In addition to visiting the gorgeous white sand seashores, there are many different enjoyable issues to do in Panama Metropolis Seashore Florida, from dolphin watching to driving the well-known SkyWheel and feasting on pistachio muffins. So right here is the final PCB bucket record, that may make sure you benefit from your 2022 journey to Panama Metropolis Seashore FL.
Disclaimer: My journey was sponsored by Go to Florida and Go to Panama Metropolis Seashore. As all the time, all phrases and opinions are my very own. This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
While in Florida, you may additionally like to take a look at:
How To Get To Panama Metropolis Seashore FL
Positioned alongside the Florida Panhandle, Panama Metropolis Seashore (also referred to as PCB) is one in every of Northwest Floridas greatest seashore locations.
The best methods to achieve PCB are by automotive or airplane.
By Automobile
From the North
Freeway 79 is essentially the most direct route, however Highways 231, 331 and 77 all connect with Freeway 98, which is called the Panama Metropolis Seashore Parkway because it crosses although our space.
Every of the north/south highways simply entry Interstate 10.
From the West
Freeway 98 (Panama Metropolis Seashore Parkway) goes instantly into Panama Metropolis Seashore.
If you happen to’re travelling on Interstate 10, take Freeway 331 South to Freeway 20 East, then flip south on Freeway 79 till you get to the seashore.
From Freeway 20, it’s 15 miles south to get to Panama Metropolis Seashore.
From the East
Freeway 98 will deliver you on to Panama Metropolis Seashore, or take both Interstate 10 or Freeway 20 westbound to Highways 79, 77 or 231.
By Airplane
Arrive into Northwest Florida Seashores Worldwide Airport (ECP). Positioned solely 12.4 miles (15 minute drive) from the seashore.
You possibly can catch a direct flight to ECP on one in every of these 4 airways: Delta, American, Southwest and United Airways, from the next US airports:
- Atlanta GA
- Dallas TX
- Houston TX
- Nashville TN
- St Louis MO
- Washington DC
Different close by airports are Destin (DSI) (42.6 miles), Valparaiso Destin-Ft Walton Seashore (VPS) (49 miles), Dothan Airport (DHN) (82 miles) or Pensacola (PNS) (85 miles).
From overseas, the simplest route is to fly to Atlanta (ATL) after which fly 1 hour on to ECP.
The place To Keep in Panama Metropolis Seashore
In order for you a central location then Calypso Resort & Towers is a superb selection.
There are three towers made up of luxurious condos, with sea views and entry to loads of facilities.
The towers are situated proper subsequent to Pier Park (the very best place for procuring and leisure in PCB), and are reverse the seashore, making them good for households, {couples} or associates who need a location that’s inside strolling distance to the primary sights.
The condos sleep as much as 11 company, and facilities embrace a personal stretch of seashore, a fitness center, out of doors swimming pool, and solar loungers.
I stayed in a stupendous nautical themed one bed room apartment in Tower 3.
There have been two bogs, a balcony, an open plan kitchen and a front room with a intelligent in-built space for a set of bunk beds, making it a versatile house for solo travellers, {couples}, and households with 2 kids.
The way to Get Round Panama Metropolis Seashore
If you happen to keep at Calypso Resort & Towers you’ll be able to stroll to the seashore, Pier Park and several other of the coastal eating places however to go to extra of Panama Metropolis Seashore you will have a automotive.
If you happen to don’t have your individual then be sure you guide a automotive rental nicely prematurely for the very best costs.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep in Panama Metropolis Seashore
I spent three nights in PCB Florida, and thought it was an amazing period of time to see the very best issues the vacation spot has to supply.
Nonetheless, the realm is understood for being laidback so that you might simply spend per week absorbing the rays, feasting on seafood and having a soothing seashore break with out becoming bored.
Simply keep in mind, what number of days you spend in Panama Metropolis Seashore could depend upon the remainder of your trip.
If you happen to plan to highway journey throughout the Florida Panhandle like I did and see a couple of coastal locations such because the hidden gem of South Walton (30A) or the foodie paradise of Pensacola, then 2-3 nights in every vacation spot is ideal, because the driving distances are minimal.
Distinctive Issues To Do Panama Metropolis Seashore FL
There’s lots to maintain you busy in Panama Metropolis Seashore, however listed below are a collection of my favorite issues to do.
Go to Shell Island
Positioned simply off the Emerald Coast and a part of St. Andrews State Park, this 7-mile lengthy barrier island within the Gulf of Mexico is a should see in PCB.
