Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a city on the Emerald Coast of Florida. It is approximately halfway between the state capitol, Tallahassee, and Pensacola.

Understand

Panama City Beach, Florida

The area including Panama City Beach is known as the Emerald Coast. While many people call Panama City Beach, Panama City, they are separate cities, separated by a St. Andrew's Bay, with the beaches and a large proportion of tourist activities being in Panama City Beach, and more business-oriented activities being in Panama City.

History

The St. Andrews Bay area was home to Native Americans before it was settled as a community in the 1800s. Pirates found the deep pockets of the Bay ideal to lie in wait for merchant ships in route to Mexico or Spain. Legend has it that many a pirate buried his share of treasure at Spanish Shanty Point on Shell Island.

Another area teeming with history in Panama City Beach is St Andrews State Recreation Area. During World War II, it was part of the St. Andrews Sound Military Reservation. Circular cannon platforms are still in place near the jetties. Opened in 1951, the park now covers more than 1,200 acres.

For quite some time Panama City Beach has been a popular vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States. The city is also a very popular spring break destination, sometimes being referred to as "the Spring Break Capital of the World," with over 500,000 college and high school students who arrive during the months of March and April.

Well-known locations in the city were places such as "The Hang-Out" at the Long Beach Resort motel and the now closed Miracle Strip Amusement Park. There has been a construction boom and the cityscape is now characterized by high-rise hotels and condominiums.

Climate

Panama City Beach is in the warm subtropical zone, which is not as warm as South Florida, but it is still has mild winters, hot summers, and pleasant spring and fall weather. The nearby waters of the Gulf of Mexico helps to moderate the climate.

Get in

By plane

Panama City Beach is served by the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP ^IATA) in neighboring West Bay. NFBIA, while international in name, does not offer any regularly scheduled international flights. Delta Air Lines offers daily non-stop service under the Delta Connection brand from Atlanta and Memphis. Southwest also has flights from Baltimore, Houston-Hobby, Nashville and Orlando. From the airport it is a short drive to the east end of the Panama City Beach, but due to the long shape of the beaches, it can take a bit longer to reach the west end.

A great alternative to fly into for a better fare when flying in from Canada is North West Florida Regional Airport (VPS) an hour and a half away from PCB.

By car

Travelers headed to Panama City Beach often drive to the destination, due to the strong regional appeal the area has. There are several routes to take depending on which direction a traveler is coming from. If coming from the North, US Highway 231, State Route 77, State Route 79 are all excellent roads into the area. US Highway 98 is the major East-West Highway along the coast and with the Alternate route the only long distance East-West roads in Panama City Beach.

Arriving by US 231 or SR 77, turn onto 23rd Street in Panama City. Travel the length of the highway until you reach Port Panama City/Gulf Coast Community College and then turn right onto US 98. A few moments later you will be across St. Andrews Bay and in Panama City Beach.

Arriving by US 98 or SR 79, there is nothing more to do to reach Panama City Beach as these two highways take travelers directly to the beaches, with SR 79 terminating at the beach.

If using Interstate 10 to reach Panama City Beach, there will be several exits to take depending on your direction of travel. If arriving from the East, use the exit for US 231. From the exit it is a 50-mile drive to Panama City. If arriving from the West, exit at SR 79. As an alternative you can exit at US 331/DeFuniak Springs in Walton County and head south. US 331 terminates at US 98 and from there is a short drive to Bay County and Panama City Beach.

By bus

Panama City Beach does not have a bus terminal. However, neighboring Panama City does have one that is served by Greyhound.

Get around

Public transportation

Panama City Beach is served by the Bay Town Trolley, which serves routes throughout Bay County. Service is limited on the beach with two routes: Route 8 running from the west end of Front Beach Road to the Panama City Beach Senior Center on Middle Beach Road and Route 7 which runs from the Panama City Beach Senior Center along Middle Beach Road to Thomas Drive to the Gulf Coast Community College transfer station. If you miss the trolley, you can expect to be waiting for a while before the next one comes by. This is a common complaint with the system and has been helped slightly with the splitting of Routes 7 and 8 to provide more frequent service. One-way fare is $1.

Car rentals

On Panama City Beach there is an Enterprise Rent-a-Car in the Shoppes at Edgewater next to the Waffle House. If you are arriving by air, all of the major care rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car) are at the airport, just across from baggage claim.

Other rentals

Many visitors to Panama City Beach rent scooters or electric cars to drive along Front Beach Road. There are several different companies and locations to rent from, most of them along Front Beach Road and Thomas Drive. Check the local phonebook under motorcycle rental for listings. Always compare prices and check your hotel lobby for money saving coupons while in Panama City Beach. Enjoy your vacation and be safe!

