The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Panama City Beach, Florida Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | October 2019
Embraced by the shores of St. Andrews Bay, Panama City, Florida and its distinct neighborhoods retain much of the charm and beauty of a fishing village. Today, benefiting from its creative energy, Panama City is on the cusp of becoming a mecca for both artists and art lovers. Meanwhile, Panama City Beach offers nearly thirty miles of white, sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico—making for the best beach vacation, period.
Image courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach
1. THE HIKING
With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other, St. Andrews State Park is a pristine getaway along the shoreline of Panama City Beach that you won’t want to miss. Bookending the long strip of hotels along the beachfront of Panama City Beach, the park encompasses 1,200 acres of undisturbed forests and sand dunes for hiking, as well as miles of white sandy beaches that you can swim and snorkel. This is surfer central, too.
Two hiking trails introduce you to the splendor of one of Florida’s most threatened habitats, the coastal scrub. A historic turpentine distillery is the only one of its kind in the state, echoing a past when the tall pines were tapped for naval stores.
Image courtesy of Visit Panama City Beach
Buttonbush Marsh provides an important habitat for wildlife at the end of the barrier island at Panama City Beach.
2. THE ART
Panama City has long been a haven for artists and creative thinkers—but for many years the city did not allow the painting of public murals. However, a mural committee and a plan to deploy murals was established recently.
For the many programs and events throughout Downtown Panama City, such as the Flluxe Arts Festival, check out the Bay Arts Alliance.
3. THE COCKTAILS
For a memorable culinary experience between time and tide, The Grand Marlin is located at the Lighthouse Marina on Grand Lagoon. With stunning sunsets overlooking Grand Lagoon, The Grand Marlin brings a touch of the Caribbean to the shoreline where you can sit back and relax with a warm, gentle breeze while enjoying signature, handcrafted cocktails like the Blue Marlin Martini or Ginger Rum Cooler.
The Grand Marlin in Panama City Beach, Florida
The Grand Marlin has the best selection of local seafood and succulent steak dishes that are highlighted by delectable, daily specials from the kitchen of award-winning Chef Gregg McCarthy. You’ll love the tempting oyster bar where the finest oysters, from Apalachicola and East Bay to more exotic locales, are shucked fresh to order.
And did we mention the view? From the lighthouse on St. Andrews Bay, the sunset over Grand Lagoon and the sparkling lights of Panama City Beach at night, you’ll enjoy an experience like no other. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
In Panama City, Monya’s Garden is where you can trade in the sun and sand for shade and serenity. With its unconventional Bohemian flair, Monya’s Garden is located inside the Little Village—which rests upon Lake Ware in the historic St. Andrews neighborhood. Within this escape, you’ll discover live music and handcrafted, artisanal items from around the world, as well as from local artists.
In Panama City Beach, the Zen Garden is like entering a different world. The Asian-inspired garden greets you with a thousand and one shades of green in exotic forms and shapes. Shop a selection of organically grown fruit and vegetables, as well as other organic products and super foods. Staying in true zen spirit, enjoy freshly squeezed juice or a smoothie from the juice bar.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
These are some of Panama City’s most Instagrammable architectural delights. Most of the buildings throughout downtown date back to the 1920-30s with historic masonry—while Spanish influence of the Sherman Arcade and the old City Hall blend in well with the brick vernacular.
