Panama City Beach is home to 27 miles of coastline, and has earned nationwide recognition for its ... [+]
gettyIt’s no secret that Panama City Beach has earned quite a formidable reputation over the past few years, largely thanks to its annual migration of debaucherous spring breakers. But if you look past the seasonal flock of boozy undergrads, there’s no shortage of charming attractions scattered all along its shores. From tantalizing caviar-laden dinners to strolls along pristine island shores, Panama City Beach is one of Florida’s most underrated destinations for experiencing the finer side of life.
Where to Stay
Though it's technically named St. Andrew Bay, the body of water just east of Panama City Beach is ... [+]
Visit Panama City Beach/Photographs by Bruce BuckThe Emerald Coast is equipped with some truly gorgeous gulfside beaches, but one of the region’s most lavish accommodations can be found perched on the banks of St. Andrews Bay. The Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort is the city’s only AAA Four Diamond property, coming equipped with a wide assortment of amenities perfectly suited for solo travelers and families alike.
Upon arrival, be sure to head straight outside for a leisurely stroll along the property’s pier, then make a pitstop at Flip Flops Pool Bar for a cocktail bathed in the glow of an incredible Emerald Coast sunset, while during daylight hours, guests are welcome to relax poolside, unwind with a spa treatment, or play 18 holes at the Panhandle’s only Nicklaus Design golf course. While there’s a plethora of dining options located on the property, don’t leave with paying a visit to TIDES Restaurant & Lounge, a polished upscale venue that serves fresh seafood paired with a gorgeous view of St. Andrews Bay.
Dining in Style
A large percentage of Florida's oysters are sourced from Apalachicola Bay, a natural feature roughly ... [+]
Hunt & Gather Raw BarMORE FOR YOU
Panama City Beach’s sprawling white-sand coastline isn’t just for show—the surrounding gulf plays host to a massive array of marine creatures just waiting to be caught, breaded, and fried. If it’s seafood that you’re after, few destinations can compare to The Grand Marlin, a polished two-story venue overlooking Panama City Beach’s Grand Lagoon. While guests are welcome to dine on cioppino, seared swordfish, and ginger soy tuna, the restaurant is best known for its massive oyster selection and sizable drinks list, which includes a wealth of rum-forward cocktails and over 80 different varieties of wine. In addition to Grand Marlin, true seafood aficionados can head to Hang Five to dine on savory pan roasted crab cakes and blackened Mahi-mahi tacos paired with a gorgeous view of the coastline, while FINNS Island Style Grub is perfect for grabbing a takeout order of ahi tuna and carne asada tacos and heading to the beach for a picnic.
Most visitors don’t come to Panama City Beach in search of fine dining, but that’s not to say it doesn’t exist—it just gets overshadowed by the dive bars and seafood shacks. While Firefly has long been the top spot for haute cuisine, don’t miss out on one of the city’s hidden gems. Tucked away in an unassuming trip mall on Front Beach Road, Hunt & Gather Raw Bar embraces gastronomy in its most essential form, offering classic American fare crafted with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. From pan seared foie gras to wild boar bolognese to elk burgers, Hunt & Gather truly stands in a league of its own.
Top Activities
Shell Island is roughly 700 acres in size, and is part of the nearby St. Andrews State Park system.
Visit Panama City BeachSince most of the city’s negative press can be tied back to rowdy tourists, it may be best to spend the bulk of your time with the locals—and not necessarily the human ones. From inland forests to pristine islands, there’s a wealth of destinations packed full of native Floridian wildlife just outside Pier Park.
While St. Andrews Bay and its surrounding waters are packed full of dolphins, these playful cetaceans can be a little difficult to find without proper knowledge of where to look. Fortunately, local safari company Blue Dolphin Tours has over thirty years of experience with the area’s resident bottlenoses. Once a pod has been sighted, guests are welcome to grab a snorkel and hop into the water for a closer look, with added opportunity to spot wild sea turtles and stingrays as well.
If you’re not a fan of open water, you may prefer to head northwest to Conservation Park, one of the city’s top destinations for hiking and biking. Measuring in at over 2,900 acres, this sprawling preserve is streaked with 24 miles of hiking trail, including one particular stretch of boardwalk that runs through pristine Cypress swampland. While there aren’t any dolphins to be found in this woodland oasis, Conservation Park offers unrivaled opportunity to spot some of Florida’s reptilian residents, ranging from pygmy rattlesnakes to alligators.
April 28, 2021 at 12:40AM
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How To Explore The Sophisticated Side Of Panama City Beach - Forbes
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