Panama City Beach, Florida | Ten Things to Know Before you Go!

[@jameswesterman9283]

We've been coming to Panama City Beach for 50 years. The best advice I can give you is if you want quiet stay on the west end and if you are a partier stay on the east end of the beach

[@amberjay5361]

Hello, my husband has never been to any beach! Could you tell me what hotel you recommend in a quiet area? With a beach view from the room? Thank you so much!

[@kennedy98796]

@@amberjay5361 we go every year. there all pretty good. just make sure you stay on the beach side of the street if you plan to walk on beach much, the hotel or condo will have its on beach access. almost all places have great beach views

[@brandongreer9501]

​Destin Beach would be pretty good for that. Its more upscale and family oriented. I can't recommend any specific hotel. ​@@amberjay5361

[@brandongreer9501]

​@@amberjay5361I'm staying at Laketown Wharf for a week starting next week though. Will let you know!

[@ilovemotocicleta]

@@amberjay5361when you hit front beach road, ride with the beach on your left. The further away from pier park you go the quieter it gets. If y’all go in winter time there’s a bigger chance of decent waves if you want to try surfing (it’s still fl though), and less people are there. It’s busy when the weather’s warm

[@slmay1949]

Two of the best years of my life were spent there.

[@tylerbradham9571]

Why'd you leave? Just curious

[@snowbeatstheheat7939]

A a local, I can confirm that this is a half and half town. Party or chill, but be nice to everyone please. Some tourists do get a little crazy sometimes. But overall, this place is incredible.

[@shabaka-rahamia896]

Thank you I just came from Panama City this mornings red eye. I live in NYC & didn't want to leave, I can wait to return I would like to stay at least 1mth to get a feel 4 it I'd would consider relocating I

[@George-nn2lq]

I always loved going to Panama City Beach. Last time I been was 2021

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

Panama City Beach is famous for its emerald waters,white sand and relaxing beach atmosphere, but it is also a place to celebrate.On Thanksgiving Day , resteurant s will take care of cooking and cleaning and serving meals. If you've never been here, it must be on your list places to visit. We always had a great time here...

[@chelseamiranda6651]

Love Panama! It's our familys go to vacay spot when we want a getaway on a budget. They are serious about thise double flags. We went to the beach and just put our feet in and they came over telling us to get away from the water. So they do watch and they WILL definitely come over to tell you not to get in the water. Only for your own safety though. We went during spring break of 2023 and I didn't find that it was busy at all. We stayed on Thomas Dr right on the beach but a good distance from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Definitely a more family friendly side of town.

[@davidcoker7989]

Cruising the strip has a very long history in PCB! I have never known of the strip to be void of traffic in the evenings in the summer, it is see and be seen along 98. They have tried to stop it but that has failed every time, young people are going to ride around in their cars. It keeps the place young and us older folks young at heart! Even with all of the modern high rises the place still has a classic old charm about it if you know where to look! Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@SunshineStateInsider]

Well that’s good to know! I guess I’m just being the cranky one. 😜

[@ashby4547]

5 years ago we wanted to go on our first family beach vacation. After doing a little research I decided on PCB for most of the reasons mentioned in the video. We’ll be going back in a couple weeks and this will be our 4th trip in the last 5 years. I’ve been looking forward to going back since the day I left last year.

[@sportyguy8153]

Heading to PCB for the 1st time for 2 weeks in late December/early January with my wife as new retirees in our upper 50s. Looking forward to it and this video helps! Thanks a bunch!

[@JRNurse2013]

Great job! I was born in Pensacola but we lived in PCB from 2004-2008. We’re retiring and moving back there soon. It’s truly paradise and we’re looking forward to walking the beach everyday!

[@angelfain8040]

Started carrying my kids to PCB starting in 2000, even at spring break, my kids still love it to this day.

