In addition to visiting the beautiful white sand seashores, there are many different enjoyable issues to do in Panama Metropolis Seaside Florida, from dolphin watching to using the well-known SkyWheel and feasting on pistachio muffins. So right here is the final PCB bucket checklist, that can make sure you take advantage of your 2022 journey to Panama Metropolis Seaside FL.
Disclaimer: My journey was sponsored by Go to Florida and Go to Panama Metropolis Seaside. As at all times, all phrases and opinions are my very own. This text comprises affiliate hyperlinks. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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How To Get To Panama Metropolis Seaside FL
Situated alongside the Florida Panhandle, Panama Metropolis Seaside (often known as PCB) is certainly one of Northwest Floridas finest seashore locations.
The best methods to achieve PCB are by automobile or airplane.
By Automotive
From the North
Freeway 79 is probably the most direct route, however Highways 231, 331 and 77 all connect with Freeway 98, which is called the Panama Metropolis Seaside Parkway because it crosses although our space.
Every of the north/south highways simply entry Interstate 10.
From the West
Freeway 98 (Panama Metropolis Seaside Parkway) goes instantly into Panama Metropolis Seaside.
In the event you’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 Seaside.
From the East
Freeway 98 will convey you on to Panama Metropolis Seaside, 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). Situated solely 12.4 miles (15 minute drive) from the seashore.
You’ll be able to catch a direct flight to ECP on certainly one 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 Seaside (VPS) (49 miles), Dothan Airport (DHN) (82 miles) or Pensacola (PNS) (85 miles).
From overseas, the best route is to fly to Atlanta (ATL) after which fly 1 hour on to ECP.
The place To Keep in Panama Metropolis Seaside
If you would like a central location then Calypso Resort & Towers is a superb alternative.
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 most effective place for procuring and leisure in PCB), and are reverse the seashore, making them good for households, {couples} or buddies who desire a location that’s inside strolling distance to the principle points of interest.
The condos sleep as much as 11 company, and facilities embody a personal stretch of seashore, a health club, out of doors swimming pool, and solar loungers.
I stayed in a lovely nautical themed one bed room condominium 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 area for solo travellers, {couples}, and households with 2 youngsters.
The best way to Get Round Panama Metropolis Seaside
In the event you keep at Calypso Resort & Towers you possibly can stroll to the seashore, Pier Park and a number of other of the coastal eating places however to go to extra of Panama Metropolis Seaside you’ll need a automobile.
In the event you don’t have your personal then be sure you e book a automobile rental effectively upfront for the most effective costs.
How Lengthy Ought to You Keep in Panama Metropolis Seaside
I spent three nights in PCB Florida, and thought it was an excellent period of time to see the most effective issues the vacation spot has to supply.
Nonetheless, the realm is understood for being laidback so that you might simply spend every week absorbing the rays, feasting on seafood and having a soothing seashore break with out becoming bored.
Simply bear in mind, what number of days you spend in Panama Metropolis Seaside might depend upon the remainder of your trip.
In the event you plan to highway journey throughout the Florida Panhandle like I did and see a number 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 Seaside FL
There may be a lot to maintain you busy in Panama Metropolis Seaside, however listed below are a number of my favorite issues to do.
Go to Shell Island
Situated 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 whole space is undeveloped and preserved.
This is likely one of the finest locations to expertise what they name “The Actual Florida”.
Don’t count on eating places, restrooms and even any shade, however as an alternative discover miles of pristine nature, that you simply gained’t expertise elsewhere 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 actual fact the waters round Panama Metropolis Seaside are dwelling to one of many highest populations of bottle-nosed dolphins in North America.
Shell Island can solely be reached by boat. There may be 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 accessible to e book in case you’re in search of one thing particular.
TOP TIP: Keep in mind sunscreen and a hat, and in case you can, attempt to go to in the course of 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 may be very standard 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 dwelling to a number of the softest sand I’ve ever come throughout. Constructed from 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 completely different, St Andrews State Park is a superb place to dive.
Uncover Camp Helen State Park
Certainly one of Florida’s most unusual state parks is Camp Helen.
It’s bordered on one facet by the Gulf of Mexico and on two different sides by Lake Powell, the most important coastal dune lake in Florida.
This ecological gem is usually missed by guests but it surely gives pristine seashores, sand dunes and winding mountaineering trails that assist you to discover the realm.
At Camp Helen you possibly can kayak, paddle board, fish, or swim, so it’s simple to spend a half or full day right here.
