Panama City, Florida has one of the very finest beaches in the world. Sugary-white sand and clear emerald water are yours to enjoy in a friendly community with great food! With some careful planning, your family can enjoy a fabulous beach vacation, without spending a fortune. This article gives you tips on when to go, where to stay, and what to do!
When to go: Locals agree that the best time of year to enjoy the beach is between Spring Break and Summer vacation. For the vacationer, this is the perfect time to come to Panama City Beach. The air temps are in the 80's to low 90's and the water temp is in the 70's. The water is dead-clear and parking spots next to the beach are easy to find. This time is considered an off-season, so hotel prices are very reasonable. If the kids have never been to the ocean, it is worthwhile to take them out of school for a few days for this mind-opening adventure.
Where to stay: Many very nice hotels and condos are available, at various prices. If you are on a tight budget and want to get the best value, stay in an older establishment, ON THE BEACH! Years later, the kids won't remember that you didn't stay at a four-star hotel. They will remember the fabulous times they had with mom and dad at the beach.
Best Beach: ALL of the beaches in the Panama City area are great. If you get a hotel right on the beach, you can enjoy the surf and sunshine without getting too far from a bathroom or your snacks. When you are here, however, you must visit St. Andrew's State Park. Spend the day. The park has a shallow lagoon, safe for little kids to swim, jetties, from which to snorkel or fish, a very nice white-sand beach, a fishing pier, a nature trail (where you might see deer and alligators), a boat ramp, historic turpentine still, and an inexpensive boat ride out to Shell Island.
See another reason Panama City Beach is famous! Even if you're not a fisherman, the local enthusiasm for the sport is contagious! Go to a fishing marina on Thomas Drive to check out the action. Every afternoon fishing boats return to the marina with the day's catch, hundreds of pounds of grouper, snapper, and amberjack, just to name a few. Be there as the excited anglers and thier catch unload.
Dan Russell City Pier. While in Panama City, you MUST visit the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico. The view from the pier is spectacular. It is very popular for anglers from all over the U.S. for good reason. Bring your fishing pole and tackle, if you are so inclined. For a break in the outdoors action, Pier Park is just across the street, with unique shops and eateries.
Get on the water! Even if it's just a 3 or 4 hour dolphin sighting trip, get out there. Trips can be found for less than $20 per person. You will never be the same after an experience like this.
