Why this lesser-known Florida holiday destination should be on your bucket list

A gem on Florida's coast

When you think of Florida vacation spots, Tampa, Miami and Orlando may spring to mind. But what if we told you there was another location with the cuisine, culture and excitement of the other three places, all in one beachfront destination? Welcome to Panama City Beach, or PCB as it's more affectionately known. It is perfectly positioned on Florida's Panhandle, and the Gulf Coast brings crystal-clear waters almost to your hotel door.

Here, Features Editor Carolyn Heslop reveals why PCB needs to be on your radar for your next Floridian holiday...

1. Explore miles of beach

If you consider yourself a beach bum, Panama City Beach has 27 miles (43.4km) of beautiful beaches to choose from. White sand and calm, clear waters are almost in every direction you look in this seafront town.

What's more, St. Andrews State Park is one of two protected nature preserves nearby, and there are hiking trails and fishing piers dotted along the coast to make the most of your time at the beach.

2. Have breakfast at Andy's

But before you hit the beach, it's best to grab a delicious breakfast. At Andy's Flour Power, owner John Certo has a motto: “We don’t do fancy, we do fresh. And you can’t fake fresh.”

Tuck into classic fare like eggs, bacon and pancakes, and be sure to order something to go from the onsite bakery. The pistachio muffins are as tasty as they are bright green.

3. Catch up over Cajun cuisine

For a relaxed lunch with a lively twist, Dat Cajun Place is a fantastic choice, especially for sports fans. Tuck into crab legs, baked oysters and bayou shrimp while more than 25 TV screens keep you up to date with just about every sport imaginable. The atmosphere is light, breezy and full of energy, and the food is hearty and delicious. What more could you ask for?

4. Shop and dine at Pier Park

After all that food, a walk might be just what you need. Pier Park, a well-known spot on Front Beach Road near the coast, is ideal for a stroll. Opened in 2008, it spans over one million square feet (102,000sqm) and features a mix of popular shops like Dillard’s, JCPenney and Target, along with smaller boutiques and eateries.

There's also an amusement park with a spinning coaster and carousel, plus a Grand IMAX cinema if you're in the mood for a film.

5. Ride the SkyWheel

Located at Pier Park, the SkyWheel offers stunning views of PCB and the Emerald Coast from above. Enjoy a 12-minute ride in a comfortable gondola, day or night, and take in the scenery as you go.

A sunset ride is especially recommended, watch the sun sink beneath the waves as Pier Park lights up for another lively evening.

6. Dine in style at Firefly

Firefly is a local favourite for special occasions, romantic dinners or a relaxed evening at the sushi bar. Whether you're in the mood for filet and lobster with fine wine, artisan pizza or sushi and a cold beer, Firefly takes pride in its food.

Chef Derek Langford’s farm-and-gulf-to-table approach showcases fresh, local ingredients in creative, elegant dishes. It’s no surprise Firefly has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence three years running.

7. Sample locally made donuts

The queues at Thomas' Donut & Snack Shop speak for themselves, these donuts are some of the best around. Pair them with a fresh coffee or juice for a perfect breakfast or snack.

Locally owned since 1971, you'll find classic favourites like jelly and custard donuts, along with signature creations and unique twists. Maple bacon donut, anyone?

8. Tee off at Goofy Golf

Goofy Golf (no relation to the Disney character) has been a family favourite since it opened in 1959, and it’s barely changed since. It was designed and built by Lee Koplin, a trained welder who first started creating surreal mini-golf courses in the late 1940s, starting with Pee Wee Golf in Guerneville, California.

At Goofy Golf, Koplin went bigger and bolder, making the sculptures larger and more interactive. Highlights include a Buddha, a volcano, a sphinx, and all sorts of monsters.

9. Take to the skies in a helicopter

Panhandle Helicopter offers thrilling air tours from Panama City Beach, though they might not be for the faint-hearted. Flights vary in length depending on how long you’d like to spend in the air, but whichever tour you choose, you’ll enjoy spectacular views and may even spot sharks and dolphins in the crystal-clear waters below.

The friendly staff will soon put you at ease as you soar above the coastline, taking in sights such as St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island and the stunning beaches, all from the best seat in the house: your very own helicopter.

Liking this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

10. Charter the blue waters

If you prefer to keep your adventures closer to the ground, why not charter your own boat? Island Time Sailing offers snorkel and dolphin cruises aboard its fabulous catamarans, where you can relax as you sail to Shell Island to snorkel and hunt for the perfect keepsakes to take home. Tours are around three hours, depending on which one you book.

You can also book a sunset cruise for a magical experience, often with dolphins playing in the waves as you drift by.

11. Go treasure hunting on Shell Island

Shell Island is a seven-mile (11km) stretch of untouched white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. It can be reached via the Shell Island Shuttle from Panama City Beach.