Shell Island is a haven for wildlife and marine animals, so the complete space is undeveloped and preserved.
This is among the greatest locations to expertise what they name “The Actual Florida”.
Don’t count on eating places, restrooms and even any shade, however as a substitute discover miles of pristine nature, that you simply gained’t expertise in different places like Orlando and Miami.
The unspoilt white-sand seashores are good for swimming, snorkeling and recognizing the numerous vibrant fish, dolphins and sea turtles that frequent the realm.
In reality the waters round Panama Metropolis Seashore are house to one of many highest populations of bottle-nosed dolphins in North America.
Shell Island can solely be reached by boat. There’s the Shell Island shuttle however if you wish to keep away from the crowds and have a personal expertise I extremely advocate renting a sail boat and making a day of it.
Observe there are additionally sundown cruises, dolphin watching journeys and airboat excursions out there to guide in case you’re in search of one thing particular.
TOP TIP: Bear in mind sunscreen and a hat, and in case you can, attempt to go to through the week so that you’re extra more likely to have the entire of Shell Island to your self like we did!
As this spot could be very well-liked with locals on the weekends.
Discover St Andrews State Park
Shell Island is only one part of St Andrews State Park, there are additionally 1.5 miles of white sand seashores on the mainland, a “kiddie pool” lagoon and the aptly named Gator Lake.
The seashores right here, and alongside the remainder of the Florida Panhandle are house to a number of the softest sand I’ve ever come throughout. Comprised of quartz crystal from the Appalachian Mountains, the sand is a stark white color that fantastically enhances the emerald inexperienced waters of this shoreline.
If you wish to strive one thing totally different, St Andrews State Park is a superb place to dive.
Uncover Camp Helen State Park
One in all Florida’s most original state parks is Camp Helen.
It’s bordered on one aspect by the Gulf of Mexico and on two different sides by Lake Powell, the biggest coastal dune lake in Florida.
This ecological gem is usually ignored by guests however it provides pristine seashores, sand dunes and winding mountain climbing trails that will let you discover the realm.
At Camp Helen you’ll be able to kayak, paddle board, fish, or swim, so it’s straightforward to spend a half or full day right here.
Store and Play at Pier Park
Pier Park is Panama Metropolis Seashore’s premier procuring and leisure vacation spot.
It serves each PCB and 30A, and comprises 124 shops from well-known names to distinctive boutiques.
Pier Park can be one of many greatest indoor locations to go to in Panama Metropolis (particularly on one of many uncommon wet days) because it has loads of eating choices, a Grand IMAX movie show, laser tag, an arcade, mirror maze and an escape room!
Experience the SkyWheel
Handle: 15700 LC Hilton Jr. Drive, Panama Metropolis Seashore, FL 32413
Web site: https://www.skywheelpcb.com/
Value: $16.99 plus tax, kids 4 and underneath go free
Positioned in Pier Park, the SkyWheel, is a 53-meter commentary wheel with 30 totally enclosed gondolas.
Every gondola holds as much as 6 individuals, and it’s all the time a personal expertise in your group (you don’t need to share with strangers).
The wheel rotates 3 or 4 instances so that you get a number of possibilities to expertise a panoramic view of Panama Metropolis Seashore and the ocean.
Go to Canine Seashore
Handle: 33753-000-000, Panama Metropolis Seashore, FL 32413
Canine Seashore is the right devoted place to take your pup to the seashore in Panama Metropolis Seashore.
It’s situated on the west aspect of the Russell-Fields Metropolis Pier and is instantly in entrance of Pier Park.
Even in case you don’t have a canine its an amazing place to observe them frolic within the sea (that’s what I did!).
TOP TIP: There are over 100 seashore entry factors in PCB, however solely 56, 57, and 58, are canine pleasant.
Expertise a Seashore Bonfire
All alongside the Florida Panhandle yow will discover firms who arrange unbelievable seashore experiences that actually take your vacation to the following stage.
In Panama Metropolis Seashore, Infinite Seashore Leases are the fellows to go to.
I skilled a seashore bonfire from sundown onwards with a hammock, deck chairs, tiki lights, a hearth pit, and even all of the elements to make s’mores!
It was a good way to chill out, and I can see why it’s so well-liked for birthdays and different events.
Simply keep in mind to deliver one thing heat for these cooler evenings.
