Steven And Debbie’s Guidebook for:
Panama City Beach, Fl
Food scene
One of our favorites. They have a live band every night. They offer a special of oysters on the half shell for a dozen with the purchase of a beer M-Th for $5. On Fridays there is a seafood boil that is great free with the $5 purchase of beer.
123 locals recommend
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge-Panama City Beach
700 Pier Park DrOne of our favorites. They have a live band every night. They offer a special of oysters on the half shell for a dozen with the purchase of a beer M-Th for $5. On Fridays there is a seafood boil that is great free with the $5 purchase of beer.
Great, reasonable place to get seafood. They have a live band. This is another fav of ours. I've never gotten anything that is not delicious. On Fridays they have specials. Ask.
218 locals recommend
Dat Cajun Place Cafe
2705 Thomas DriveGreat, reasonable place to get seafood. They have a live band. This is another fav of ours. I've never gotten anything that is not delicious. On Fridays they have specials. Ask.
Bayou on the Beach
11115 Hutchison BlvdGreat food. There will be a line. All kinds of seafood.
Great place to get seafood baskets. Casual dress. Reasonable prices
92 locals recommend
Shuckums Oyster Pub & Seafood Grill
15614 Front Beach RdGreat place to get seafood baskets. Casual dress. Reasonable prices
Fantastic place for seafood. If you don't mind waiting for a table they have tables with beach view. Casual dress.
342 locals recommend
Schooners
5121 Gulf DrFantastic place for seafood. If you don't mind waiting for a table they have tables with beach view. Casual dress.
Hammerhead Fred's
8752 Thomas DrExcellent seafood and other entrees. They have live music.
Nice place to eat. Usually not a wait. The food is good.
13 locals recommend
Montego Bay Seafood House & Oyster Bar
473 N Richard Jackson BlvdNice place to eat. Usually not a wait. The food is good.
Grocer with a local flair. There are many locations in PCB. What we like is their Wednesday special on sushi. It is $5 per box. They make it on site. Also, they have fresh seafood and a deli.
50 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Magnolia Plaza
2419 Thomas DrGrocer with a local flair. There are many locations in PCB. What we like is their Wednesday special on sushi. It is $5 per box. They make it on site. Also, they have fresh seafood and a deli.
Great food. Steak and seafood. Alcoholic drinks. Bar.
196 locals recommend
Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
15201 Front Beach RoadGreat food. Steak and seafood. Alcoholic drinks. Bar.
A fav of everyone. From many of the condos you can walk to it for fancy drinks. East ocean front. Food is great.
309 locals recommend
Pineapple Willy's Restaurant
9875 S Thomas DrA fav of everyone. From many of the condos you can walk to it for fancy drinks. East ocean front. Food is great.
Harpoon Harry's Beachfront Restaurant
12627 Front Beach RdGreat place for food a drink. Varied menu.
This is a chain package liquor store that has a varied supply of libations.
12 locals recommend
Abc Fine Wine And Spirits
11699 Panama City Beach PkwyThis is a chain package liquor store that has a varied supply of libations.
Dusty's Oyster Bar
16450 Front Beach RdGreat place for seafood baskets and good cold beer
Sightseeing
Centrally located on Front Beach Rd. One of the top aquatic shows in the area. This is a fun activity if it is raining. All ages enjoy this.
348 locals recommend
Gulf World Marine Park
15412 Front Beach RdCentrally located on Front Beach Rd. One of the top aquatic shows in the area. This is a fun activity if it is raining. All ages enjoy this.
The tour to Shell Island is a lot of fun. The park is a lot of fun.
465 locals recommend
St. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park LnThe tour to Shell Island is a lot of fun. The park is a lot of fun.
They have great fishing charters. You usually catch fish and you can keep them if you like. There's a restaurant there, too.
75 locals recommend
Capt. Anderson's Marina
5550 N Lagoon DrThey have great fishing charters. You usually catch fish and you can keep them if you like. There's a restaurant there, too.
Signal Hill Golf Course
9615 Thomas DrVery nice 18 hole gold course.
Great tour to get you out into the ocean to see wildlife and enjoy the boat ride.
134 locals recommend
Sea Screamer
3605 Thomas DrGreat tour to get you out into the ocean to see wildlife and enjoy the boat ride.
Russell-Fields Pier
16201 Front Beach RdYou can fish from the pier and rent what you need.
Entertainment
There are many parasailing companies. Usually the beach service near your condo can direct you to the nearest one. You need an appointment esp during high season. You might check the coupon books located in your condo lobby for discounts.