Although often called a barrier island, it is now technically a peninsula, separating St. Andrews Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Its wild landscape of dunes, scrub forest, pine hammocks, and a small lake offers a glimpse of Florida as it was 100 years ago.

12. Meet the local wildlife

If you want to experience Florida’s wildlife up close, a visit to St. Andrews State Park is a must. Explore scenic trails where you might spot herons, egrets, deer and even the occasional alligator, or relax by the water and watch for dolphins just offshore. Spend time on the beach sunbathing, building sandcastles, or hunting for shells, or rent a bike from the general store and discover the park on two wheels.

St. Andrews has plenty of accessible amenities, including elevated boardwalks, beach wheelchair rentals and dog-friendly areas.

13. Take a tour with a park ranger

For a deeper look at the park’s wildlife and history, consider joining a guided tour with one of the park rangers. Their expert knowledge brings the landscape to life, helping you spot animals you might otherwise miss and sharing fascinating insights about the area's unique ecosystems.

It’s a great way to see more, learn more, and get even closer to the natural beauty of St. Andrews.

14. Glamp in the great outdoors

If you fancy a break from your hotel, spend a night under the stars and enjoy the fresh, salty air while camping at St. Andrews State Park. Tucked away in the pine woods, the park offers 60 campsites for tents and RVs, each with electricity, water, picnic tables and barbecues.

Inside your comfy glampsite, you'll find a cosy bed and board games to keep you occupied when you're not exploring.

15. Make your stay count

Voluntourism plays an important role in preserving Panama City Beach’s natural beauty and helping nearby communities recover from past storms. Through the Stay it Forward programme, visitors can make a real difference.

Stay it Forward welcomes volunteers of all ages. You’ll be given the tools needed to help rebuild dune paths, plant sea oats, and more, plus a t-shirt and cap to remind you of the part you played in protecting PCB. Upcoming volunteer days can be found on the Visit PCB website.

16. Go wild with an airboat tour

If you've had your fill of relaxing, an exhilarating ride through Florida’s stunning marshlands with Wild Thang Airboat Tours is sure to wake you up. Hop aboard a high-speed airboat that glides through shallow creeks and hidden waterways where few boats can reach. Along the way, you’ll get up close to alligators, dolphins, herons and birds of prey, all while the hilarious crew keep you entertained with their running commentary and quick wit.

Expect thrilling 360-degree spins, incredible views and an unforgettable encounter with Florida’s wild side.

17. Tuck in on the docks

Just five minutes from the beaches in West Bay and right next door to Wild Thang, is the perfect spot for a post-boat ride meal. Boon Docks offers a tempting menu of local seafood, from perfectly grilled fish seasoned with a special spice blend to crispy fried favourites.

Relax at onsite bar Fish Tales while you wait, overlooking the historic 1940s fish house and the waterways where dolphins, alligators and ducks often pass by. With homemade desserts and a laid-back, old-Florida vibe, Boon Docks is a real local gem.

18. Make a splash on Shipwreck Island

Shipwreck Island Waterpark, the only major waterpark in Panama City Beach, has been a family favourite since 1976. It offers over three million gallons (around 11.4 million litres) of water attractions, including a wave pool, a lazy river, thrilling slides like Tree Top Drop and Free Fall Slide and kids’ zones such as Tadpole Hole and Splash Cove.

Families can race down flumes, brave white-water rapids, swing into deep pools, or simply relax in the park’s tropical surroundings.

19. Hit the last beach party

Right on the beach, Schooners, dubbed 'the Last Local Beach Club', is a brilliant spot for both lively parties and laid-back family fun. The food isn’t fancy, but it’s fresh, tasty and satisfying, with ice-cold beer on tap and live bands playing daily.

The atmosphere is casual, the views are spectacular, and every evening, a cannon is fired at sunset to mark the end of another perfect day in PCB.

20. Stay a stone's throw from the beach

Now you know where to eat, see nature and shop, where should you stay in Panama City Beach? Perfectly positioned just steps from the beach, Embassy Suites by Hilton is an ideal choice. Every room is a spacious suite, giving you extra comfort with separate living areas and modern amenities.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary made-to-order breakfast each morning, a relaxed evening reception, and a lovely outdoor pool area. With its prime location near shops, restaurants and the waterfront, plus easy access to the sand and sea, it’s a brilliant base for exploring everything PCB has to offer.

Getting there

Carolyn Heslop travelled to Panama City Beach as part of TravelPlanners' 10-night package. Prices start from £999 ($1.3k) per person, staying at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, based on two adults and two children sharing. Return flights from the UK, 11 days' car hire and access to the airport lounge included. To book, call 020 3542 8888 and quote offer code 'G13', or enquire online.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING