FLORIDA
A Taste of the Gulf in Panama City Beach
By Robynne Trueman
Feel the salt air on your skin and get a taste of Gulf Coast living with a getaway to the white sands of Panama City Beach (PCB). Home to a 14.5-kilometre stretch of pristine beach, crystal-clear waters, and a vast array of local restaurants, PCB is the perfect place for indulgent eats and outdoor adventure on the water.
State Parks and Beach Bars
PCB is primed for outdoor adventure, conveniently situated between two state parks. To the east, St. Andrews State Park offers opportunities to get closer to Florida’s wildlife. Follow the Gator Lake Trail in search of alligators and birds. West of PCB, check out Camp Helen State Park, a 74-hectare day-use park, situated between the Gulf Coast and Lake Powell.
Follow up a day of outdoor exploration with a night out at one of PCB’s lively beach bars. Barefoot On the Beach encourages you to come as you are–shoes or not! Enjoy a waterfront view from every seat, ice-cold drink in hand. Or, kick back with a tropical beverage and your toes in the sand at the Tiki Bar at The Sandpiper Beacon.
Paddle Your Way to Waterfront Restaurants
Whether on a kayak or canoe, there is no better way to enjoy the idyllic waters off the coast of Panama City Beach than paddling your way through them. Rent your vessel of choice and paddle through Grand Lagoon, known as the Gateway to the Gulf.
Once in Grand Lagoon, take a break for lunch at one of PCB’s many waterfront restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual beach fare. For an upscale taste of the Gulf, try the shucked-to-order oysters at The Grand Marlin, which offers lagoon views.
For a more relaxed beachfront experience, head to Pineapple Willy’s, a beachside hangout with sizable frozen daiquiris and world-famous BBQ ribs.
From Saltwater to Seafood
Panama City Beach is part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail, making it a top destination for scuba diving. Of the 20 historic wrecks lurking below the surface in this region, several are found here, including the USS Strength, a World War II minesweeper around 24 metres below the sea.
After a day immersed in underwater wonders, indulge in some of PCB’s best seafood at Schooners, the self-proclaimed “Last Local Beach Club.” Serving up casual fare, from fish tacos to fried shrimp, this is the perfect spot to celebrate sunset with the locals.
Cool Down With a Sweet Treat
Beat the Florida heat with one of the many icy treats around town. Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar is a popular spot on the beach that offers more than 40 ice cream flavours to choose from, plus frozen yogurts, sherbets, and sundaes. For something even cooler, check out David’s New Orleans Style Sno-Balls for 47 flavours of a shaved-ice treat that will melt in your mouth.
Travel Planner
Learn more and plan your beach adventure at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com