[@c.genewishum5583]

I live here in PCB. If you go to St Andrews State Park, it's worth catching the ferry to Shell Island which is directly across what we call "the pass". It's cheap and a short ride, maybe 2 or 3 minutes. They have a kiddie pool area on the pass side or you can walk over to the Gulf side as well. Less crowded and plenty of shells there. Love the video brother 👍

[@MadonnaSantos-hw2hl]

What a wonderful place to visit and stay!❤

[@SunshineStateInsider]

@@MadonnaSantos-hw2hl it is!!

[@XxUziXwolf17xX]

Panama City Beach Florida is so beautiful, I know because I live in it

[@H3RD3R]

Your take on Pier Park and the cars playing loud music is spot on. It’s so tacky, lowers the vibe and they should definitely just close down that Main Street at night during the summer.

[@marcgolden1458]

Shores of Panama is one of the rowdiest places in PCB. Especially during spring break and high school senior trip week (late May early June).

[@MassGainingGuy]

PCB is paradise!

[@MatthewMorris-kg3uq]

I'm here right now. I can't wait for the airshow tomorrow!

[@reedrothchild6619]

We just moved here from Texas and it rocks!!!

[@Cutie-loves-cupcake]

My next vacation is here thanks for video

[@sunshinehibachi]

Pretty beach

[@Linda-d8s7l]

I’ve lived here in PCB for many years. There are high rise hotels and condos but there are also many Mom and Pop hotels/motels too. Thomas Drive beaches are not as crowded as Front Beach Rd beaches, but they are all so beautiful!! It’s a great place to take your kids! March and April is definetly spring break time so stay away unless you are under 23!! lol The very best time is September!! ONE IMPORTANT THING!!!! Learn the flag system on the beach!!!! It can save your life!!! Also, drive 30-A and see Seaside, the place that the movie “The Truman Show “ was filmed. Have fun, enjoy our beaches!!!

[@Taran_Da_man]

Thanks for the video I'm going to go with my sister's aunt to Panama City Beach within a couple weeks for 5 days so thank you for the advice

[@uppermoon1475]

The best beaches in the world

[@briantampa1164]

I'm currently in Panama City Beach for Christmas. We are staying at the Palmetto beach resort and it's absolutely stunning. I also lives in the Tampa area, Plant City to be exact. We usually go to Treasure Island and stay at the Bilmar but due to hurricane Milton the Bilmar is closed until April. The best way to explain Panama City Beach is it's a dream you don't want to wake up from. I have been to the Caribbean several times and I can truthfully say that Panama City Beach is on top for me. It's well worth the 6 hour drive. We ended up paying under $650 for a week. This is due to it being the off season and during Christmas. Anyone who is considering a vacation in Panama City I would say go for it. I highly recommend it!!

[@SunshineStateInsider]

@@briantampa1164 that’s awesome! Hope your trip is as good as ours was!

[@ericridge2135]

We are going in June can't wait. It will be our second time.

[@angelfain8040]

Take side roads to get to Back Beach Rd, it can still be busy, but less crowded than Front Beach Rd.

[@belindasparks8667]

We have drove from are town called Brownsburg in Indiana to Panama city beach Florida it took 12 And a half hours

[@marcgolden1458]

Goofy Golf is one of the BEST things about PCB. Generations of families have made photos there with the "critters." I have a photo of my mother sitting in the monkey's hand in about 1964.

[@SunshineStateInsider]

I loved it!

[@StaleyThetrans]

I have pictures of my grandpa and I inside of the big white head , I was 5 then , I am 60 now I sure miss him.

[@derekbelgum6296]

Comin in beginning of june. The car meet thing is exactly what wi dells is like also the attractions. Minus the ocean i think we may forget we are across the country😊

[@FloridaandBeyond]

Thank you for all the suggestions! I agree they should close that road in Pier Park. The beaches are amazing. The traffic is crazy! Unfortunately, the beach road probably needs to be 2 lanes on each side. We are going for NYE! I think we are close to pier park. 🙂

[@PostBologne]

You stayed at one of the more rowdy condos lol. But its nice in that pool area.

[@bobby9192]

The shells are filtered out when the sand is being brought up. They do that in the off season

[@SunshineStateInsider]

Ah ha!

