Page 44 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2024

PANAMA CITY
A Shining Star in the Sunshine State
BY ARCHIE W. LYNN
Panama City is located just a few min- utes from the emerald green waters of the northwest Florida beaches, offering an experience that’s entirely different from the typical beach vacation.
First things first, Panama City is on the water. The city is surrounded on three sides by coastal bays and just a few kilometres, as the seagulls fly, from white-sand beaches and clear Gulf of Mexico waters. Casting off from Panama City’s marinas, you can enjoy virtually any kind of water activity imaginable, from saltwater fishing to dolphin tours and beach excursions on an uninhabited barrier island.
THE LAY OF THE
LAND—AND WATER
Getting around Panama City is easy. Most vis- itors spend the majority of their time in either Downtown Panama City or, about five kilome- tres to the northwest, Historic St. Andrews. These two districts are where you’ll find most of the city’s top restaurants and attractions.
PHOTO: DESTINATION PANAMA CITY
You can rent a boat, kayak, paddleboard or
brewpubs and food trucks that serve up deli-
course, several art galleries and performance bicycle from a variety of local companies. Pon-
cious flavours from around the world.
spaces. But, in Panama City, public art is more toon boats are an especially popular option for
Oysters are a particularly popular choice for
about doing than viewing.
travellers taking the “scenic route” by water to
visitors and locals alike. Search for restaurants
The nearly 20 murals on the Panama City St. Andrews State Park and the unspoiled nat-
on the Panama City Oyster Trail, which includes
Mural Trail are perfect for picture-taking and ural coastline of Shell Island.
more than a dozen of the city’s top restaurants,
make amazing backdrops for family photos serving the delectable shellfish raw, broiled,
or selfies. Several non-profit arts organiza- LOCAL RESTAURANTS.
fried or baked—however you like them.
tions and businesses offer drop-in-friendly GLOBAL FLAVOURS.
art opportunities, ranging from painting to When it comes to dining out, Panama City is
A COLOURFUL CITY
DIY crafts, letterpress printing, and even known for its locally owned restaurants,
WITH A CREATIVE VIBE
glass-blowing.
which range from waterfront seafood restau-
Panama City is a place that embraces creative rants with
spectacular
sunset
views to
expression, originality and fun. There are, of
Events in Panama City are as original as they are fun. Flluxe Arts Festival is centered around street art and murals, Public Eye Soar focuses on projection art and other artistic displays of light, and the Panama City Song- writers Festival showcases original music from rising stars. Many other events are planned throughout the year, promising a vacation filled with special memories. DS
Travel Planner
Learn more about visiting Panama City at destinationpanamacity.com
44 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2024