Welcome to Panama City Beach, Florida!

  Jayna Leach, the spokesperson for Panama City Beach, highlights the destination's affordability and value compared to other Florida spots. Located in the northwest corner of the state, it remains somewhat undiscovered, offering reasonably priced experiences. Access involves a flight to Atlanta and a short 35-minute flight to Panama City Beach, conveniently close to the beach. The area is celebrated for its fine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise water, providing an exclusive and picturesque environment. Beyond beach activities, visitors can explore Shell Island, state parks, nature trails, and indulge in fresh seafood. A notable breakfast spot, Andy's Flower Power, features the acclaimed breakfast martini.  

While Covid only shut them down for seven months with domestic tourism returning thereafter, it did make locals realize the value of tourism. International tourism has rebounded. Their year-round 2023 event calendar features a major country music festival, wine and spirits festival, amongst others. What!...their famous breakfast martini.

I have to admit I am a self-confessed PCB junkie. PCB or Panama City Beach is one of Florida’s best known Gulf coast destinations with a mix of traditional seaside hotels, stores, attractions and restaurants blending with sophistication, not to mention an unbelievable beach. Every time I come here, I like it more and discover something new as well as returning to the tried and trusted. I know what I like, and I like what I know. So, what’s new? Well one thing for me was the accommodation, Springhill Suites by Marriott which opened in the summer of 2019 and is therefore, for the majority of international visitors, a new encounter. The hotel is situated right on the beach with very fast internet, free breakfast, a swimming pool, small kitchenette, easy access to the town, plus of course fabulous views of the clear blue gulf waters. Ideal at anytime of the day to sit on the balcony, have a drink and just take it all in. Rooms start at around $200 per night. Palate-pleasing PCB Food like most of Florida is really a big thing in PCB. Again, it’s a mix of the traditional with the more sophisticated. My favourite breakfast spot in the whole of Florida is Andy’s Flour Power which being PCB is not owned by Andy but John. The breakfast offerings are fairly standard but of high quality as is the service. What makes Andy’s stand out are the breakfast Martinis.  The standard vodka-based Martini mix is enhanced by the addition of Seville marmalade, orange zest and tiny pieces of peel then shaken. What could be better with your eggs over easy? A relative newcomer to the food scene is the Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub. Well, it’s new to me. Nothing pretentious about the location in a local strip mall but the menu and the food was something you may have been forgiven for thinking you were in the slow food belt of Italy. According to their own publicity “the menu is inspired by partnerships with regional farms using the freshest and most seasonal produce”. They are not lying. I started with half a dozen oysters followed by flash fried Brussel sprouts served with wild boar Bolognese. Sounds a bit rich I know but washed down with local ale it was terrific. For diners who don’t dig pasta I would recommend the elk burger or quail quesadilla. More established as a purveyor of fine food is Captain Anderson’s. Renowned in the region since 1967 for its fresh seafood, excellent service and family atmosphere (in fact it’s run by the original owner’s family the Patronis) I chowed down on wedge salad followed by chargrilled bay shrimp. In between sampling the cuisine of the county, I enjoyed a two-hour sailing cruise, through the calm waters of the Grand Lagoon, past the marinas and St Andrews state park. Not only was it the sunset of the decade but we also got to see a school of dolphins at close quarters, spot ospreys and still have time to sink a couple of beers. Insider tip is not to turn up an hour early because you forgot that PCB is on Central Time ie, 6 hours behind the UK! Shopping Retail therapy can often come into a holidaymaker’s schedule especially when the pound is strong, the credit cards are easy to access, and the product choice is wide. These days however that itch to get out your flexible friend to satisfy the shopping appetite can easily be satiated by online purchasing. Traditional retail parks and centres compete more with the likes of Amazon than they do each other. In order to survive they need to offer more and something that online experiences can’t compete with and that means face to face or in the modern parlance H2H (Human to Human). Pier Park in PCB does just that. Yes of course it has the full array of retail outlets you would expect plus a few more you might not but it also has entertainment, bars, restaurants, rides and of course is located only a few feet from the glorious beach. To go shopping here is a completely different experience than trudging round Sainsburys . PCB is an excellent place for a vacation as it more or less has everything for everybody. Old or new, traditional or sophisticated.

