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Panama City Beach, Florida, Visitors Guide
Enjoy a sun-soaked vacation in Panama City Beach with an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. Use those sunny days to try some of the top things to do in this former college Spring Break capital. Beach trips, fishing, and watersports are some of the most popular activities for travelers, but these outdoor excursions are only a fraction of the offerings in PCB. Theme parks, museums, and a bustling entertainment district provide food and fun for the entire family. If you're on a kid-free getaway, Panama City Beach's nightlife is legendary! Whether searching for a place to relax, or a hip spot to mingle, there are countless dance clubs, music venues, and totally chill beachside bars to choose from. For families, couples, and best buds alike, Panama City Beach offers an excellent choice for an unforgettable getaway.
Geography
Panama City Beach is located along Florida's Panhandle, bordering the Gulf of Mexico. The main highways and roads that run through the city are U.S. Route 98 and Florida State Road 30. It takes about 6 hours to drive from Daytona Beach, 5.5 hours from Tampa, and 5.5 hours from Orlando.Neighborhoods
Historic Downtown Panama City is the heart of the city, combining its historic charm with a vibrant business district. There are tons of fantastic boutiques, antique shops, and dining options here.The Historic St. Andrews area is a charming neighborhood teeming with marina activity. Home to the Shrimp Boat restaurant, it features some of the best nightlife and dining in the area. You can explore historic buildings, take a stroll in Bayside Park, or grab a drink at one of its fine establishments.
Glenwood is a neighborhood with a rich history and culture. It has an active recreation center and is filled with charm and personality.
Top Places to Visit
M.B. Miller County Pier
Sitting directly above the Gulf of Mexico waters, the M.B. Miller County Pier offers locals and tourists alike a glimpse into why Panama City Beach has grown to become a top U.S. destination. Panama City Beach fishing charters are your ticket to reeling in fresh catch like the Redfish, Gulf Flounder, Spanish mackerel, or Blacktip Shark, or simply stroll the massive waterfront as you wait for a chance to catch the sunset over the emerald waters.Pier Park
Pier Park is a 900,000 plus sq ft shopping and entertainment complex. Experience the best shopping Northwest Florida has to offer with retail shops selling goods in fashion, jewelry, sporting goods, games, home décor, and more along with restaurants and entertainment including an IMAX theater! If looking for a change of scenery, take a short drive to Miramar Beach, Florida, and visit the Silver Sands Outlet Mall. This 110-store premium mall is fitted with the latest and greatest designer outlets offering factory discounted pricing.State Andrew's State Park
The park is located just outside of the city and is a beautiful natural reserve brimming with hiking trails, fantastic bird-watching spots, and numerous opportunities for biking. There are also water activities available such as kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving.Climate
Enjoy a vacation filled with sunshine during your stay in Panama City Beach! Northwest Florida typically is graced with an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. Mid-Western and New England residents, as well as many foreign visitors, find themselves unprepared for the warm, humid climate producing hot, hot, summers, and no dry season. The warm season lasting May 24th to September 30th, produces an average temperature of 83.5 degrees Fahrenheit, while the "cold season", lasting November 30th to March 5th, cools even the bravest beachgoers with an average daily temperature of 56 degrees (and a low of only 46 degrees)! Be prepared to dress in layers in the late fall, winter, and early spring, and peel those layers down to a bathing suit when May comes around.What is Panama City Beach known for
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The best time to go to Panama City Beach is in late-spring (May) and mid-fall (October). These times have the least traffic on roads and beaches, best rates for lodging and attractions, and weather warm enough for outdoor activities.
Panama City Beach first grew to worldwide fame as a college spring break destination. Most recently, the beach town has become a family destination offering shopping, dining, and family-friendly attractions and tours. Beachfront hotels and condos are very affordable, and the weather is warm enough for swimming and the beach 8+ months out of the year. The beaches are beautiful soft, white sand, and the waters are clear and emerald-green.
Most of the year, the waters are clear with a beautiful emerald-green sheen in Panama City Beach. During warmer months (Mainly June and July), the "June Grass" reaches the shore. This algae is harmless, although it is a bit smelly and slimy. Florida Emerald Coast waters are considered one of the cleanest and most beautiful waters for swimming, watersports, fishing, and boat rides.
There is no real "boardwalk" in Panama City Beach. The closest thing to a boardwalk would "Pier Park", a large, beachside, shopping and entertainment complex. If you're looking for a boardwalk, head to Destin's Harborwalk Village, or the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island.
Both destinations offer an incredible family-friendly atmosphere. Panama City Beach is a bit older, with newer attractions throughout. Overall, Panama City Beach is a little more affordable and closer to the neighborhoods and beaches of 30A. Panama City Beach is still a prime destination for adults and college students with lots of large night clubs and live music venues. Destin got its start as a fishing village. Saltwater fishing is still the main reason many visit Destin, with events like the Fishing Rodeo attracting thousands of anglers. Destin is newer overall, and as-a-whole, offers a more luxury vacation. And while Destin has tons of things to do, it also can be more congested in the warmer months. Destin is closer in proximity to Fort Walton Beach/Okaloosa Island and the Sandestin area including Baytowne Wharf and the beaches of Old 98.