Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Callaway, Florida

Situated adjacent to the picturesque East Bay, Callaway is a small residential city just outside Panama City.

With a brief drive, you can access the sandy beaches of Panama City Beach or the vibrant downtown Panama City, offering a variety of dining, shopping, and farmers’ markets.

St. Andrews Bay is a particular highlight, famous for its large pods of bottlenose dolphins and the pristine white sands of Shell Island.

There is an incredible array of activities nearby, whether kayaking, navigating a pontoon boat, or observing dolphins alongside a marine biologist.

Closer within Callaway, parks line the East Bay shores, while the Tyndall Air Force Base is situated across the water, recently welcoming an impressive fleet of F-35 aircraft.

Similar to Callaway, the base suffered significant damage during Hurricane Michael in 2018. However, during my visit a few years later, it appeared to have fully recovered.

1. John B. Gore Park

Source: cityofcallaway.com

This beautiful park is located along Callaway Bayou, offering a range of amenities and recreational options.

The park includes a historic schoolhouse managed by the local historical society and a small museum. Despite suffering partial destruction during Hurricane Michael in 2018, they were fully restored by the early 2020s.

During my visit, tours were available on the third Sunday of each month. Additionally, John B. Gore Park features a boat ramp, dock, basketball court, playground, tennis courts, ball fields, and a soccer/football field.

For those who rise early, it provides a charming setting to witness the sunrise over the bayou.

2. Under the Oaks Park

If I had to select one local park to spend time in, it would undoubtedly be this bayside area at Long Point’s head.

As the name suggests, Under the Oaks Park features a serene grove of majestic live oaks. Similar to the rest of the park, these were affected by Hurricane Michael in 2018.

Nevertheless, during my visit a few years later, the park was in excellent condition. It includes a beach on East Bay, offering stunning water views in the morning.

A nine-hole disc golf course, a kayak launch, a playground, pavilions, numerous picnic tables, and a scenic walking path enhance the experience.

3. Hit the Beach

Source: Rob Hainer / shutterstock

The Hathaway Bridge is just over 20 minutes from Callaway, serving as the gateway to extensive stretches of remarkable beaches.

The warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico are typically tranquil compared to the often turbulent Atlantic, making it an ideal destination for swimmers, sunbathers, and beach enthusiasts looking to relax.

St. Andrews State Park offers undeveloped beaches popular for fishing and snorkeling. For those seeking more facilities, a variety of public access options are available.

For instance, Rick Seltzer Park features a boardwalk, seasonal lifeguards, and convenient access to a range of dining and shopping options.

4. Veterans Park

Source: Terry Kelly / shutterstock

Located on Cherry Street, this park officially opened to the public in 1994. Callaway maintains a strong connection to the armed forces, particularly the Air Force, and this park serves as a venue for the annual Veterans Day celebrations.

A preserved F15 fighter jet immediately attracts attention, giving the impression of soaring at an impressive speed while remaining stationary. Nearby, a pavilion honors a local individual who lost his life during Desert Storm.

The park extends along a long and narrow strip, with a half-mile trail that runs past a pond and creek, feeding Callaway Bayou. Facilities include two observation piers, shaded picnic areas, and a playground.

5. Reel Time Fishers

Source: ReelTime Fishers / Facebook

One of the numerous benefits of being located on the Gulf Coast is the availability of exceptionally fresh seafood. A fantastic Southern-style market and restaurant along SR 22 provides generous portions at reasonable prices in a comfortable atmosphere.

ReelTime Fishers is celebrated for its fried grouper, fried mullet, and low country shrimp boil. Complementary sides include hush puppies, cheese grits, and fried okra.

During my visit, I indulged in a fried seafood platter, featuring stuffed crabs, scallops, oysters, shrimp, and mullet, accompanied by potato salad and red beans & rice.

6. St. Andrew Bay

Callaway is located within a vast estuary encompassing nearly 70,000 acres. This tranquil body of water serves as an exceptional sanctuary for wildlife.

The St. Andrew Bay is home to one of the resident populations of bottlenose dolphins in the world. Occasionally, manatees are spotted here in winter, while the area offers excellent fishing opportunities with large schools of mullet, redfish, and speckled trout.

Ten minutes west around the bay lies Panama City, providing access to various water-based activities. These may include fishing charters, eco-tours, jet skiing, pontoon boat rentals, or excursions to Shell Island, an uninhabited paradise on the eastern side of the inlet.