  Panama City Beach is pleased to announce its 2022 calendar of events including longstanding annual festivals, concerts and spectacular celebrations that are perfect for all ages and interests.   “We are thrilled to share our jam-packed calendar of award-winning events, ranging from country music festivals and exciting marathons to world-class culinary festivals, vintage car shows and more,” shares President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach, Dan Rowe. “Our events make Panama City Beach a year-round destination and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors in 2022 to create lasting memories in our Real.Fun.Beach.”   1.Food Trucks of America Food Truck Festival, February 5-6  Food Trucks of America is bringing the fourth annual Panama City Beach Food Truck Festival back to Aaron Bessant Park. This festival will be a weekend of craft beer, great food, lawn games, music and fun for the whole family. 30 food trucks will be serving everything from fall-off-the-bone BBQ and wood-fired pizza to juicy prime rib, spicy Korean food, gooey mac & cheese and so much more. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/food-drink-festivals/food-truck-craft-beer-festival/   2.PCB Mardi Gras and Music Festival, February 11-12 “Laissez les bon temps rouler” in Panama City Beach and participate in the destination’s authentic Mardi Gras celebration in Aaron Bessant Park. In conjunction with the Krewe of Domonique Youx’s great Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade, this annual festival features entertainment for the whole family. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/mardi-gras/.   3.Panama City Beach Scottish Festival, March 5 The 29th annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival will take place at Frank Brown Park’s festival site and will feature Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish & Irish musical performances (such as bagpipe bands and Irish step dancers), a British car club show, children’s activities and Scottish and Irish food and drink. This family-friendly event kicks off with a welcoming ceremony and parade of Tartans. For more information, visit www.pcbeachscotfestival.com.   4.Emerald Coast Cruzin’, March 9-12 / November 9-12 The bi-annual car show at Aaron Bessant Park is perfect for families and features thousands of hot rods and classic cars. Events include a swap meet, parade, cruiz-ins, block party and more. Live music will also be provided during the event. For more information, visit www.emeraldcoastcruizin.com.   5.UNwineD, March 18-19 This award-winning event returns to Aaron Bessant Park for the sixth year featuring craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting followed by a live concert and picnic in the park. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined.   6.Cajun Festival, April 18-24 Cajun music, Cajun food and Cajun fun. This Cajun beach party features daytime bands and lots of fun for the whole family. For more information, visit Schooners.com.   7.ParrotHead Rendesvous: 2022 Stories We Could Tell – Take Two, April 21-24 The Granddaddy of all ParrotHead events is back at Sharky’s. At this event, guests can bring their own cooler, rent a tent site and listen to great Trop Rock music.  In addition, there will be single musicians and duos up on the Rendezvous deck throughout that day, and of course the historic nighttime jam session will happen both Friday and Saturday night. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PHRendezvous.   8.Seabreeze Jazz Festival, April 20-24 Named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival in the USA” by JazzIZ Magazine and nominated as “Best Jazz Festival” at the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards, the Seabreeze Jazz Festival combines top national smooth jazz artists for a full weekend of fun, sun, great beaches and good times. The 23rd annual event will be held in Aaron Bessant Park, featuring internationally known acts as well as local performers. For more information, visit www.seabreezejazzfestival.com.   9.Thunder Beach Spring Motorcycle Rally, April 27-May 1 / October 19-23 The most biker-friendly rally in the country, the free four-day Thunder Beach Spring and Fall Motorcycle Rallies will feature 200 vendors and exhibitors, a bike parade, beauty pageants, poker runs, live music, motorcycle stunt shows, tattoo contests, bike shows with category judging