If you ask us, the best roadside attractions are historic, fun, and a little bit odd. Unfortunately, these kinds of attractions are now few and far between.
One of the best examples of these old-school roadside attractions is Goofy Golf in Panama City Beach.
Flickr/Melinda Shelton
The towering concrete statues are totally unique and nothing like the snooze-worthy cookie-cutter statues on most of the large franchise courses.
Flickr/Melinda Shelton
It might not seem all that impressive next to our theme parks today, but when it was built in 1959, this park was a real innovation in family fun. You can tell just by looking at these figures that they are unique and handmade, making theme real works of art.
Flickr/Brent Moore
Creator Lee Koplin built landmarks from faraway lands, colorful dinosaurs, bizarre monsters, and other exotic creatures. Many of these kitschy creations have eyes with colorful lights that glow in the dark and interactive parts that challenge players.
Flickr/Melinda Shelton
At one hole, an alligator snaps his mouth shut. At another, a giant monkey swats your ball away with his tail. With these huge over-the-top figures, Koplin changed mini golf into the wacky, silly, exciting game it is today.
Flickr/Melinda Shleton
Visiting this Panama City Beach landmark is simultaneously a trip back in time and an affordable, fun activity for the whole family.
Flickr/Melinda Shelton
It’s also pretty cool that it remains a local family-owned business (owned by Koplin’s daughter) after 58 years in operation.
Flickr/Erik B
Address: 12206 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407. (On the strip, across from the pier). Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., daily (subject to change, please call ahead if possible). Phone:850-234-6403.
Flickr/Melinda Shelton
Flickr/Brent Moore
Flickr/Melinda Shleton
Flickr/Erik B
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