Panama City Beach is a city in Bay County, Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico coast. The city is often referred to under the umbrella term of "Panama City," despite being a distinct municipality from the older and larger inland Panama City to the east, making Panama City and Panama City Beach two separate cities. Panama City Beach's slogan is "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches" due to the unique sugar-white sandy beaches of Northwest Florida.

For quite some time Panama City Beach has been a popular vacation destination, especially among people in the Southern United States. The city is also a very popular spring break destination, sometimes being referred to as "The Spring Break Capital of the World," due to about 100,000+ college and high school students who arrive during the months of March and April.

Well-known locations in the city were places such as "The Hang-Out" at the Long Beach Resort motel and the now closed Original Miracle Strip Amusement Park. A construction boom from 2001 to 2007 dramatically changed the beachfront skyline with high rise condos and hotels. New attractions, such as Pier Park (a property of Simon Property Group), located in the heart of Panama City Beach, are a positive turn-around from the real estate down-turn from 2007-2009.

Top Things to Do in Panama City Beach   by James Southland

Panama City Beach is a popular tourist destination for college students as well as for families. The city offers a wide range of outdoor attractions as well as shopping destinations.

Panama City Beach, Florida remains a popular tourist destination, especially for those on spring break. There is an endless array of attractions to suit every interest and every budget.

Panama City Beach is known for its beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can also visit St. Andrew's State Park for a swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. Those interested in a day trip can take the cruise to Shell Island to pick up shells on the seashore and to view the wildlife, including dolphins and pelicans. Other popular outdoor attractions include Camp Helen State Park, Point State Forest, Washington Pine Log State Forest, and Econfina Creek Canoe Trail.

For those who prefer the nightlife to the wonders of nature and the great outdoors, Panama City Beach also offers a wide range of bars, dance clubs, and concert venues. Popular after-hours hangouts include Schooner's Local Beach Club, Club La Vela, and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.

Families visiting Panama City Beach also have a wide range of options available to them. They might visit such attractions as Ripley's Believe It or Not and the Emerald Coast Mirror Maze. For miniature golfing, Barnacle Bay is the perfect destination. Those looking for rides might try Shipwreck Island Water Park.

Panama City Beach features endless shopping as well. Pier Park offers one million square feet of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. For more upscale shopping, visitors can try the Grand Panama Beach Resort for luxury items.

Panama City Beach is still one of the top places to visit, because it offers something for everyone.