7. Panama City

Just ten minutes west of Callaway, you’ll find a historic and vibrant downtown area in Panama City. If you enjoy strolling along eclectic main streets, Harrison Ave presents numerous enjoyable options.

The area boasts a delightful mix of specialty shops, cultural experiences, and international cuisine. The ideal time to visit is Saturday morning when the farmers’ market is bustling at McKenzie Park.

The waterfront features marinas, providing opportunities for fishing trips, cruises, and other activities on St. Andrew Bay.

Another charming commercial district is situated along Beck Avenue, a short distance west. Here, you will find an engaging local history museum housed in a former printworks, as well as the beautiful Oaks by the Bay Park.

This park hosts the well-regarded Market at St. Andrews, also taking place on Saturday mornings.

8. Earl Gilbert Park

Located on Long Point, this scenic public park extends into East Bay. Adjacent to Earl Gilbert Park, the DuPont Bridge connects US Hwy 98 to Tyndall Air Force Base.

This park serves as an excellent starting point for adventures on East Bay, featuring a boat ramp and over 1,000 feet of shoreline.

A row of covered picnic shelters is positioned by the water, and I cherish the moments spent here watching the sunset.

While Hurricane Michael caused significant damage to Earl Gilbert Park, there are now no visible traces of destruction, and the park offers a small, immaculate beach area for children.

9. The Martin Theatre

Source: Ebyabe / Wikimedia

Located just ten minutes away in downtown Panama City, the Martin Theatre began operations in 1936 as a cinema.

It experienced several challenging decades, ultimately falling into disrepair in the 1970s.

Fortunately, this stunning Art Deco venue underwent renovations and reopened in the 1990s. It now features a diverse schedule of films and live performances, including musicals, dramatic plays, comedy shows, and concerts.

At the time of writing, the theater was undergoing further renovations following considerable damage from Hurricane Michael.

10. Callaway Recreational Complex

Nestled within the pine woodlands on the northeastern border of the city, this public facility offers a feeling of seclusion. In my view, the Callaway Recreational Complex is the premier location for sports amenities.

Spanning 80 acres, the complex opened in 2000 and also houses the Leisure Services Department and the Callaway Arts and Conference Center.

If you are a local parent with active children, you are likely to frequent this place. With multiple fields for soccer, softball, baseball, and football, the complex serves as a base for a variety of youth and adult sports leagues.

A mile-long fitness trail and a children’s fishing pond, which hosts an annual fishing rodeo in June, round out the offerings.

11. Patterson Park

This public park, located along Callaway Bayou and not far north of John B. Gore Park, is easy to overlook. Patterson Park serves as a serene passive space, devoid of recreational amenities.

However, this area might be my favorite in Callaway for a picnic, attributed to the exquisite view of the bayou and the remarkable live oak.

This majestic tree, which dates back to the 19th century, is adorned with long strands of Spanish moss hanging from its branches. Concrete picnic tables are available beneath the tree, along with a small play area for children.

12. Annual Veterans Day Parade and Celebration

Source: nito / shutterstock

Another longstanding event in Callaway is the annual Veterans Day parade along Cherry Street, a tradition that has been upheld for over 30 years.

Honoring members of the armed forces across the five branches, the event is a remarkable spectacle. During my visit, over 80 vehicles participated, with a Vietnam veteran serving as the Grand Marshal.

The event unites community leaders, businesses, civic organizations, and schools, combining reverence with enjoyable festivities. The celebrations continue at Veterans Park, featuring live music and complimentary food and drinks.

13. Gulf Coast Salute

The Tyndall Air Force Base across East Bay sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Michael, followed by the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.

In past years, public tours of the facility were available, yet this option was unavailable when I compiled this list.

However, a beloved community event that is returning is the Gulf Coast Salute air show. After a seven-year hiatus from 2017 to 2024, the first edition post-break occurred at Panama City Beach rather than on base.

Scheduled for the first weekend of May, this event presents an opportunity to witness the cutting-edge capabilities of the new F-35s, alongside thrilling flight demonstrations by groups such as the Thunderbirds.

14. Annual Children’s Fishing Rodeo

Source: Brocreative / shutterstock

Each year, the Callaway Recreational Complex serves as the venue for a popular children’s fishing event for kids under 16 and their parents.

Dating back more than twenty years, the Children’s Fishing Rodeo is typically held during Father’s Day weekend. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission instructors are present annually to provide guidance, featuring a touch tank by the University of Florida, and complimentary food and beverages.

Participants can also engage in cast net contests and win prizes just for attending. For example, during my visit, the first 200 participants received a free fishing rod and reel.