Store and Play at Pier Park
Pier Park is Panama Metropolis Seaside’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 finest 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!
Journey the SkyWheel
Handle: 15700 LC Hilton Jr. Drive, Panama Metropolis Seaside, FL 32413
Web site: https://www.skywheelpcb.com/
Worth: $16.99 plus tax, youngsters 4 and beneath go free
Situated in Pier Park, the SkyWheel, is a 53-meter statement wheel with 30 totally enclosed gondolas.
Every gondola holds as much as 6 individuals, and it’s at all times a personal expertise to your group (you don’t should 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 Seaside and the ocean.
Go to Canine Seaside
Handle: 33753-000-000, Panama Metropolis Seaside, FL 32413
Canine Seaside is the proper devoted place to take your pup to the seashore in Panama Metropolis Seaside.
It’s situated on the west facet 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 excellent 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 Seaside Bonfire
All alongside the Florida Panhandle you’ll find firms who arrange unbelievable seashore experiences that basically take your vacation to the following stage.
In Panama Metropolis Seaside, Infinite Seaside Leases are the blokes 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 substances to make s’mores!
It was an effective way to chill out, and I can see why it’s so standard for birthdays and different events.
Simply bear in mind to convey one thing heat for these cooler evenings.
Benefit from the Stay Music at Tootsies Orchid Lounge
Handle: 700 Pier Park Dr, Panama Metropolis Seaside, FL 32413
Web site: https://www.tootsies.internet/
Situated in Pier Park, just some minutes stroll from Calypso Resort & Towers, Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Panama Metropolis Seaside is the sister membership of the Nashville nation music establishment and world-famous honky-tonk.
If you would like reside music (all the way in which from Nashville TN), that is the place to spend your evenings listening to every part from new nation to previous rock-n-roll.
Greatest Locations to Eat in Panama Metropolis Seaside
The eating in PCB is an expertise of its personal, listed below are 7 eating places that offers you a style of the Northwest Florida Coast.
Andy’s Flour Energy
This was my favorite eating expertise of the whole week in Northwest Florida. Every part 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 contemporary substances.
From flaky pastries to distinctive flavoured muffins (it’s a must to strive their well-known pistachio muffins) and fairly presumably the finest omelette I’ve ever had.
Different standard dishes I attempted embody the breakfast potatoes, the french toast baguettes and the breakfast martinis.
Sure, that is the sort 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 shouldn’t be his actual), makes the expertise that rather more particular.
He’s so captivated with his menu, and can fortunately regale the story and inspiration behind every dish.
In the event you see him wandering round, do your self a favour and have a chat with him, it should 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!
In addition they promote sandwiches and scorching canine at lunch, so it is a excellent 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 objects, 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 inexpensive Mexican restaurant is every part I miss concerning the US once I’m at dwelling in London.
We simply don’t have something comparable. However which means each time I’m within the States, I be sure I make the most of it!
Diego’s is a superb place to seize a fast burrito, quesadilla, or a avenue 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 larger than my face!
They’ve two areas in Panama Metropolis Seaside, and one is only a 7 minute stroll from Calypso Resort & Towers, so this was the proper 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 Seaside Rd, Panama Metropolis Seaside, FL 32413
Worth: $$
Most likely top-of-the-line locations for sundown in Panama Metropolis Seaside, is just some blocks away from Calypso Resort & Towers and the most effective 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 beneath the glow of sundown, and it was the proper approach to finish my journey to PCB.
The Grand Marlin
This needs to be top-of-the-line seafood and oyster bars in Panama Metropolis Seaside.
Sadly I didn’t get to go to this time spherical however a number of days later I did have dinner at their authentic location in Pensacola (round 85 miles up the coast).
The meals was so unbelievable that I’d truly advocate visiting each in case you can!
I’ve written all concerning the finest eating places in Pensacola, however listed below are some images to tempt you.
Firefly
This distinctive restaurant in Panama Metropolis Seaside, Florida is likely one of the most romantic locations to eat.
Its tagline is “informal fantastic eating” but the restaurant has gained a number of awards and has even served meals to the Obama household, and the U.S. crew on the London Olympic Video games.
They’ve an wonderful number of seafood, steaks, and sushi, and the menu is ever-evolving, so you possibly can have a unique expertise every time!
I didn’t get to go to this time spherical however have heard nice issues so it’s on the checklist for my subsequent go to to Panama Metropolis Seaside!
Planning a Journey to Florida?
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