and much more. The event will take place at multiple venues throughout the Panama City Beach area. For more information, visit www.thunderbeachproductions.com.   10.Visit Panama City Beach 70.3 Gulf Coast (Edgewater Beach Resort), May 7 / Visit Panama City Beach IRONMAN Florida, November 5 (Pier Park) What began as a challenge between Navy SEALS has become one of the most recognized endurance events in the world. IRONMAN is a statement of excellence, passion and commitment that is a true test of mental and physical toughness. Panama City Beach has proven to have the best combination of temperature and terrain for this competition, making the Florida edition of the challenge one of the most popular races on the circuit. For more information, visit www.ironman.com.   11.Grand Lagoon Taco’s & Tequila Fest, May 7 Enjoy creative tacos and tequila cocktails made by local bars and restaurants all  competing for the Best Taco and/or The Best Tequila Cocktail at Hammerhead Fred’s. This event features live music as well. For more information, visit grandlagoon.com   12.Florida Jeep Jam, May 12-15 Thousands of Jeep owners and enthusiasts will gather in Panama City Beach for the seventh annual Jeep Beach Jam at Frank Brown Park’s festival site. This four-day family event, organized by the JBJ Productions, Inc. team, will be filled with many fun-in-the-sun activities including concerts, scavenger hunts, off-road excursions, bonfires and more. Events will take place at many locations throughout the beach. For more information, visit www.floridajeepjam.com.   13.Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, June 3-5 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam will bring the best of today’s country music to the beach. Festivalgoers 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, to name a few. As the sun begins to set, patrons can ride free shuttles to the headline stage at Frank Brown Park’s festival site. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events.   14.Summer Concert Series, Every Tuesday from June -August The Summer Concert Series has become a beloved summertime tradition in Panama City Beach. Enjoy a free concert at the park every Tuesday at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater. For more information, visit VisitPanamaCityBeach.com.   15.Real.Fun.Fourth, July 2-4 Home to the largest display of fireworks on the Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach offers an All-American weekend of Independence Day celebrations. Friends and family put on their red, white and blue gear and gather on the sand to enjoy an electrifying firework show. Events held at various locations around the city. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events   16.PCB Fishing Rodeo, September 23 – October 9 Hosted by Capt. Anderson’s Marina, the Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo takes place during one of the best fishing periods of the year. The event features competitions in categories including charter boats, recreational boats, kayaks and paddleboards. Prizes are awarded by species ranging from king mackerel to red grouper, amberjack and many more. For more information, visit pcbeachfishingrodeo.com.   17.SandJam Music Festival, September 30-October 2 Panama City Beach’s fourth annual alternative rock music festival will set their stages on the beautiful sugar-white sand beaches of Panama City Beach, providing a picturesque backdrop for this spring’s biggest festival. Music lovers of all ages are invited to make long lasting memories at SandJam Music Festival, presented by Pepsi. For more information and this year’s full lineup, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events.   18.Pirates of the High Seas Fest, October 3-9 Columbus Day weekend will bring a treasure trove of fun-filled adventures to Panama City Beach with the Pirates of the High Seas Fest. Taking place throughout the Grand Lagoon and Pier Park, the festival includes an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, a pirate invasion, a treasure hunt and more. In addition, there will be several online activities including a virtual scavenger hunt, downloadable themed crafts, a digital pirate costume contest and more. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/piratesofthehighseas/.   