9 locals recommend
Paradise Watersports
5711 N Lagoon DrThere are many parasailing companies. Usually the beach service near your condo can direct you to the nearest one. You need an appointment esp during high season. You might check the coupon books located in your condo lobby for discounts.
This is one of many minature golf places. You will see them along Front Beach Rd. There's Hidden Lagoon and Racetrack. Many are listed in the coupon books.
131 locals recommend
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
9807 Front Beach RdThis is one of many minature golf places. You will see them along Front Beach Rd. There's Hidden Lagoon and Racetrack. Many are listed in the coupon books.
Ms Newby's Liquors
8711 Thomas DrKaraoke bar and food
Buster's Beer & Bait
5900 Thomas DrA fav of the motorcycle group. Bar and nightlife.
This is a huge shopping area. It has everything from restaurants, bars, retail, entertainment, theaters, souvenirs, etc. Restaurants are all excellent, like Margaritaville, Pompano Joe's, Paula Deen, Back Porch, Dave and Busters, etc. Bars are fun and many have live bands, like Tootsies.
625 locals recommend
Pier Park
This is a huge shopping area. It has everything from restaurants, bars, retail, entertainment, theaters, souvenirs, etc. Restaurants are all excellent, like Margaritaville, Pompano Joe's, Paula Deen, Back Porch, Dave and Busters, etc. Bars are fun and many have live bands, like Tootsies.
Runaway Island
14521 Front Beach RdAmusement park
Bike the Beach PCB
17292 Front Beach RdGolf cart and bike rentals
There are at least 3 locations on Front Beach rd. Golf cart and scooter rentals
King of Scooters 12616
12616 Front Beach RdThere are at least 3 locations on Front Beach rd. Golf cart and scooter rentals
City/town information
Panama City Beach is pleased to announce that it has been named the No. 2 “Emerging Destination” in the world by Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice 2021 Best of the Best Awards. Known for its 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, brilliant emerald-green waters and 320 days of sunshine annually, Panama City Beach has become a beloved destination for families, couples and friends.
205 locals recommend
Panama City Beaches
Panama City Beach is pleased to announce that it has been named the No. 2 “Emerging Destination” in the world by Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice 2021 Best of the Best Awards. Known for its 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, brilliant emerald-green waters and 320 days of sunshine annually, Panama City Beach has become a beloved destination for families, couples and friends.
Neighborhoods
PCB has lots of planned events year round. This is just a sampling of some of the events and the dates will change by the year. Go to the PCB Chamber of Commerce website for their current calendar of events:
https://www.pcbeach.org/events/
Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally
Dates: 2021-04-28 - 2021-05-02
Location: Frank Brown Park
Bikers from around the country can enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. For more information please visit http://www.thunderbeachproductions.com
*****
May 1 Hats and Horses Kentucky Derby Style Event
Location: VBA Design, 2424 Jenks Ave. Suite B. Panama City
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
A Kentucky Derby style event with Mint Juleps, whiskey & wagers, silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, televised viewing of the Kentucky Derby and prizes. Derby attire and hats are encouraged. Outside event with limited tickets being sold. Can be purchased at VBA Design & Eventbrite.
********
June 4
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
Dates: 2021-06-04 - 2021-06-06
Location: Frank Brown Park
Rescheduled from 2020–Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will bring the best of today’s country music to the beach. Festival-goers will get a chance to see the biggest names in country music as they take to the stage on the beach, with previous artists including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock and Eric Church, just to name a few. As the sun begins to set, patrons can ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit https://gulfcoastjam.com/.
*****
June 17
Broadway on the Beach – Mamma Mia
Dates: 2021-06-17 - 2021-07-04
Location: Aaron Bessant Park
Time: 7:00pm on Thursdays & Sundays
Time: 8:00pm on Fridays & Saturdays
Broadway On The Beach makes a SPLASH as it surfs into Panama City Beach this year with the ABBA blockbuster: Mamma Mia! Become enraptured in an experiential adventure the likes of which Panama City Beach has NEVER seen before.
Bring Your Own Seats/Festival Style.