• Classic Rentals, 13226 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 

See

• Miles of white sandy beaches with beautiful emerald green waters. It's considered to be part of the "world's most beautiful beaches" because of the spectacular white sand and glistening emerald green waters. It is so soft it literally squeaks under foot. You will be spoiled forever after experiencing this. (However, this applies more to nearby Destin and Okaloosa Island today, Panama City's beaches tend to be a bit dirtier - Panama City is generally known as more of a concert or college partying place rather than a 'pristine beach' place.)
• 🌍 St. Andrews State Park, 4607 State Park Ln, ☎ [phone]. 8AM-sunset. St. Andrews State Park is on the east end of Panama City Beach along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, St. Andrews Bay, and the Grand Lagoon. The park has plenty of pristine white beaches that the area is known for, but also has a few short trails that snake around in the dunes. The park has stores where you can buy supplies for the day, and plenty of parking. There is camping available, mostly facing the Grand Lagoon, but there is also a Primitive campsite that faces both the Lagoon and Bay. There is an entrance fee of $5 per vehicle. Other fees are listed on the park's website. $5 entry fee.  
• 🌍 Pine Log State Forest, 5583-A Longleaf Road, Ebro, ☎ [phone]. Pine Log State Forest is a short drive from Panama City Beach going north on Highway 79. This state forest which spans two counties has numerous recreational opportunities such as camping (developed and primitive), multiple trails including a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail, and a horse trail as well. The fees vary and are usually based on the honor system. Please check the forest's website for more information.  
• 🌍 Camp Helen State Park, 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]AM-sunset. The newest state park in Panama City Beach, is at the far west end of the beaches right before the county line. Camp Helen is a small park but does manage to offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnics, boating, as well as a portion of the beach that is much more quiet than other areas of the beach. Camp Helen also features many buildings that are reminiscent of the history of the site as well. The entry fee is paid into an honor box upon entering. $2 per vehicle, $1 per bicycle/pedestrian.  
• 🌍 Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Sunrise-sunset. Frank Brown Park is a city park of Panama City Beach, that is near the intersection of US 98 (Back Beach Road) and SR 79. This is the city's main park and as such as expansive facilities including soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, trails, walking paths, a youth fishing pond, and the newly opened Panama City Beach Aquatic Center. Free.  

Do

• 🌍 Shipwreck Island Waterpark.  - in Panama City Beach
• AAA Jet Ski Rentals and Tours, 5611 W, Highway98 (at the foot of the Hathaway Bridge), ☎ [phone]. 8AM til sunset. See Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park from the water while you captain your own Waverunner, no guide required! Half hour to half day (4 hours) rentals available the only rental company that allows you this much freedom. Also home of the Sunset Dolphin Tour. Open daily year round, reservations required for all activities. varies on activity. 
• Adventures at Sea, 5711 North Lagoon Dr, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 7AM-7PM. The Shell Island Tour is a favorite of many. Also offers parasailing rides, pontoon boat rentals, jet ski rentals, boat cruises, lounge chair rentals, charter fishing trips, banana boat rides, and sailboat rentals. 
• Aquatic Adventures, 5325 N. Lagoon Dr. (on the beach behind resorts and hotels), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Wave runner dolphin tours, parasailing, pontoon boat rentals, banana boat rides, wave runner rentals, snorkel trips, fishing boat rentals, beach chairs and a free shuttle service for customers. 
• Jason, 3901 (inside Pirates cove marina off thomas drive), ☎ [phone]. Water sport activities jet ski rentals, waverunner tours, dolphin boat cruises, shell island tours, parasailing, banana boat rides. 
• Sunshine Water Sports of PC, 3901 Thomas Drive inside Pirates Cove Marina, ☎ [phone]. 8AM-8PM. Offers jet ski rentals, dolphin tours, parasailing, banana boat rides and beach chair rentals. Shell island dolphin tours 

Buy

• Alvin's Island. The ever-popular tropical department store chain, with six locations in Panama City Beach. 
• Pier Park, Between Front Beach and Back Beach Roads. Pier Park is a huge outdoor shopping complex with a Target, Panera Bread and the 16-screen Grand Theatre are all open. There is also a city park across the street from the theatre with a few short trails, a local veterans memorial, and an amphitheater for concerts in the summer. 
• The Shops at Edgewater, Intersection of Beckrich Road and Front Beach Rd. The Shoppes at Edgewater is one of Panama City Beach's most established shopping centers. It has several restaurants, a ten screen theatre, Rock-it Lanes (a bowling alley, arcade, roller skating rink and sports bar in one), a spa and more. 
• Panama City Flea Market, 253 W.15th. St (corner of 15th & Jenks Ave., inside Lincoln Center), ☎ [phone]. W-Su 8AM-5PM. Panama City Flea Market is an indoor flea market. The shops offer collectibles, jewelry, watch repairs, alterations, gift shops, novelty shops, country market, hair salon and Harley Davidson licensed products. Local vendors also sell crafts on tables throughout the flea market. Vendors change daily so you never know what you can find from day to day. 