19.Schooners Lobster Festival & Tournament, October 10-14 This week-long celebration welcomes lobster lovers from near and far for the biggest lobster tournament and festival in the area. Attendees can expect live music, contests and lots of delicious Florida lobster. Held at Schooners Last Local Beach Club, this event is a must for foodies of all ages. For more information, visit www.schooners.com/events/lobsterfestival.htm.   20.Panama City Beach Oktoberfest, October 14-16 Locals and visitors alike will raise a glass and don their lederhosen for this annual celebration of German heritage. Authentic German beer and brats are the star of the show, while this year’s festivities will feature stein hosting competitions, live music and plenty of activities for the kids. For more information, visit www.pcboktoberfest.com.   21.Grand Lagoon Bloody Mary & Music Festival, November 4-5 The sixth annual Grand Lagoon Bloody Mary & Music Festival will return in 2022 at the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort. Several bars and restaurants will compete for the title of “Best Bloody Mary in the Grand Lagoon.”  There will also be a panel of secret judges who will decide who will be crowned the “Big Tomato” and awarded the four-foot, tomato-topped trophy to keep until next year’s event. For more information, visit https://grandlagoon.com/events/bloody-mary-music-festival/.   22.Beach Home for the Holidays, November 25-26 Family, locals and visitors can spend Thanksgiving weekend kicking off the most wonderful time of the year with free holiday concerts at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, free seasonal-themed events like campfires and s’mores, meeting with Santa, a Christmas tree-lighting and more. For more information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/event.   23.Panama City Beach Marathon and 5K, December 4 Hosted by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, guests can run through paradise and alongside award-winning beaches in the annual marathon and 5k. The 26.2-mile race brings many visitors to the destination year after year. For more information, visit www.halfmarathons.net.   24.New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, December 31 Attracting thousands of visitors to the destination, the 15th annual New Year’s Eve celebration will include live music, entertainment and not one, but two beach ball drops, fireworks and 10,000 inflatable beach balls raining down from the sky over the streets of Pier Park. The 8 p.m. Beach Ball Drop gives kids the chance to experience the fun before they head to bed and let their parents continue the celebration. More entertainment and live music will follow during the build up to midnight, when a dazzling fireworks display will accompany the lowering of a giant LED-lit beach ball to signify the beginning of 2023.

  The inaugural Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo starts today in Panama City Beach, Florida. This three-weekend, 17-day event will include 11 species of fish and seven divisions for fishermen to compete in, daily entertainment, vendors and much more.   “The crystal-clear depths of Panama City Beach’s sandy shores are popular for both inshore and offshore fishing, so we are thrilled to welcome anglers from all over to test their skills during this year’s Panama City Beach Fishing Rodeo,” says Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “Whether our visitors are looking to experience the thrills of fishing the Gulf of Mexico or to simply enjoy the tournament festivities at Capt. Anderson’s Marina, our Real.Fun.Beach offers fun for all.”   The kick-off party begins Friday, September 24^th at the Capt. Anderson’s marina featuring live music from the Will Thompson Band. The tournament will host two daily weigh-ins from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00pm and 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. from September 24 – October 10 at Capt. Anderson’s Marina. Fishermen can compete from the shore, kayaks, paddleboards, personal boats or federal and state boats which are available for charter. The fish species this year include king mackerel, snapper, amberjack, wahoo, mahi-mahi, grouper, tuna and more.   This year’s food sponsors include Hunts Oyster Bar, Dockside Market & Grill and Paparazzi Gourmet and Deli, which will be serving up coastal favorites on-site. Legendary Marine will have a selection of boats on display for viewing or for purchase and Florida Watersports will be offering a variety of paddleboards and kayaks for sale.

