Panama City Beach Live Cam

One of the TOP 5 beaches in the South

Our 27 miles of white sand beaches are hours closer than other Florida destinations, and with our $20 million beach beautification now complete, it's also the most attractive - recognized by coastal authority Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman in America's Best Beaches. Head for gorgeous Panama City Beach, and you'll have more time to enjoy the great snorkeling, diving, fishing, golf, theme parks, dining, and affordable accommodations.

Accommodations in Panama City Beach are plentiful, comfortable and priced just right for your budget! Select your preference in lodging type from the list at left, and scroll through the table to find just what you're looking for.

Panama City Beach's St. Andrews State Recreation Area was rated the Number One Beach in America in 1995 by University of Maryland coastal geologist Dr. Stephen Leatherman. (study commissioned by Conde Nast Traveler to rate coastal beach parks in the United States) Dr. Leatherman studied environmental, biological, and human factors in over 650 American beaches. Panama City Beach received the Number One rating in the country, above beaches in Hawaii, California and other areas of Florida.

The unusual whiteness of our sand is a result of quartz crystals washing down from the Appalachian Mountains centuries ago. Over time, these crystals have been bleached, ground, smoothed and polished until millions upon millions of grains of sand have been deposited along this Northwest Florida coast.

I immediately noticed the blinding white sand and was glad that I had brought my sunglasses...There is an abundance of excellent golf courses, and a multitude of beach activities, including volleyball, skim boarding, swimming and parasailing. There are hundreds of natural and artificial reefs offshore in the crystal clear water; Panama City Beach ranks with Key Largo in affording some of the best diving in the country. All of these myriad activities makes Panama City Beach the Best Sports Beach in the World.

Situated on more than 1,000 acres, St. Andrews is surrounded by woodlands on one side and the ocean on the other. Enjoyed by over 350,000 visitors annually, this State Park offers ample campgrounds with 176 tent sites, including picnic shelters, a playground, and restroom and shower facilities. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and boating. Those preferring dry land can hike along the nature trail looking for deer, rabbits, raccoons, alligators, and various species of wild birds.

Traveling to Panama City Beach

Panama City is located on Florida’s panhandle. It has miles and miles of beautiful beaches and is a spring break destination for students all over the country.

Things to do in Panama City Beach

Something that is really neat that most cities don’t offer is the Gran Maze; this is located at the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. It is a big white maze that you and your family or friends can get lost in. There are four different colored towers and you must get to the tower of your color choice first. You can have hours and hours of fun doing this. This maze is as big as a football field and is the first one in the US like it! This fun park also offers two different 18 hole mini golf courses that is jungle themed with waterfalls.

WonderWorks is a experience for your mind. There are tons of things to do in this upside down building, it will surely take up a whole day. Ever wonder what us Floridians go through when there’s a hurricane? WonderWorks has a category 1 hurricane simulator. You can be a human lighting rod, have a bubble blowing contest in the Bubble Lab, land a space shuttle or play lazer tag; there is really to much to write in this blog so check out their website, this is something you will want to do while in Panama City Beach.

Shipwreck Island Water Park will surely cool you off in summer. This water park has lots of fast water slides, two big drop slides, a huge wave pool, a great lazy river, a raging rapid water ride and much more. Lots of fun to be had here. Tickets are around $35 and lower; depending on your height.

If camping is what you’re looking for, Camp Helen State Park is the place to go. They offer Rainbow cottages you can rent, the park is right on the ocean, fishing, hiking (there are trails everywhere), lots of wildlife to see and they have a historic site. If you can think of something you want to do outdoors, you’ll find it here.

If you’re just not quiet sure what to do, head over to Pier Park. There is a huge outdoor mall that has tons of shop and restaurants so you’ll be sure to find anything you’re looking for, and they also have their own amusement park and it is all right on the Gulf of Mexico so you can go to the beach as well. Rides cost per ride.

There are lots of restaurants and nightclubs in Panama City Beach, pretty much just about anything you can think of to eat, there is someplace that will have it. But just remember that you are in Florida and Florida is known for its seafood so if you’ve never had seafood you must try some; I would start with shrimp and crab legs, YUM!

Tips:

• There will be coupons for WonderWorks and most other attractions in the local coupon book that you can get at any restaurant or hotel.
• Planning your trip in January, Febuary or September will save you a lot of money on hotels.