Eat

• Angelo's Steak Pit, 9527 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Applebees Bar & Grill, 10071 Hutchison Blvd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Boar's Head Restaurant, 17290 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Boat Yard, 5323 N Lagoon Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Boatyard Restaurant, 5325 N Lagoon Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Bonefish Grill, 11535 Hutchison Blvd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Breakers Restaurant, 12627 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Calypso Beach Cafe, 15812 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Captain Anderson's Restaurant, 5551 N Lagoon Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Captain Crabby's, 3605 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Carrabba's Italian Grill, 13800 Panama City Beach Pkwy, ☎ [phone]. 
• Coyote Ugly Saloon, 10512 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Dirty Dick's Crab House, 9800 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Hooters, 12709 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant, 1150 Beck Ave, ☎ [phone]. 
• Montego Bay Seafood House, 473 Beckrich Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Montego Bay Seafood House, 4920 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Pompano's, 10292 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Saltwater Grill, 11040 Middle Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Schooners: Restaurant, 5121 Gulf Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Sharky's Seafood Restaurant, 15201 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Spinnaker, 8795 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Terrace Restaurant, 13741 E Emerald Coast Pkwy, ☎ [phone]. 
• Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery, 3123 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. Great breakfast Great Staff Great Prices 

Drink

• 2 Le Monde Pub Bistro, 7328 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Beach House Bar & Grill, 19952 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Big Kahuna Bar & Grill, 14896 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Blue Moose Saloon, 9450 S Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Coyote Ugly Saloon, 10512 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Dusty's Oyster Bar, 16450 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Euphoria Tavern, 13312 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Foghorn's Liquors, 8011 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Fun-Land Arcade & Snack Bar, 14510 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Golden Anchor Restaurant & Lounge, 11800 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• J Michael's Bar & Grill, 3210 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Lime's Dockside Bar & Grill, 4200 Marriott Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Mikato Japanese Steak House, 7724 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Patches Pub, 4723 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Rupert's Sports Bar, 2907 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Salty's Bar & Grill, 10908 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Shuckum's Oyster Pub & Seafood, 15618 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. 
• Splash Bar, 6520 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Time Out Sports Bar & Grill, 2903 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 
• Wahoo's Restaurant & Sports Pb, 8503 Thomas Dr, ☎ [phone]. 

Sleep

See also Panama City

• Beachbreak by the Sea, 15405 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. Adjacent to its sister hotel Legacy by the Sea, Beachbreak is a smaller hotel that has more of an emphasis on families. 
• Edgewater Beach Resort, 11212 Front Beach Rd, toll-free: [phone]. One of the largest and well known resorts in Panama City Beach, Edgewater offers a variety of lodging options on the property ranging from the high-rise towers facing the beach to the villas across the street. Onsite amenities include restaurants, pools, beach activities, and spa. 
• Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, 11127 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. Popular with families and spring breakers. There are a host of onsite amenities and varying room types. 
• Legacy by the Sea, 15325 Front Beach Rd, ☎ [phone]. Legacy by the Sea is a fairly new beach front luxury hotel that is next to the Quality Inn Beach Front and as such, near the same attractions. 
• MainStay Suites, 7909 Panama City Beach Pkwy, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. The MainStay Suites extended stay hotel provides easy access to all the best the Panama City Beach area has to offer. 
• 🌍 Wyndham Bay Point resort, 4114 Jan Cooley Dr, ☎ [phone]. This resort overlooks the beautiful St. Andrew's Bay in Panama City Beach. The resort houses a spa and fitness center, and offers guests an array of activities in the area including world-class golf courses, water sports, deep sea fishing. 
• Marriott Legends Edge Resort, 4000 Marriott Dr, ☎ [phone]. Spacious two-bedroom villas overlooking St. Andrews Bay. 
• Sugar Sands Inn & Suites, 20723 Front Beach Rd, toll-free: [phone]. Located on the white sands of Panama City Beach, the Sugar Sands Inn and Suites is convenient to many local activities including scuba diving, boating, and fishing, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and Zoo World. 
• American Quality Lodge Panama City, 4810 West Highway 98. Minutes from local beaches, American Quality Lodge is close to Pier Park Shopping Complex, Zoo World, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, St. Andrews State Park, and golf courses. 

Go next

• Tallahassee is the state capital of Florida and is a two-hour drive to the east. Also in Tallahassee are two major state universities, The Florida State University and Florida A&M University.
• Destin is roughly one hour west of Panama City Beach in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. There are plenty of shopping opportunities (Destin Commons, Outlet Center, and other smaller venues) as well as golfing at the Sandestin Resort and many other activities.
• Navarre is a beach community about an hour west on Highway 87. Navarre is known for its relatively quiet pure white beaches, as well as having easy access to additional areas for hiking, boating, and camping.
• Pensacola is two hours to the west by way of Highway 98. Pensacola is home to NAS Pensacola, which is home to the Blue Angeles flight demonstration team, and the National Naval Aviation Museum. Also, Pensacola is considered to be the oldest European settlement in America, unlike St. Augustine it was not continuously settled from first settlement. There are many historic sites relating to the Spanish Colonization, which includes a series of forts.