The gardens in Panama City Beach are a byproduct of its many natural assets. From the sun above to the soil below, flora can flourish practically anywhere you look. One of the best parts of visiting any area is discovering what makes the place special, and there are few better places to start than what’s right under your feet. If you’re looking for the best gardens in the area, we’ll tell you more about which ones really steal the show.
1. Eden Gardens State Park
This state park is 163 acres of land that was once called home by the Wesley family. The most memorable landmark is the two-story house set amidst live oak trees. After the Wesleys purchased the land in the late 1800s and stayed there until the 1950s, it was purchased by Lois Maxon in 1963.
Maxon was the one to renovate the interior and exterior of the home, restoring it to its former glory. The gardens are filled with heritage roses, camellias, and azaleas that draw tourists and butterflies alike. No matter what’s in bloom when you visit, the grounds are meticulously maintained by the Master Gardeners.
2. St. Andrews State Park
The most famous part of these campgrounds is the many butterfly gardens that were planted by the St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership. These gardens were an attempt to bring some color and order after the 2018 hurricane. All visitors are encouraged to do more than just wander around and look.
From binoculars to compasses, there are a variety of family-friendly activities that are all designed to get everyone’s minds thinking about the natural forces that occur every day right — often right in front of us. The soil, mulch, and seeds are more than just ornamental; they’re a vital food source for the main attraction (as well as dozens of other insects).
3. Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park is known more for its exciting shows, but it also boasts some lovely indoor and outdoor tropical gardens. What’s more, these areas might just have a penguin or a turtle lounging in the lap of luxury. Tropical gardens in Florida take full advantage of the color and the vibrancy of an area that gets enough sunshine and rainfall to support their development.
If you’re looking for a place that spills out different hues in every variety, we highly recommend carving out time for them. Whether you’re taking the family for a day of fun or you have a specific show you’ve been wanting to see, these gardens are worth a stop.
4. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens
If you’re interested in striking landscaping, these gardens include walled gardens, secret gardens, a reflection pool, and endless azaleas and camellas. The arrangement of the flowers and grounds were all carefully planned, first planted in 1923 by the Maclay family.
Visitors come to kayak or swim. They enjoy picnics among the grounds, grilling on the lakeshore, and sitting under the pavilions for shade. There are trails for walkers, bikers, and horseback riders, and the historic Maclay House stands ready for you to explore.
5. Conservation Park
Conservation Park is a refuge for nature lovers of every variety. It’s 2,900 acres and more than 24 miles of trails. There’s even a boardwalk that winds its way through the cypress trees. If you’re a walker, biker, or bird-watcher, this spot isn’t to be missed. The Audubon Society even gives guided walks where you can learn more about how our winged friends make use of this important area.
Developed in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, there are multiple recreational programs offered over the course of the year to engage with visitors every season.
6. Springfield Walking Park
Springfield Walking Park is an unassuming place but also a great place to slow down and drink in the sun. Most people who come are here to stroll along, and you’ll see plenty of locals who are here to enjoy the beauty of their state.
The walking path around a small pond is a 0.6-mile loop that takes just a few minutes to complete. If you’re looking for a free place to go where you’re unlikely to be swarmed by crowds, these grounds offer some respite if you’re just looking for a quick stint of exercise.
Gardens have the power to transform us on a visceral level. It doesn’t take much effort to sit in the sun and let the wind wash over you to have a transformative effect on visitors. However, even on the most sultry, stifling, humid days, you can still visit and find something worthwhile. Whether it’s a butterfly in your path or the scent of a special camellia, we encourage everyone in Panama City Beach to stop and smell a proverbial rose.
