Panama City Beach, Florida
By Caren Baginski
Notorious for Spring Break carousing, Panama City Beach is a Florida Panhandle destination with 27 miles of white beaches and temperatures that peak in the upper 80s. Adopting the slogan of "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches," Panama City Beach could also be named "The World's Most Visited Beaches." From late February to April 2007, about 250,000-300,000 spring breakers will relax on and off the beach. Nightlife like Club La Vela, the self-proclaimed largest nightclub in the United States, becomes a hub for young adult partiers.
When the crowds recede, the beach returns to its usual population of Canadian and Midwestern "Snowbirds." The honky-tonk part of Panama City Beach — Thomas Drive — is littered with budget motels, souvenir shops and convenience stores; a revitalization project with hi-rise condos and a new airport aim to change this by attracting a more affluent crowd. Among other projects is Pier Park, scheduled for grand opening in 2008, and set to become the new downtown.
Beach Guide
Things to Do
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Arr, matey! Test your sea legs on a two hour sightseeing cruise aboard a real pirate ship. The captain and his crew run a tight ship with snacks, beverages and non-stop entertainment for the kids. Open March through October.
5325 North Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-7400
www.piratecruise.net
Salon Baliage & Spa
Quiet, Zen serenity and luxury pampering await in the Salon Baliage & Spa. Rejuvenate after sunbathing with a massage, facial or mud wrap, or enjoy a manicure and foot peel.
12118 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-235-1985
www.salonbaliage.com
Aquatic Adventures
Rent everything from sea scooters for snorkeling trips to oversized aqua cycles. Also available are guided dolphin tours and of course, the ubiquitous beach favorite: the banana boat.
647 Clara Ave., Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-235-8051
www.pcbeachadventures.com
The Hombre Golf Club
Home of the PGA Tour Qualifying Schools, this golf course has three nines, aptly named the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The courses meander through wetlands, lakes, blooming azaleas and lush palms, catering to different skill levels and handicaps.
120 Coyote Pass, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-3673
www.hombregolfclub.com
Places to Stay
Edgewater Beach Resort
As the only full-service resort on the beach, Edgewater combines hotel amenities with beach condo life. One, two or three bedroom units include a washer and dryer, equipped kitchen and private patios and balconies. The Club at Edgewater will help jumpstart your vacation with access to sports and family-friendly activities.
11212 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407
800-874-8686
www.edgewaterbeachresort.com
Beach Tower Resort Motel
Located directly across from Shipwreck Island Waterpark (www.shipwreckisland.com), this resort's rooms all face the Gulf with private balconies, some with kitchenettes. The Beach Bar serves up drinks on the property and winter guests will enjoy a heated pool. Three or four night minimums might apply during peak season.
12001 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407
800-446-8694
www.beachtowermotel.com
St. Andrews State Park
Shake up the typical beach vacation by roughing it for a few nights in local St. Andrews State Park. All of the usual water sports are here, plus full-facility campsites, two nature trails and fishing piers. Take a boat tour during the spring and summer to Shell Island.
4607 State Park Ln., Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-233-5140
www.floridastateparks.org/standrews
Where to Dine
Pineapple Willy's
Stop by Pier 99 — the original Panama Beach Pier — to Pineapple Willy's, noted for their Jack Daniel's BBQ Ribs and frozen daiquiris served in souvenir cups. People watch while dining and take in a sunset from the beach view.
9875 South Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-235-0928
www.pineapplewillys.com
Boatyard
Arrive by land or sea for signature Key West cuisine at the Boatyard. An open air bar that overlooks the docks at Grand Lagoon is a favorite with locals.
5323 North Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-249-YARD
www.boatyardclub.com
Capt. Anderson's
Named Southern Living's number one seafood restaurant for 2006, Capt. Anderson's serves up fresh calamari, broiled lobster tail and soft shell crabs nightly.
5551 N. Lagoon Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-2225
www.captanderson.com
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