Beautiful weather and sugar-white beaches are what bring people to Panama City. Surrounded by St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the sea is a real part of life in this town, but if you stay on land long enough you'll find that the city has lots to offer besides the beach.
Bahama /Gulf /Panama City Beaches Days Inn Beach is a great place to start your tour of the city's beaches. Stop by Sunsations warehouse first to pick up beach supplies. Ripley's Believe It or Not! offers a break from the surf with their freaky-cool exhibits and rides.
Gulf Resort/ Lullwater Beaches A history of scuba diving dating back to the 16th century is housed in Museum of Man In The Sea. Fine dining and award winning wine can be had at Boar's Head Restaurant & Tavern, while Palmetto Inn & Suites and Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort offer casual fun and relaxation for the whole family. Every October the Indian Summer Festival rocks out at Frank Brown Park with musical stars such as Hootie and the Blowfish and ISIS.
Edgewater Gulf BeachShipwreck Ltd. The LTD can fashion you into the beach god/goddess you always knew you was inside with beachwear by D&G, Prada, and Versace. A hopping nightlife has brought Panama City its own Coyote Ugly, just like the NYC original, and a number of resorts such as Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort and Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort accommodate all traveling styles.
Downtown Downtown Panama City is the backdrop to some of the city's best festivities, including the Lighting of the Christmas Tree & Parade, when the whole town gathers around city hall too see the lights go on and the parade go off. Downtown is decorated every November and December for the Home for the Holidays festival, which includes holiday shopping and horse drawn carriage rides. The arts are also represented with Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida, which houses international and local art, and Paul Brent Gallery where Paul Brent's beach inspired home and garden items are displayed.
Gulf Lagoon Beach Watch summer come to life at Hammerhead Fred's where both the seafood and the margaritas are fresh and delicious. Then check out the home of the first MTV spring break, Spinnaker Beach Club. Families can also enjoy this part of town at the water park Shipwreck Island.
Grand Lagoon Area This part of town has more than its fair share of natural beauty and opportunities for fun excursions. Blue Dolphin Tours lets you swim with wild bottle-nosed dolphins on small tours of Florida waters. Captain Anderson's Marina has boat rentals for deep-sea fishing plus great shops and seafood markets. St. Andrew's State Park is a beautiful stretch of white sand and gulf waters with two piers for fishing and great snorkeling spots.