City Guide: Panama City, Forida
Situated in northwest Florida, about 100 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Panama City is known for its world class beaches. The area is home to 27 miles of beautiful, white sand beaches along the Atlantic Ocean.
This region of Florida also happens to be home to the world’s highest concentration of bottlenose dolphins and is home to two state parks that make this area of a paradise for beach lovers and wildlife lovers alike.
Water sports enthusiasts will have plenty to do as well, if relaxing on a beach or wildlife spotting isn’t your thing. Panama City is a four-season paradise for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and kiteboarding. There are also numerous charters that offer inshore and offshore fishing, scuba and snorkeling excursions.
No matter what your travel style is, you’re bound to find something for you in beautiful Panama City.
To make your trip planning even easier, I’ve partnered with Hotels.com to compile this guide of the top places to stay, eat, and play in Panama City, Florida.
STAY
Panama City, Florida is home to a variety of different lodging options from boutique bed and breakfasts to luxury beachfront resorts.
The Shores of Panama resort is a family-friendly retreat in the heart of Panama City Beach. The 23-story Gulf front property features 150 fully furnished condo rentals with a host of luxury amenities including a full-service spa, lagoon style pool, two tiki bars for on-site dining and drinks, and exhilarating water sports and beachfront activities to keep you entertained.
Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point
This Marriott property is one of the most luxurious resorts in Panama City Beach. The property features spacious two-bedroom villas with top quality amenities including oversized soaking tubs in each suite. The resort is located moments from the beach and has a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and children’s splash pad on site. A short drive from the resort you’ll find Pier Park for shopping, dining and nightlife, St. Andrews State Park and the marina
The Pearl Hotel is the only full-service, adults only hotel in the area, making it the perfect spot for a girl’s trip or romantic getaway. The property features distinctive Old World European architecture and sun-drenched turrets and terraces; along with timeless black-and-white striped awnings that bring an ultra-luxury boutique experience to the regal shores of Florida.
EAT
Runaway Island has been a dining experience in the making for over 20 years by locals who know fresh seafood and Panama City Beach. The restaurant boasts 2 levels of indoor dining space, but the crowning achievement is the outdoor deck complete with a boardwalk that extends all the way to the shores of the white sandy beach.
If you’re looking for authentic Cajun cuisine in Panama City, look no further than Bayou on the Beach. Their menu features recipes brought to Florida straight from Lafayette, to give guests a true taste of Louisiana. Their fresh seasoned and hand battered seafood is raved about by locals and tourists alike. And with their giant portion sizes, you will never leave here hungry!
Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant
Since 1986, visitors and locals alike have made Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar the place to go for fresh Gulf seafood, live entertainment, and the most spectacular Panama City Beach views.
PLAY
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is a 1200-acre Florida State Park that’s home to a variety of wildlife species and is consistently ranked one of the top things to do in Florida. The park features two-and-a-half miles of beaches, bicycling and hiking trails, boat and canoe tours, fishing piers, kayaking excursions, picnicking areas, scuba diving and snorkeling, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities.
Pier Park
Pier Park is one of Panama City’s most popular attractions because it has a little bit of everything. It offers guests incredible views of the ocean, beautiful walking areas, and several dining and retail establishments that have been known to keep visitors occupied for hours on end. Many nights also see the area host outdoor movie screenings or live entertainment after the sun goes down.
The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
Located on Airport Road in Panama City, The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida is a family-friendly attraction that’s popular with visitors looking to learn more about the natural world, history, culture, and Florida wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the exhibits for a more immersive learning experience.
As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.
