Panama City Beach
Located in the panhandle of Florida, Panama City Beach, Florida is a popular destination for many travelers. Less than an hour’s drive to the east of Pensacola, Florida, Panama City is located just west of the Apalachicola National Forest.
Panama City Beach, Florida was said to be a desolate wasteland of sun and strip malls in the Ashley Judd film “Ruby in Paradise”, and has long been known as the “Redneck Riviera.”
Millions of people flock here from the bordering states of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana. It consists of a seemingly unending strip of bars, amusement parks, and old-fashioned hotels, but this lively and crowded destination also has luxury resorts and condominiums to go along with its 20-plus miles of sandy beaches, golf courses, fishing, boating, and fresh seafood – when in season.
Hotels, Resorts, Condos, Vacation Homes and Other Accommodations
There are around 20,000 hotels, motels and condominium units, as well as a campground, and RV parks, along 27 miles of the Gulf of Mexico. Panama City Beach is one of the favorite vacation destinations for people from all walks of life.
Besides the wide variety of small, quaint beachside motels, you can also find beautiful tennis and golf resorts, hotels and motels, spacious family-style vacation homes, quaint Bed and Breakfasts, serene church retreats, pristine campgrounds and overnight boat docking facilities.
The Travel Channel rated Panama City Beach, FL as the #4 Best Beach in America. Its white sandy beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico absolutely ensure that Panama City Beach will remain a vacation destination of choice for many years to come.
Popular Attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida
Econfina Creek Canoe Livery
It is just a half hour drive from Panama City. The Econfina Creek Canoe Livery offers day and overnight canoe and kayak trip through the Panhandle’s majestic Econfina Creek, where limestone banks line clear spring waters. The livery has canoes and kayaks available to rent, plus they will provide any shuttle service if you need transportation to its facilities.
Gulf World Marine Park
This park contains different aquatic animals as well as birds and a night time entertainment show. The park is a bit expensive for large families, but coupons are available for discount shoppers. The swim with the dolphins can also be pricey (compared to seeing them for free in the Gulf), but it’s worth it if you want to get up close and personal.
Miracle Strip Amusement Park
The entire family can have fun at this exciting amusement park which offers over 30 rides and attractions for all ages. You can take a ride in the dungeon, on the roller coaster, or in the haunted castle while at this park where children can take a spin in the tea cups, ride the ponies on the merry-go-round, or test their driving skills in the bumper cars.
Panama City Dive Charters
The highest reviewed scuba diving operation in this area is the Panama City Dive Charters. They specialize in wreck diving and spear fishing charters, and they also offer scuba instruction through PADI, the worlds largest scuba certification agency. They have a boat crew which is the highest trained and are very service-oriented.
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is a planned beach community which is located about 5-10 minutes west of Panama City Beach. It also offers boutique shopping, both casual and more formal dining and a welcoming town square. It is a nice place to visit for an afternoon if you are staying in Panama City Beach, but would be even better if you are looking for a peaceful; a less commercial place to stay that still has city amenities nearby.
Sea Dragon
It is a popular excursion in Panama City Beach. The authentic pirate ship sails just off the shore of Shell Island. It is a great entertainment area for the kids and the whole family can join the celebration of music, song, and dance and discover the hidden treasures of the sea when you haul up at Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises. The tour includes soft drinks, beer, wine and hot dogs. Dolphin sightings are also common on the tour.
The Sea Screamer
It is one of the more exciting ways to experience the beauty of Panama City Beach. This spacious yet comfortable twin turbo powered with 73-passenger sightseeing boat offers a smooth yet thrilling ride unlike any other. It takes you on a journey past Shell Island and cruises along the coast line to see all the sights and view dolphin surfing in the magnificent wake of the Sea Screamer. It is a very affordable attraction and the fun and professional crew will ensure a ride to remember. Kids get to steer and there are many photo opportunities while on board.
Wrapping Up…
Panama City Beach offers everything the vacationing public would enjoy, including miniature golf, a zoo excursion, amusement parks, a water-park, museums, swimming with the dolphins and much more.
For those without children in tow, there are several Beach clubs and Nightclubs, where one can enjoy the nightlife.
For those who want to get back to nature, one can choose from a variety of Day Trips and nearby State Parks to visit.
If diving or snorkeling appeals to you, take the opportunity to seek out the underwater adventures, to see why Panama City Beach is called “The Wreck Capital of the South”.
Copyright (c) 2010-2016 Candi Seger
About The Author:
|
Search Hotels in Panama City, Florida
Search Hotels, Flights. Car Rentals
[widget id=”rs_searchbox-2″]
[symple_divider style=”solid” margin_top=”20″ margin_bottom=”20″]
More Information about Panama City Beach: http://wikitravel.org/en/Panama_City_Beach
SUper website
It is really an informative article. This place has got so many adventurous things to perform that it is one of my top destinations list to travel.
Great Article from Candi Seger. Thank you for sharing. Panama City Beach is Truly a Beautiful place.
http://www.newedentravel.com