The emerald green waters of the gulf of Mexico

The unique sugar-white sandy beaches of Northwest Florida can easily be compared to the amazing shores of the Greater Whitsundays, Australia. With 27 miles of stunning white sands and emerald green waters that remain warm all year long, Panama City Beach Florida has a lot to offer to anyone looking for a place to unwind. Self proclaimed “The most beautiful beach in the world”, this Gulf Coast Paradise certainly knows how to display gracefully many natural wonders that will endear any nature lover.

The beautiful white sand of Panama City Beach

The roots of Panama City Beach can be traced back to the 1800s when it was settled as a community of fishermen with the occasional intrusion of pirates. The official story however, began only in 1936 when the city was founded. The city’s name came from the fact that at that time, it was the nearest American port to the newly opened Panama Canal. For many years, Panama City Beach has been a popular spring break destination with about 100,000 college and high school students, invading each year the area during the months of March and April.

A real estate boom in the early to mid 2000s drastically changed the image of the area. The older homes and distressed motels have been replaced by pricey high-rise condominiums and luxury homes. High-end seafood restaurants have also developed to better cater the new touristic demographics.

Panama City Beach from St Andrew's State Park

The city enjoys a subtropical climate with an average temperature of 74 degrees. July and August tend to be hot and humid, but any other periods are truly pleasant. The warm and clear waters are paradise for snorkelers as you can almost be assured to have a close encounter with colorful fish or dolphins. The experience of being surrounded by a fish school is something you will never forget.

A morning walk on the beach is pure bliss

The pure white sandy beaches are always inviting for long and replenishing walks. If you look a bit closer, you will be amazed by the variety of shells, sand dollars and tiny crabs that are laying or crawling on the sand. Such abundance of treasures will almost make you feel guilty you did not pack your beach bucket.

Located three miles east of Panama City Beach stands the beautiful St. Andrew’s State Park. With over one-and-a-half miles of beaches and Grand Lagoon, this former military reservation has been named the #2 beach in the US according to Trip Advisor. The park also offers two nature trails that wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities and offer a great opportunity for bird-watching.

Some beach chairs are also available for rent

Adjacent to the St Andrew’s State Park is Shell Island, a seven-and-a-half mile wildlife sanctuary. Because this barrier island is relatively secluded, Shell Island is home to one of the world's highest concentrations of bottle-nosed dolphins. Visitors will be greeted by flocks of colorful seashells and fish, sea turtles, different wild bird species, secluded beaches, and other rare ecological delights. A shuttle departs every 30 minutes from the St Andrew’s State boat ramp and various tours and cruises offer snorkeling excursions as well as opportunities to go swim with the dolphins.

The vast horizon line and the subtropical climate create stunning sunsets every evening. What a beautiful way to end a day than walking on the beach and watching the sun going down over the Gulf of Mexico. You will never regret your escapade to Panama City Beach.

For more information

St Andrew’s State Park
The park is open daily from 8:00am until sunset.
Website

Panama City Beach
Tourist information center
Tel: +1 (800) PCBEACH
Website

Chamber of Commerce
Tel: +1 (850) 235 1159
Website

A tasty note...

If you love seafood, you are in for a treat. Panama City Beach offers many beach front dining venues - from casual to elegant - where you can enjoy some very fresh seafood. Because we are in Florida, the Key Lime pie is also on the menu of many restaurants. Make sure you'll try it... it is divine!