Benefit from the Reside Music at Tootsies Orchid Lounge
Handle: 700 Pier Park Dr, Panama Metropolis Seashore, FL 32413
Web site: https://www.tootsies.web/
Positioned in Pier Park, only a few minutes stroll from Calypso Resort & Towers, Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Panama Metropolis Seashore is the sister membership of the Nashville nation music establishment and world-famous honky-tonk.
In order for you dwell music (all the way in which from Nashville TN), that is the place to spend your evenings listening to the whole lot from new nation to outdated rock-n-roll.
Finest Locations to Eat in Panama Metropolis Seashore
The eating in PCB is an expertise of its personal, listed below are 7 eating places that will provide you with a style of the Northwest Florida Coast.
Andy’s Flour Energy
This was my favorite eating expertise of the complete week in Northwest Florida. Every thing I ate made me smile.
The restaurant is solely open for breakfast and lunch, however the menu is stuffed with easy meals with a twist, elevated by recent elements.
From flaky pastries to distinctive flavoured muffins (it’s important to strive their well-known pistachio muffins) and fairly probably the greatest omelette I’ve ever had.
Different well-liked dishes I attempted embrace the breakfast potatoes, the french toast baguettes and the breakfast martinis.
Sure, that is the type of place the place you drink with breakfast (felt like London) so be sure you don’t have anything strenuous deliberate for the remainder of the day.
The proprietor (Andy isn’t his actual), makes the expertise that rather more particular.
He’s so enthusiastic about his menu, and can fortunately regale the story and inspiration behind every dish.
If you happen to see him wandering round, do your self a favour and have a chat with him, it’s going to make your day.
Thomas Donut & Snack Store
This household owned donut store is situated proper on the beachfront and has been in enterprise since 1971.
Frequented by each locals and vacationers, this snack store is legendary for its donuts, muffins and breakfast biscuits, that style pretty much as good as they give the impression of being!
Additionally they promote sandwiches and sizzling canines at lunch, so it is a good spot to pop by in case you are having fun with a day on the seashore.
The Pour is a non-profit espresso home. Serving hand crafted drinks, and scrumptious breakfast gadgets, this espresso store is run with the neighborhood in thoughts.
I’m not a espresso drinker however I can extremely advocate the frozen white chocolate and the almond butter and banana toast with honey and chia seeds.
Diego’s Burrito Manufacturing facility & Margarita Bar
This laidback and reasonably priced Mexican restaurant is the whole lot I miss in regards to the US once I’m at house in London.
We simply don’t have something comparable. However meaning every time I’m within the States, I be sure that I reap the benefits of it!
Diego’s is a superb place to seize a fast burrito, quesadilla, or a road taco alongside a yummy Margarita (I like to recommend the Pineapple one).
The parts are hearty however that didn’t cease me from ending a burrito greater than my face!
They’ve two areas in Panama Metropolis Seashore, and one is only a 7 minute stroll from Calypso Resort & Towers, so this was the right meal after a 15 hour journey from the UK.
Nothing beats jet lag like an entire lot of consolation meals!
Runaway Island
Web site: https://runawayislandpcb.com/
Handle: 14521 Entrance Seashore Rd, Panama Metropolis Seashore, FL 32413
Value: $$
In all probability among the best locations for sundown in Panama Metropolis Seashore, is only a few blocks away from Calypso Resort & Towers and the very best view is from Runaway Island restaurant.
Unfold over two ranges, the out of doors deck is the place you might want to be sure you get a reservation for!
I loved loads of starters, seafood and frozen drinks underneath the glow of sundown, and it was the right method to finish my journey to PCB.
The Grand Marlin
This needs to be among the best seafood and oyster bars in Panama Metropolis Seashore.
Sadly I didn’t get to go to this time spherical however a couple of days later I did have dinner at their unique location in Pensacola (round 85 miles up the coast).
The meals was so unbelievable that I might really advocate visiting each in case you can!
I’ve written all in regards to the greatest eating places in Pensacola, however listed below are some images to tempt you.
Firefly
This distinctive restaurant in Panama Metropolis Seashore, Florida is among the most romantic locations to eat.
Its tagline is “informal nice eating” but the restaurant has gained a number of awards and has even served meals to the Obama household, and the U.S. workforce on the London Olympic Video games.
They’ve an glorious collection of seafood, steaks, and sushi, and the menu is ever-evolving, so you’ll be able to have a special expertise every time!
I didn’t get to go to this time spherical however have heard nice issues so it’s on the record for my subsequent go to to Panama Metropolis Seashore!
Planning a Journey to Florida?
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