Panama City Beach is a city in the panhandle of Florida located within Bay County. It is approximately halfway between the state capitol, Tallahassee, and Pensacola.
The area including Panama City Beach is known as the Emerald Coast, as well as the Redneck Riveria, due to a large number of regional tourists. While many people call Panama City Beach, Panama City, it should be noted that they are separate cities, separated by a St. Andrew's Bay, with the beaches and a large proportion of tourist activities being in Panama City Beach, and more business-oriented activities being in Panama City.
PLACE TO VISIT
Beaches - Miles of white sandy beaches with beautiful emerald green waters. It's considered to be part of the, "World's most beautiful beaches" beacause of the spectacular white sand and glistening emerald green waters. It is so soft it literally squeaks under foot. You will be spoiled forever after experiencing this.
St. Andrews State Park - St. Andrews State Park is located on the east end of Panama City Beach along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, St. Andrews Bay, and the Grand Lagoon. The park has plenty of pristine white beaches that the area is known for, but also has a few short trails that snake around in the dunes. The park features multiple stores to buy supplies for the day, and plenty of parking. There is camping available, mostly facing the Grand Lagoon, but there is also a Primitive campsite that faces both the Lagoon and Bay.
Pine Log State Forest - Pine Log State Forest is a short drive from Panama City Beach going north on Highway 79. This state forest which spans two counties has numerous recreational opportunities such as camping (developed and primitive), multiple trails including a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail, and a horse trail as well. The fees vary and are usually based on the honor system. Please check the forest's website for more information.
Camp Helen State Park - The newest state park in Panama City Beach, is located at the far west end of the beaches right before the county line. Camp Helen is a small park but does manage to offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnics, boating, as well as a portion of the beach that is much more quiet than other areas of the beach. Camp Helen also features many buildings that are reminiscent of the history of the site as well. The entry fee is paid into an honor box upon entering. $2 per vehicle, $1 per bicycle/pedestrian.
Frank Brown Park - Frank Brown Park is a city park of Panama City Beach, that is located near the intersection of US 98 (Back Beach Road) and SR 79. This is the city's main park and as such as expansive facilities including soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, trails, walking paths, a youth fishing pond, and the newly opened Panama City Beach Aquatic Center. Free
AAA Jet Ski Rentals and Tours - See Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park from the water while you captain your own Waverunner, no guide required! Half hour to half day (4 hours) rentals available the only rental company that allows you this much freedom. Also home of the famous Sunset Dolphin Tour. Open daily year round for your convenience. call for info and reservation. We see more Dolphins more often! Coupons in all resorts, reservations required for all activities. varies on activity.
Pier Park - Pier Park is a huge outdoor shopping complex being currently built by Simon. As it is under construction there are a limited number of businesses open at the time. A Target, Panera Bread and the 16-screen Grand Theatre are all currently open. There is also a city park across the street from the theatre with a a few short trails, a local veterans memorial, and an ampitheatre for concerts in the summer.
HOW TO REACH
By Plane - Panama City Beach is served by the Panama City-Bay County International Airport in neighboring Panama City. PCBCIA, while International in name, currently does not offer any regularly scheduled international flights. Delta Air Lines offers daily non-stop service under the Delta Connection brand from Atlanta, Memphis, and Orlando, as well as a Saturday-only flight from Cincinnati. From the airport it is a short drive to the east end of the Panama City Beach, but due to the long shape of the beaches, it can take a bit longer to reach the west end.
Opening in 2010 will be the new Panama City-Bay County International Airport located in West Bay, Florida. This will be much more convenient to travelers heading to the beaches and could result in more airlines and destinations served.
By Car - Travelers headed to Panama City Beach often drive to the destination, due to the strong regional appeal the area has. There are several routes to take depending on which direction a traveler is coming from. If coming from the North, US Highway 231, State Route 77, State Route 79 are all excellent roads into the area. US Highway 98 is the major East-West Highway along the coast and with the Alternate route the only long distance East-West roads in Panama City Beach.
By Bus - Panama City Beach itself does not have a bus terminal. However, neighboring Panama City does have one that is served by Greyhound
