Panama City
Panama City offers sunshine, sea and surf with many activities occurring on, near or under the water. Here you can swim, dive, look for dolphins and tour a historic waterfront district.
Go to Capt. Anderson’s Marina to book a deep sea fishing charter or a dolphin sightseeing tour. Take a boat trip to nearby Shell Island. Surf, snorkel and dive off the coast or sunbathe on the beaches.
In Panama City, visit St. Andrew’s Bay to stroll around the marina and browse small boutiques. Sample some of the fresh fish at a waterfront restaurant. Alternatively, try the “Hook and Cook” experience; go out on a fishing boat and one of the restaurants will cook your catch.
Explore the historic downtown area, an interesting collection of antique stores, art galleries, coffeehouses and bookstores. View the work of local, national and international artists at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida.
Take a self-guided history tour of the area. See the Gideon marker commemorating a landmark court judgment that established the public defender system in the United States. Stroll past late 19th-century historic homes. Note the mixture of architectural styles at the John Christo (Senior) Home. Stop by the Saltworks marker noting Panama City’s vital salt production during the Civil War. Round off your visit by sitting in the shade of a tree in McKenzie Park.
From February through October, enjoy food, fun and entertainment at Friday Fest, a large street festival on the first Friday of each month. Restaurants and shops stay open until late, market stalls line the streets and free live music fills the air.
Reach the area by flying into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Get around by rental car, taxi or public transportation. The Bay Town Trolley Bus System operates several routes, but has no service on Sundays.
Panama City’s pleasant subtropical climate makes it a year-round vacation destination. Visitors often explore neighboring Panama City Beach to enjoy its many family attractions.