Why Panama City Beach Might Be Just Right for You

By Lauren Tjaden

You’ve heard of Panama City Beach, one of the coolest hotspots in northwest Florida. Here’s why it might be just right for you.

Panama City Beach boasts nearly 100 public accesses to 27 miles of beaches.

That means you can pick a stretch of sand that suits your mood -- whether you’re looking for activity and action, or a peaceful getaway.

If you’re yearning for solitude, Shell Island, a seven-mile-long barrier island, is sure to soothe your soul. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay, you can rejoice in miles of beach with no development, and no access other than by boat. St. Andrews State Park also has undeveloped beaches, and they’re easy to access.

If you prefer a lively getaway, the hub of the city is Pier Park. You could spend days exploring the shops of this 900,000+ square-foot Florida shopping center.

… Or eating your way through it.

For a beach-side option, bite into fab food overlooking the Gulf at Hook'd, across the street from Pier Park.

The area offers a steady stream of events, from Jazz Festivals to holiday celebrations and more. Make sure to check out Panama City Beach’s event calendar to see what will be happening when you’re in the neighborhood.  

Though the beaches come in many varieties, the one thing they all have in common is the sand.

Powdery and white, its sand practically begs for you to ditch your sandals. It’s not only beautiful, it’s comfortable: as soft as baby powder, it stays cool even on the hottest days, so it won’t burn your feet.

The water is a dreamy color, sometimes emerald, sometimes blue, shifting in the light.

The water sports will make a splash with your whole gang.

But if you just want to kick back on the sand and watch the surf roll in, you can do that, too.

The area boasts an abundance of beachfront accommodations, so you can almost always snag a deal -- good news if you're on a budget.