Panama New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Panama, New York.
1. Panama Rocks Scenic Park
ANCIENT FOREST ADVENTURE
Panama Rocks Scenic Park is TripAdvisor's top-rated attraction in Chautauqua County, featuring ancient rock formations that tower up to 60 feet tall. Visitors can explore a labyrinth of caves, crevices, and passageways through an ancient forest with twisted hemlock roots snaking between massive rocks. The park offers a unique opportunity to experience a natural wonder that has been fascinating visitors for generations.
2. Brokenstraw State Forest
PRISTINE WOODLAND WILDERNESS
Brokenstraw State Forest offers a peaceful retreat in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region with extensive woodland areas for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of native flora and fauna while enjoying activities like bird watching and nature photography. The forest provides a serene environment for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
3. Craft Cottage of Chautauqua
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOWCASE
The Craft Cottage of Chautauqua showcases the talents of local artisans with a high rating of 5.0 on TripAdvisor. Visitors can browse through a variety of handmade crafts, artwork, and souvenirs that capture the essence of the region. This charming establishment offers a glimpse into the creative spirit of Panama and the surrounding Chautauqua County.
4. Southern Tier Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Southern Tier Brewing Company is a popular destination with a 4.5 TripAdvisor rating where beer enthusiasts can sample a variety of locally crafted brews. Visitors can tour the brewing facilities to learn about the beer-making process and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the tasting room. The brewery represents the region's growing craft beverage scene and offers a taste of local creativity and craftsmanship.
5. Lakewood Golf Center
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Lakewood Golf Center provides a laid-back golfing experience for visitors of all skill levels near Panama. The center boasts a 4.3 TripAdvisor rating and offers well-maintained facilities for a fun day out on the greens. Golf enthusiasts and beginners alike can enjoy the peaceful setting while working on their swing.
6. Natural Stone Bridge and Caves
UNDERGROUND MARVEL EXPLORATION
Natural Stone Bridge and Caves invites adventurers to follow Trout Brook under the massive Stone Bridge and through the mysterious Noisy Cave. Visitors can continue their journey into the tranquil Artist's Gorge, experiencing one of New York's remarkable natural wonders. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the underground geological formations that have been shaped over millennia.
7. Letchworth State Park
GRAND CANYON OF EAST
Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, features impressive 600-foot rock walls and thundering waterfalls just a day trip from Panama. Visitors can hike along scenic trails that offer breathtaking views of the gorge carved by the Genesee River. The park's natural beauty changes with the seasons, making it a spectacular destination year-round for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Howe Caverns
SUBTERRANEAN WONDERLAND JOURNEY
Howe Caverns takes visitors 156 feet below the earth's surface to discover eerie limestone formations, stalactites, and underground rivers. Explorers can take guided tours through dramatically lit passages that showcase millions of years of geological history. This natural attraction offers a cool escape on hot summer days and a unique adventure for visitors from Panama year-round.
9. Secret Caverns
HIDDEN UNDERGROUND WATERFALL
Secret Caverns features a spectacular 100-foot underground waterfall that amazes visitors who make the journey from Panama. The cavern system offers a more rustic and less commercialized cave experience compared to other attractions in the region. Guided tours take visitors through fascinating rock formations before revealing the breathtaking waterfall that serves as the highlight of this natural wonder.
10. Niagara Falls
AMERICA'S GREATEST WATERFALL
Niagara Falls, considered the granddaddy of all New York's natural attractions, is within a day trip from Panama and should be on everyone's bucket list. This magnificent waterfall throws an astounding 1.5 million gallons of water off the 173-foot Horseshoe Falls every second, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. Visitors can experience the power and beauty of this shared natural wonder from various viewing platforms or get up close on the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL THERAPY
Shopping in Panama offers visitors unique opportunities to browse local merchandise at places like the Craft Cottage of Chautauqua and other specialty shops in the area. Visitors can discover handcrafted items, regional specialties, and souvenirs that reflect the cultural heritage of Chautauqua County. The small-town shopping experience provides a welcome contrast to big-box retailers, with friendly shopkeepers who often share stories about their products and the region.
12. Dining
TASTY REGIONAL CUISINE
Dining in Panama includes local establishments serving hearty meals and regional specialties, with options ranging from family-owned diners to pubs associated with Southern Tier Brewing Company. Visitors can savor farm-to-table fare featuring fresh ingredients from the abundant agricultural areas surrounding the town. Many restaurants offer seasonal menus that showcase the best of what Chautauqua County has to offer, from fresh produce to locally-raised meats.
13. Hiking
SCENIC NATURE TRAILS
Hiking in Panama offers outdoor enthusiasts beautiful trails through areas like Brokenstraw State Forest and the surrounding Chautauqua-Allegheny region. Visitors can experience breathtaking views of the landscape while traversing paths that wind through ancient forests, alongside streams, and past unique rock formations. The area's varied terrain provides options for hikers of all skill levels, from leisurely nature walks to more challenging treks through rugged wilderness.
14. Fishing
SERENE ANGLING SPOTS
Fishing near Panama provides anglers with opportunities to cast their lines in the tranquil waters of local streams and nearby lakes in Chautauqua County. Visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet while trying to catch various freshwater species that inhabit the region's waterways. The fishing spots around Panama offer both novice and experienced anglers a chance to connect with nature and perhaps bring home a fresh catch for dinner.
15. Camping
RUSTIC OUTDOOR RETREATS
Camping near Panama allows nature lovers to spend nights under the stars at sites in and around Brokenstraw State Forest and the Chautauqua region. Visitors can set up tents or park RVs in designated areas that provide access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor activities. The camping experience offers a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world, with the sounds of wildlife and rustling leaves serving as a peaceful nighttime soundtrack.