Panama City Travel Information
Self-proclaimed "Seafood Capital of the World", Panama City is a charming, small beach town in Florida’s northwestern panhandle. Situated on the Gulf coast, Panama City Beach with a mere population of 35,000, has been rated the Number One Beach in the country by the Laboratory of Coastal Research of the University of Maryland. Twenty-seven miles of sugar white sand and emerald colored surf, as well as an average ambient temperature of 78 degrees, lures tourists here throughout the year. Several attractions are worth noting. Gulf World Marine Park hosts numerous programs and shows involving exotic birds and marine mammals including Swim With A Dolphin and Trainer For A Day programs. Shipwreck Island (a water park), Zoo World, and Miracle Strip Amusement Park with its 2000-foot roller coaster are kids’ favorites. Several types of excursions are available for saltwater fishing, as well as dolphin and island tours from Captain Anderson’s Marina on North Lagoon Drive. Outdoor activities here usually involve sun and surf. Soaking in sunshine on the toasty-warm beach is the top-rated sport in the area. Dipping into the tepid green water is another. Golf, fishing and boating are also quite popular, and there are a number of top-rated greens in the area. Other sports include biking, hiking, water skiing, parasailing and snorkeling. One of the best recreational parks here is St. Andrew’s State Park on SR-392. They have excellent facilities for snorkeling, diving, canoeing and swimming, as well as two fishing piers and two nature trails. For those who really enjoy getting down with nature, both full-service campsites and group sites for youngsters are available. With one and a half miles of sandy beaches, this park is a pleasure to walk the shores or just sit and soak up the sun. Panama City, or "Emerald Coast" as it has come to be known, is a bustling small town located about 100 miles from both Tallahassee and Pensacola.
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