FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS:
PANAMA CITY BEACH

Panama City Beach Florida

Panama City Beach, "The Beach Lovers Beach", is known for its 27 miles of sugar white sand, the warm emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and its family allure.

Known also as the “Wreck Capital of the South,” Panama City Beach provides a great variety of dive sites. Scuba divers explore historic wrecks and artificial reefs. Snorkelers chase giant Manta rays and brightly colored tropical fish. Sailing, windsurfing, pleasure boating, parasailing and jet skiing are all popular ways to explore the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors hop aboard tour boats too for trips to Shell Island.




Just steps from the sandy beaches, Panama City Beach has plenty of affordable family fun.

Travelers looking for an off-the-beaten path destination will find plenty of unexpected natural wonders to fill their vacation experience. The 1,260-acre St. Andrews State Park has thick forests, sand dunes covered with sea oats, fresh and saltwater marshes, a lagoon swimming area, fishing jetties, hiking trails, 1.5 miles of beach and two campgrounds. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities in the area’s two state forests. Pine Log State Forest is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, off-road bicycling, horseback riding, fishing and hunting. There are 23 miles of hiking trails winding through the forest, yielding great wildlife and bird viewing opportunities. Point Washington State Forest, a favorite location for wildlife and bird watching, is less developed than its counterpart. It is widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking on its 19 miles of trails.

For landlubbers, Panama City Beach has five 18-hole championship golf courses. No wonder the destination was named the third best golf town in the U.S. by Golf Digest magazine.

Both Panama City and Panama City Beach host world-class sporting events, music festivals, crafts fairs, horse shows, fishing tournaments, car rallies, holiday fests and more.




Photo: Visit Florida