries will shuttle your canoe and provide equipment. 850-482-4948.

Scenic 30A
Visit an eclectic variety of shops that sit on quaint cobblestone streets or stroll the sandy white beaches while viewing the picturesque houses of these quiet gulf side villages. (45 minute drive - Hwy 98 W to CR 30A) 850-seaside.

More canoe info - Florida DEP Visitor Centre of Greenways and Trails 850-488-3701 or 822-5208 www.dep.state.fl.us