205 locals recommend
Panama City Beaches
PCB has lots of planned events year round. This is just a sampling of some of the events and the dates will change by the year. Go to the PCB Chamber of Commerce website for their current calendar of events:
https://www.pcbeach.org/events/
Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally
Dates: 2021-04-28 - 2021-05-02
Location: Frank Brown Park
Bikers from around the country can enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment and local cuisine. For more information please visit http://www.thunderbeachproductions.com
*****
May 1 Hats and Horses Kentucky Derby Style Event
Location: VBA Design, 2424 Jenks Ave. Suite B. Panama City
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
A Kentucky Derby style event with Mint Juleps, whiskey & wagers, silent auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, televised viewing of the Kentucky Derby and prizes. Derby attire and hats are encouraged. Outside event with limited tickets being sold. Can be purchased at VBA Design & Eventbrite.
********
June 4
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
Dates: 2021-06-04 - 2021-06-06
Location: Frank Brown Park
Rescheduled from 2020–Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will bring the best of today’s country music to the beach. Festival-goers will get a chance to see the biggest names in country music as they take to the stage on the beach, with previous artists including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kid Rock and Eric Church, just to name a few. As the sun begins to set, patrons can ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park. For more information, visit https://gulfcoastjam.com/.
*****
June 17
Broadway on the Beach – Mamma Mia
Dates: 2021-06-17 - 2021-07-04
Location: Aaron Bessant Park
Time: 7:00pm on Thursdays & Sundays
Time: 8:00pm on Fridays & Saturdays
Broadway On The Beach makes a SPLASH as it surfs into Panama City Beach this year with the ABBA blockbuster: Mamma Mia! Become enraptured in an experiential adventure the likes of which Panama City Beach has NEVER seen before.
Bring Your Own Seats/Festival Style.
We have been to PCB year round. One of my favorite times is off season. This is a perfect place for snow birds. The temp is pleasant. You might need a light jacket or just a long sleeve. Rarely does the temp dip into freezing. I've never experienced this at PCB. It's nice and a slower pace. Several of our condos have planned activities both in high season and low season-Regency Towers and Summit do. Many of the resorts have planned activities and usually welcome folks from other condos. PCB is very friendly. It's easy to meet folks. There are lots of vets there. It is a very patriotic area and a lot of USA pride. Several years ago the PCB city council decided to crack down on the partying over spring break; so, the area is very family oriented now. There are still many party areas and plenty to do for the young who like night life, bars, dancing and live entertainment. There is some activity for any age person. This is our happy place. We hope it will be yours, too!
205 locals recommend
Panama City Beaches
We have been to PCB year round. One of my favorite times is off season. This is a perfect place for snow birds. The temp is pleasant. You might need a light jacket or just a long sleeve. Rarely does the temp dip into freezing. I've never experienced this at PCB. It's nice and a slower pace. Several of our condos have planned activities both in high season and low season-Regency Towers and Summit do. Many of the resorts have planned activities and usually welcome folks from other condos. PCB is very friendly. It's easy to meet folks. There are lots of vets there. It is a very patriotic area and a lot of USA pride. Several years ago the PCB city council decided to crack down on the partying over spring break; so, the area is very family oriented now. There are still many party areas and plenty to do for the young who like night life, bars, dancing and live entertainment. There is some activity for any age person. This is our happy place. We hope it will be yours, too!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Uber and Lyft are available and your cheapest choice.
If you fly you will arrive at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. From there you can rent a car or use apps for Uber or Lyft. These will be cheaper than a taxi. The airport is about 15 miles to Front Beach Rd. depending on which spot on that road you plan to go.
Getting around
During high season
PCB is only 15 miles long and 1 mile wide. Try to avoid Front Beach Rd. It can get congested but not impossible. Most of the beach front condos and hotels are located here. You might try an alternate route- Panama City Beach Parkway esp for longer distances.
Book before you go
Tours, Charters, Fishing guides, rental cars
During high season esp book your entertainment in advance or at least as soon as you arrive.
What to pack
What to pack
It depends on what you like to do. Mostly you will need casual wear and swim suits and beach towels. If your condo does not provide beach chairs and umbrella you can bring these or buy them at Walmart or Sam's Club. Sunscreen and a hat is nice. Realize if you forget something you won't be far from retailers to buy what you need.
Traveling with kids
Hot sunny days
For very small children and infants you might want to bring a small covering, tent or canopy to shade them. A hat is necessary and you might want to pack some long sleeve shirts and child sunscreen.