How to Visit Panama City, Florida

With some of the most beautiful white sand beaches along the coast of Florida, Panama City can be an ideal vacation spot when you are looking for someplace warm and tropical to visit. With attractions to see, events to attend, and fine cuisine to try, a visit to Panama City, Florida can be a trip to remember.

Instructions

1. Panama City has the Panama City Bay County International airport, which receives flights from most major airlines. Booking a round trip flight through a travel agent or an Internet website such as Travelocity can be as simple as typing in your destination (make sure to put Panama City, Florida so that you don’t accidentally book a flight to Panama City, Panama) and the dates you wish to travel there. Located within the continental United States, it is also possible to drive there by way of several major highways.

2. Because of its coastal location, there are certain times of the year that the weather could ruin vacation plans. While hurricanes do not often directly hit this region of the coast, the thunder and rain storms associated with them can still occur between August and October, so that might not be the best time to make a visit if you want to be outside a lot. Throughout the year the temperatures stay warm and can be humid, so make sure to bring the proper clothing, sunscreen and weather protection with you no matter when you make your trip.

3. Like most tourist cities, Panama City is full of things to do, whether you are an avid golfer, backpacker, swimmer or looking for family entertainment. There are two golf courses, miles of beaches and four state parks within 30 miles of the city. The Cobra Adventure Park theme park, Shipwreck Island Water Park, Zooworld and Gulf World Marine Park are also available for family adventures.

4. Some people like to spend a vacation relaxing, some like to spend it on non-stop fun, and some like to have some education and history mixed in. For those that enjoy learning something when they travel to a new city, Panama City has you covered. Sight-seeing cruises and tours are available by reservation almost all year long, and can include not only hearing and seeing the points of interest around the city, but also snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.

5. Located in a southern state and along the Gulf of Mexico, the cuisine found in Panama City benefits from three culinary inspirations: barbecue, Mexican cooking and seafood. Fast food is also readily available, as it is in most cities across the United States, but there are enough fine (and not so fine) dining establishments available to make it unnecessary to have to stop for a burger and fries anywhere.

6. It isn’t always possible to catch an event unless you specifically plan to be in town when it occurs, but there are a lot of festivals, concerts and shows that happen all year long in Panama City, so it is a good bet that one will be taking place while you are in town. The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort holds free concerts during the summer, car shows and horse shows occur during the fall and the Ironman Florida event comes along at the end of the year.

7. In March, Panama City becomes a Spring Break city, where college students from around the country flock to visit clubs, see concerts and participate in citywide events. This can be a great time to meet new people and have fun if that is the kind of vacation you are looking for. If you are trying to spend quality time with young kids or if you are elderly and looking for some time to just sit back and relax, this might not be the best time for you to make a visit to Panama City. Waiting until the Spring Break excitement has gone by for another year might be best.

Tips & Warnings

• For proper dates and times to see events or visit amusement parks, theme parks or state parks, check business websites or call the Visitor's Center for Panama City. You wouldn't want to travel there in order to see something such as the Gulf World Marine Park only to find out you have come at the wrong time of year and the gates are closed.

• If you are planning on visiting Panama City, Florida during the months of August, September or October, be aware that these are during Hurricane Season. The weather could include frequent storms with torrential rains and high winds. Be prepared with emergency supplies and an evacuation plan.

• If you are going to Panama City during Spring Break, remember that incidents of physical violence, theft and alcohol poisoning are usually higher during this time then other vacation times. Make plans with the people you are traveling with to help keep an eye on each other and everyone's belongings and have a plan in case someone from your group goes missing or gets sick.

Resources

• Panama City Beach Guide
• Florida Vacations Guide
• Mapquest