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Panama City, Florida

by ShanaCorbin

In Panama City, Florida, there’s a salt-in-the-air, sand-between-your-toes atmosphere that goes far beyond the water’s edge. Distinct from the bustle of nearby beaches, there’s a comfortable feeling, radiating an atmosphere all its own. Many are surprised by the mix of small-town charm and funky village vibe. The variety makes this a destination many choose to explore over and over again.

Panama City is the largest city between Pensacola, less than three hours to the west and Tallahassee, two hours east. Sitting just about in the center of Florida’s northern Gulf Coast, tucked away on the northern shores of St. Andrews Bay, this destination welcomes visitors to the place where city meets sand. The thriving historic districts, anchored by two full service public marinas, perfectly pair diverse dining establishments, eclectic shops, galleries, live music, historic walking tours, farmers markets, dolphin tours, fishing charters and sailing excursions.

The historic district of Downtown Panama City and the community of Historic St. Andrews tell the stories of those who settled this area, beginning in the mid-1800s. A mix of salty characters and determined entrepreneurs staked their claims here and generations later, their independent spirit lives on. History is preserved and celebrated here, from historic and print museums to brew pubs that are both nostalgic and trendy. Individuality and creativity are on display among independent retailers, art exhibits and special events.

If the people are the heart of Panama City, then the water is its soul and there are numerous ways to tap into it. Casting a line for the catch of the day, paddling across the bay and enjoying the views of a sunset walk are just some of the favorite pastimes here. There are plenty of fishing charter options for anglers to choose from, as well as boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals and guides.

With largely untouched natural landscapes, Panama City is recognized on the Great Florida Birding Trail, the America’s Great Loop sailing route and the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddle Trail.  A short boat or shuttle ride away is Shell Island. It’s an uninhabited barrier island that touts warm days and calm waves. 

Of course, the outstanding seafood of the region is a delightful part of life here. A tasty breakfast or dinner overlooking the water is always fun, but when it comes to menu options, the choices get tough. Shrimp, fish and crab are local favorites, but tasting that oyster just opened by a champion shucker is an experience second to none.  Whether you prefer raw, baked, grilled, fried or sauteed, the Panama City Oyster Trail is a great way to taste them all.  And there’s an Ale Trail, too, where the craft beer and the atmosphere flow at nine local pubs.

Its combination of subtropical weather and an impressive slate of special events make Panama City a year-round destination. The surprising mix of new, old, funky and serene make it a favorite for many who come back again and again.

Journalist Alert: Panama City and Panama City Beach are two separate municipalities and uniquely different cities separated by St. Andrews Bay and connected by the Hathaway Bridge. Different from the beachside city, Panama City is a community surrounded by St. Andrews Bay, with thriving historic districts, two full service public marinas, diverse dining establishments, eclectic shops, galleries, live music, historic walking tours, farmers markets, dolphin tours, fishing charters and sailing excursions.

Fast Facts

  • America’s Great Loop, a 6,000-mile-long aquatic oval made up of lakes, rivers, sounds, canals and the Gulf of Mexico, runs right through Panama City.
  • Panama City is home to four historical districts: Downtown Panama City, St. Andrews, Glenwood and Millville.
  • Originally founded as a fishing village in 1827, Panama City has a strong maritime history of fishing, shipbuilding and salt mining.
  • During the Civil War, the St. Andrews Bay Saltworks was one of the south’s largest salt producers and two original salt kettles still stand today, marked with state historical markers.
  • Harrison was the original name of the town and you can find nods to the history sprinkled around the city, from the roadway that runs through the center of Historic Downtown to the names of local businesses and restaurant menu items.
  • Panama City has its own Oyster Trail with over a dozen oyster purveyors and restaurants, including Gene’s Oyster Bar, with its own historical marker.
  • Honor Allen, a Panama City native, is a six-time National Oyster Shucking Champion with his own documentary, “The Oyster Shucker” available on streaming platforms now.
  • The historic Bay County Courthouse is home to the landmark Gideon v. Wainwright case, in which the Supreme Court upheld the U.S. Constitution’s 6th Amendment, granting criminal defendants the right to free court-appointed defense counsel. It’s also an official stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
  • Two Chad Gainey sculptures are located at Oaks by the Park, highlighting the sea life living in and around Panama City waters. Chad’s work has been featured across the United States, Canada and Europe.
  • The Center for the Arts is the artistic heart and soul of Panama City and is housed in a 1926 historic building that once served as the City Hall, the police headquarters and the fire department.
  • The Blessing of the Fleet & Sock Burning is an annual tradition where nearly 50 boats sail by the St. Andrews marina while the community gathers to honors those lost at sea and ask blessings for the safe travels of those who make their living on the water. Afterwards, revelers pull off their winter socks to “free their feet,” tossing them into a big tub to be burned and officially usher in flip-flop season.
  • Where City meets sand, Panama City is fortunate to have the Panama City Symphony Orchestra, the Panama City Music Association and the Gulf Jazz Society presenting excellent symphonic, classical, opera, modern and jazz music performances each year.
  • Public Eye Soar is the largest free digital projection art show in the state of Florida, featuring art, videos, music, dance, film and interactive experiences from artists all over the world.
  • The Panama City Publishing Museum, built in 1920, was the home of Panama City’s first newspapers and still runs twice a day on the original 1915 print press.
  • Panama City is home to the Tarpon Dock Bridge, the last working drawbridge in Northwest Florida.

Annual Events

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