Sunny skies and plenty of activities make this Florida Panhandle city a very popular place to bring families for a vacation.
Located along the northern shore of Saint Andrew Bay, Panama City offers a wonderland for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Swimming, kayaking and boating are popular pastimes. While visiting Panama City, be sure to explore its dining and entertainment offerings as well.
Find lots to do in the heart of town, known as Panama City Center. Enjoy visual arts at Floriopolis and the Center for the Arts. See performances at the Martin Theatre. Treat your family to a culinary adventure with stops at a dozen restaurants on the Panama City Oyster Trail.
A few miles west of the town center is the busy wharf area of St. Andrews Marina. Come on a Saturday to buy fresh produce and artisan goods at the Market at St. Andrews. On any day use this spot as a jumping-off point for adventures on the water. Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard, sailboat, pontoon boat or motorboat to explore the bay. Travel to Shell Island, part of St. Andrews State Park, for a very quiet beach day. Find a wide variety of shells and take them home if they no longer contain living creatures.
Visit Gulf Coast State College to mingle with students, take continuing education classes or attend on-campus athletic and arts events. Reserve a spot for gourmet dining created by students from the culinary and hospitality management programs.
Cross the Hathaway Bridge to get to Panama City Beach, which has even more opportunities for outdoor activities at state parks and ocean piers. Kids will have great fun at amusement parks, mini-golf and go-kart racing. Spend time on the white sands of the beach, which stretches for 27 miles (43 kilometers) along the Gulf of Mexico.
Panama City is one of the most popular towns in the Florida Panhandle, yet it is small enough to maintain a quiet charm. Drive here in about 2 hours from Tallahassee or fly into the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and arrive by car in about 30 minutes.
