Looking for an easy escape from reality? Needing just a couple of days to unplug and unwind without any thoughts about the office? Panama City Beach, Florida may be the easy getaway for you. Located along the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida, Panama City Beach is one of the easiest escapes from reality that you can take and is perfect for a long and relaxing weekend away from reality.
Why Panama City Beach
Sometimes you just want a vacation where you can truly unwind and not have an extensive to-do list. So often, we like to travel to international, historic destinations. On these trips we have a detailed itinerary, multiple stops, and specific travel plans. Panama City Beach is the perfect easy getaway as you can literally just sit on the beach with a drink in your hand and not feel like you are missing out.
One of our top reasons why an easy escape to Panama City Beach is in our yearly travel plans is because of the easy access. Obviously this one depends on where you are located. Luckily, Northwest Florida is very easy to access from many cities in the United States. We are located in Dallas, Texas. To get to Panama City Beach you will hop a plane to the Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) International Airport. This flight is only about 2 hours via an American Airlines or Southwest Flight. Once you land, the distance from ECP to the hotel area of the city is only around 15 minutes. This makes Panama City Beach the perfect destination for a quick weekend escape from reality. You can even get from your house to the hotel in around 4-5 hours.
On top of easy access, Panama City Beach also offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. The crystal-clear emerald waters are met with pristine white-sand and offer miles of beach to relax.
Places to Stay in Panama City Beach
Our favorite area to stay in during our easy getaways to Panama City Beach is near Pier Park. This area has the fantastic beach that we visit Panama City Beach for and is in walking distance from wonderful food and entertainment.
There are a handful of places to stay in Panama City Beach in this area in all price ranges. For the corporate traveler who values comfort and sophistication, Panama City Beach boasts an array of upscale accommodations. At these resorts, visitors can indulge in luxurious amenities and wonderful service. Dive into infinity pools overlooking the Gulf, savor gourmet cuisine at on-site restaurants, and unwind with spa treatments. You can melt away the stress that you left back at the office. Even on a budget, you will also find hotels and condos that are wonderful places to stay in Panama City Beach as well. Here are some of our favorites:
The Beach
Panama City Beach is legendary for its breathtaking beaches that stretch along the Emerald Coast. The sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters create a picturesque view. The beach is perfect for a tranquil sunrise stroll or a leisurely day working on your tan under the sun. They provide the perfect setting for relaxation.
Our favorite place to relax on the beach is outside of Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant. Sharky’s has a massive tiki bar that lets out to the beach offering wonderful frozen cocktails for beachgoers. In addition, there are lounge chair rentals adjacent to the restaurant making this a perfect area to set up camp. Plus, Sharky’s is a great place for a fresh seafood lunch.
Top Things to Do in Panama City Beach
Beyond the beach, there are many things to do in Panama City Beach. Including many outdoor activities for the adventurous traveler that may be tagging along on your weekend of relaxation. Dive into the vibrant marine life with snorkeling and dolphin adventures or enjoy a jet ski excursion along the coast. For those seeking a unique experience, explore St. Andrews State Park, where hiking trails and kayaking opportunities abound. There is an outdoor activity suited for every taste. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Panama City Beach.
- St. Andrews State Park
- Aquatic Rentals (available at most beaches)
- Dolphin Tours
- Fishing Charter
- Pier Park
- Shell Island
- Gulf World Marine Park
Pier Park
Pier Park in Panama City Beach is a restaurant, shopping, and entertainment hub for the area. With 124 stores, a theatre, and even laser tag, Pier Park is a great hub of activity available for you to enjoy on your easy getaway to Panama City Beach. This is also a great area to find a restaurant for dinner. Pier Park is home to both casual and upscale restaurants in Panama City Beach.
Where to Eat in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is a seafood haven. Seafood is abundant in Panama City Beach but there are many restaurants that also offer a diverse range of dining options to satisfy even the most picky tastes. The city is home to fresh seafood served with a Gulf view to upscale bistros and of course budget restaurants. The dining scene in Panama City Beach is a treat for food enthusiasts. As the sun sets over the gulf, explore the vibrant dinner scene with beachfront views along the coast. Here are some of our favorite classic places to eat in Panama City Beach:
- Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant
- Harpoon Harry’s Beachfront Restaurant
- Saltwater Grill
- Pineapple Willy’s
- The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House
Don’t forget desert. Make sure you check out these hotspots:
- The Yard Milkshake Bar
- Kilwin’s
Book the Easy Escape
You may know Panama City Beach a party town, as it was once home to the infamous MTV spring break crowd. In recent years the City has worked on improving their reputation to more of a family friendly destination. We believe the city is doing a great job accomplishing this goal. Because of this, Panama City Beach should definitely be considered for your next easy getaway from the office.
Panama City Beach, Florida, is a perfect easy escape to a beach destination, providing a haven for those seeking a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Hop on a quick flight to Panama City Beach and relax.
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Great post- I hope to make it back to PCB soon!
I love Panama City beach!
Panama City has never been on my radar but it looks beautiful! Definitely adding it to my list!