  Panama City Beach, best known for its 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters, is pleased to announce new restaurants and attractions and developments coming soon in 2022.   “We are looking toward the future with optimism and are thrilled to see continued interest and investment in our community from locals and visitors alike,” says Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “From exciting new attractions, such as the Duplin Winery, to a variety of new hotels and resorts opening soon, including a luxury RV resort, the destination has a lot of exciting new things to offer.”   Known for its 320 annual days of sunshine, 27-miles of sugar-white sand beaches and brilliant emerald-green waters, Panama City Beach has become a beloved destination for families, athletes, nature enthusiasts and foodies seeking a relaxed and affordable getaway. As a result of its loyal visitors, the beach destination continues to expand at an incredible rate, quickly bouncing back from early 2020 travel restrictions set about by the pandemic.   Please see below for Panama City Beach’s latest developments, including new attractions, restaurants and accommodations:       Attractions:   New Artificial Reefs Created by Sunken Industrial Spools- Launched July 28, 2021 Five new artificial reefs were deployed this summer using industrial spools ranging from 22 feet and 40 tons to 35 feet and 60 tons. Just days after the launch, these recycled spools are expected to fill with marine life, creating an ecosystem for divers and fishermen alike to explore and enjoy. Baitfish, opportunistic predatory fish like barracuda, and prized reef fish such as grouper and snapper are expected as residents. The exact GPS coordinates of the first pair of spools are Site 1 30 01.581, -85 55.561 (DD MM.MMM).   Selfie Museum PCB- Open Now As the first and only Instagram pop-up museum in Panama City Beach, the Selfie Museum PCB will provide the backdrop for taking Real.Fun.Beach photos. All visitors have to do is bring their cell phones for a selfie adventure unlike any experience before. For more information and ticket purchasing, visit https://bit.ly/3fU2mOz.       Duplin Winery- Opening Early 2022 The largest winery in the south, Duplin Winery of Rose Hill has broken ground on the family-owned winery's third location. Located on 70 acres at the previous Hombre Golf Club, Duplin Winery is building a 35,000-square-foot complex that will be the home of an award-winning, laid-back Southern-style, wine-tasting experience, featuring specialty drinks, gourmet foods, merchandise, live entertainment and America’s Favorite Sweet Wine. Representing an initial $15 million investment, the attraction will employ more than 50 people. Over 20 acres of the property will be dedicated to conservation and preserving the land's natural beauty. more information, visit https://bit.ly/3itdW5f.       Restaurants:   Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub- Open Now Hunt & Gather Raw Bar & Pub is a place to enjoy the best of the Gulf and local farms with good friends and great food. This unique restaurant specializes in local and regional oysters and offers foodies a fresh take on wild game inspired meals. Stop in and check out the elk burger or quail quesadilla. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2VQ10xF.       Accommodations:   Embassy Suites by Hilton- Opening 2022 The St. Joe Company and Key International broke ground in August 2019 on a sprawling four-and-five-story Embassy Suites next to Pier Park with beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Managed by St. Joe Hospitality, this 225-guest suite hotel will feature a pool with various pool deck seating options, meeting space, fitness center, an on-site restaurant and an upper-level social, catering and event space looking out over the Gulf. The new Embassy Suites will also treat their guests to daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfasts and a reception each evening. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3lTiT6f.   Homewood Suites by Hilton- Opening Spring 2022 Located just a short drive from the world-famous beaches and adjacent to the recently opened Panama City Beach Sports Complex, this brand-new Homewood Suites by Hilton will be the ideal destination for sports visitors and families. This hotel will feature four stories, 131 one and two-bedroom guest suites complete with full kitchens and refrigerators, a pool, fitness center and complimentary breakfast seven days a week. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3jWSvYt.   Hyatt Place in Panama City Beach- Opening Summer 2022 Located right on the sand of Panama City Beach, this 224-suite hotel will feature a custom designed lobby, thoughtfully designed guest rooms with ocean views, a resort-style pool with a lazy river, a fitness center and a lobby decorated with art by local artists.  It will also include Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill with live music daily. This hotel will be the first Hyatt property on the beach in the Gulf Coast. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3xUet4z.   Comfort Inn & Suites- Opening 2022 This 84-room, 4-story hotel will be located on Panama City Beach Parkway, centrally located to the area’s beaches, Conservation Park and Pier Park. Funded by Bay Point Advisors, LLC, this brand-new Comfort Inn & Suites will feature a spacious lobby, business center, breakfast area, fitness center and swimming pool. For more information, visit https://bwnews.pr/3xYXTR0.   Kukla RV Resort- Coming Soon The city has approved a development order for Kukla RV Resort, a luxury RV resort located between Hutchinson Boulevard and Front Beach Road, which will be geared toward a high-end clientele. The resort will offer amenities such as a pool, fitness center, restaurant, clubhouse, concierge and is positioned to be nothing like the area has ever seen before.