Panama City Attractions Guide
1: Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
Millennium Park is famous in Chicago, and a trip to the city wouldn’t be complete without a visit.
Spanning 24.5 acres, it’s a public space that showcases cutting-edge architecture, modern art, and beautiful landscaping. There are multiple smaller spaces for art, concerts, pavilions, gardens, and more.
One of the most popular and unusual features of Millennium Park is the Crown Fountain. This fountain is equipped with two LED-fitted towers spanning 50 feet in height.
The towers show videos of local Chicago residents with LED lights. The videos are aligned so that, at a point at regular intervals, the faces of the people pucker up their lips, and water flows out from a fountain between them. It makes it look like the videos are “spitting” onto onlookers.
Another highly popular feature of Millennium Park is the Cloud Gate, often called “The Bean”.
Weighing 110 tons, the elliptical shape is designed to reflect the city skyline. It’s made purely from stainless steel and is extremely iconic. The polished surface looks almost like liquid mercury.
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
2: Navy Pier
Navy Pier was created in 1916 as a shipping facility and amusement location. Today, it’s an iconic location filled with various attractions and features that make it a major tourist trap.
There are 50 acres of space filled with concert venues, gardens, eateries, parks, shops, museums, entertainment sites, and more. Festivals are also often held on the pier against the stunning backdrop of Lake Michigan.
When you’re at Navy Pier, you’ll realize more than ever that Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the USA.
The moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a 196-foot Ferris wheel ride that towers above all. Further rides involve a swing-seat attraction, a golf course, and a historic carousel. There’s simply so much to do and enjoy!
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Website: www.navypier.org
Also Read: Most Beautiful Piers in the USA
3: Art Institute of Chicago
It goes without saying that the Art Institute of Chicago is among the prime Chicago attractions for any art enthusiast.
It’s home to one of America’s most impressive and expansive impressionists and post-impressionist art collections.
Boasting over 300,000 works from across the planet in just its permanent collection, you’ll find works from ancient and modern times alike.
The art institute is situated inside a gorgeous Beaux-Arts-style building. The entrance is guarded by two iconic bronze lions.
Basically, you’re looking at art the moment you arrive! Inside, you’ll find works dating back to the Byzantine era, works by masters like Renoir, van Gogh, and Monet, and a vast collection of art from other continents.
There are photographs, dollhouses in miniature rooms, an armory of medieval fittings, authentic furnishings, and much more.
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Website: www.artic.edu
4: Buckingham Fountain
Buckingham Fountain is one of the world’s biggest fountains and is an absolute must-see in Chicago.
It sits in the very middle of Grant Park. The tiered fountain has a whopping 133 jets, with water that is shot up as high as 150 feet.
The fountain may contain a jaw-dropping 5,700,000 liters of water at any one time.
Displays are choreographed in 20-minute chunks once per hour, and those shows are even lit up and musically accompanied at night.
Buckingham Fountain was made in 1927 and is constructed from Georgia pink marble. The pool sits in measures 85 meters across and its total height is an impressive eight meters.
Architecture lovers will note the Rococo design inspired by the famous Versailles Latona Fountain. The fountain has four pairs of sea horses in statues, each representing the states across Lake Michigan.
Address: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Panama City Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in America, and it’s easy to see why. With its beautiful waterfront town, miles of sugar-white sand beaches, and calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a perfect destination for a fun break in the sun. The town is also home to countless theme parks, arcades, and other attractions that are sure to keep everyone entertained.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with your entire family, Panama City Beach has something to offer. Families in particular love the affordable beach vacations that are available, with plenty of options for budget-friendly accommodations and activities.
Aside from the beaches, there are many other attractions to explore in Panama City Beach. Nature reserves like St. Andrews State Park offer hiking trails, fishing, and camping opportunities, while shopping districts like Pier Park offer a variety of stores and restaurants to explore. And of course, the town’s nightlife scene is lively and exciting, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to check out.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting beach vacation in America, Panama City Beach is definitely worth considering. With its stunning natural beauty, endless attractions, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a destination that’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
The Best beaches in Panama City include:
Panama City Beach & Pier
Pier Park located in Panama City Beach has become a main tourist attraction for shopping and entertainment with over a million visitors a year. There are also several hotels located near Pier Park that offer easy access to the shopping and entertainment hub. Some of the popular options include the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront, the Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Pier Park Area, and the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort.
For more information on planning a trip to Panama City Beach, be sure to check out the Panama City Beach travel guide. This guide offers tips on everything from the best beaches and attractions to local restaurants and nightlife. It’s a great resource for anyone planning a trip to this popular Florida destination.
Shell Island beach – 
Shell Island is truly one of the most breathtaking and iconic beach destinations on the Emerald Coast. This seven-mile-long barrier island is situated between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, creating a truly unique and picturesque setting that’s unlike any other.
To access the island, visitors must take the Shell Island Shuttle from St. Andrews State Park, which is the most popular and convenient option. The shuttle ride takes about 10-15 minutes and provides stunning views of the surrounding waters and coastline. Alternatively, some visitors may choose to access the island by private boat, which can offer more flexibility and privacy.
Once you arrive on Shell Island, you’ll be greeted by a paradise-like setting that’s difficult to describe in words. The island’s pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation create a serene and peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Visitors to Shell Island can enjoy a wide range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. There are also several hiking trails on the island that provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. And for those who simply want to soak up the sun and enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of quiet and secluded spots to relax and unwind.
Overall, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable beach experience on the Emerald Coast, Shell Island is a destination that should not be missed. Its unparalleled natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities make it a true paradise for visitors of all ages and interests.
St. Andrews State Park Beach
Dog Beach
Camp Helen State Park
is a unique ecological destination located in the Florida Panhandle. The park covers 180 acres and is situated between Lake Powell and the Gulf of Mexico, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as kayaking, paddling, swimming, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching. One of the highlights of the park is its rare coastal dune lake, which is one of the largest in the world. The park is also home to various prehistoric mounds and middens, evidence that humans lived in the area over 4,000 years ago. Today, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
