Panama City, Florida offers something for all members of your family, especially if they love white, sandy beaches and warm, clear Gulf of Mexico water that changes from turquoise to deep blue as you look toward the horizon. However, teens can be especially difficult to keep interested for an extended period of time. Nonetheless, Panama City has been a favorite vacation destination for many years and has developed attractions to keep tourists returning year after year.
Various water sports (wake boarding, scuba diving, snorkeling) and activities (jet skiing, boating) are offered at most public Panama City beaches. According to the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, kiteboarding has become one of the most popular water sports in Panama City Beach. The soft sand makes it fun and safe for a beginner, and the learning curve is low. Lessons and equipment are available at water sports retail outfits throughout town. Fishing is another sport that the Florida panhandle is known for.
St. Andrew's State Park is one of a favorite Florida state park, and your teen can enjoy fishing, snorkeling, kiteboarding, boating and swimming at the park.
St. Andrew's State Park
4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, Florida 32408
850-233-5140
floridastateparks.org/standrews
Panama City is more than just its beaches. Your teen may want to rent a road or mountain bike and follow the trails provided by the Greenways and Trails system, which connects to St. Andrew's State Park. Panama City also has many skateboarding parks, and if your teen likes to golf, she would be hard-pressed to find a better area to learn or practice. Panama City golf clubs offer favorable 9-, 18- and 27-hole options for any skill level. Finally, your teen will love hanging out at Pier Park where he will have a number of places to choose from to eat, drink or simply hang out with friends. Pier Park also has a large movie theater that shows current movies.
Pier Park
Panama City Beach
No matter what time of year you are planning your vacation, Panama City hosts festivals and special events that offer entertainment and enjoyable activities for teens. The Leukemia Cup Regatta at Bay Point Marina in May features three days of sailing, live music and golf and tennis tournaments. The Annual Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament and 40/40 Shootout is held each July. Every September, a local beach club hosts a Lobster Festival that boasts it is the largest in Florida. In October, Panama City hosts the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Festival where known bands appear and midway amusement rides and fireworks displays are offered. And even more events are hosted by the city throughout the holiday season.
Leukemia Cup Regatta at Bay Point
Bay Point Marina
3824 Hatteras Lane
Panama City, FL 32408
850-628-1740
lcrbp.com
Annual Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament and 40/40 Shootout
Bay Point Marina
3824 Hatteras Lane
Panama City, FL 32408
850-628-1740
baypointbillfish.com
Lobster Festival at Schooners
Schooners Restaurant & Beach Club
5121 Gulf Dr.
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-235-3555
schooners.com
Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine and Music Festival
Frank Brown Park
16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy.
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
888-71TICKETS
panamacitybeachfest.com