[@VacationPanamaCityBeachFlorida]

Thanks for the video. We shared your video on our channel. "Ten Things to Know Before you Go"

[@SunshineStateInsider]

Thanks!

[@anthonyfoutch3152]

I ws stationed at Eglin 1973-74 about 70 miles away. Back then there was nothing in Destin and not much on island.. I use to swim offshore a half mile with a mask and i found one big shell. I'm going back next week and got an Airbnb in Panama City for 8 days for $295. It's a working vacation so I stay frugally.

[@chriswalls5831]

Havent been but nice

[@BreeD43310]

Idk why I watched this I’ve lived here since I was 3😂like literally I left right where they were at from the things in the intro

[@iceandflames]

I still prefer Hallandale Beach Florida more it’s a beautiful city with a growing communities and businesses and a good nightlife.🇺🇸

[@brrb-ts5rd]

The very best beaches in the world. For sure.

[@shawnhall2755]

Agreed. Shut the street down. Make like beale Street in Mempho without the stray bullets. Thats not a band of course. Open air walking, shopping and drinking. Should done that a long time ago.

[@bb4251]

agree

[@kriworld08]

There are more parking areas than what you said. I lived in PCB for over 20 years. I promise those are just a few parking spots that you mentioned.

[@lizzayliz84]

As seashelling nut. It's best to do it at low tide. High tide will wash the seashells away back into the ocean.

[@BrentRose-td9rs]

Thank you

[@FrannieGreil]

Condos on the East End Thomas Drive are quiet-er. Check out a map 🗺️! Shores of Panama and Lake Town Wharf are over done condos!! They can get rowdy because they are huge!!

[@bessieleon915]

I never had been there, but I want to go

[@kagemaru259]

Going here on Friday.

[@LJ_AF]

Which resort is showed at 2:41? Thanks!

[@shallah777]

Accessing the beach in Destin is fairly easy

[@marlinsalyer2424]

I would suggest that people need to try Gulf World and definitely the dolphin show that they do. Me, my wife and my in laws loved it but my little boy had a blast with it. Definitely a great place to take kids. And for food I’d suggest Pineapple Willys, Shane Rib Shack, All American Diner and Gulf Coast Burger Company.

[@Gtagboi-d9j]

Omg you passed the place I stayed at last year

[@heidiraphael972]

It is beautiful but it’s expensive especially in Panama City beach . I have been living there for nearly for 4 years…

[@Sarah_the_Equestrian21]

how bad are the rip currents

[@e.c.3844]

Thank You Mr. Colbert .

[@Sebastian_Milian2]

And I had to go to the hospital because I got bit by wasp and deadly ones I got bit by 3 and my uncle said Manet it would stop if you go in the water but I just got a lot of bumbs everywhere it’s because I did not mean to hit a wasp nest I was hitting the bushes now I’m allergic

[@mrslovelyp]

Is Panama Beach a place to take younger kids during spring break?

[@vrushalipande6168]

Where did you stay while visiting PCB?

[@SunshineStateInsider]

Hi! We stayed at Shores of Panama.

[@lyndseyskaar8986]

I’m going to be taking my family of four. We’re looking for a resort with entertainment, activities, food, tiki bars, and of course good pools. Our kids are grown so looking for adult friendly.

[@vrushalipande6168]

Lyndsey, I would recommend you stay at emerald beach resort. It has everything you mentioned. Tidewater beach resort is another option

[@mitchmarsh5654]

No alcohol on the beach in march

[@heidefeldman1760]

Glad to know to avoid boom boom music at the Pier

[@harryhowell5644]

Dont rent a golf cart and drive it around drunk. They have people who will jump out in front of you and claim injury. Happened to a friend and cost him$$$

[@Sebastian_Milian2]

I go every year

[@uppermoon1475]

And there’s a pool I play with my friends a lot and there

[@lisaaheanueanderson4591]

The Pay to working as a 911 dispatch was 5.25 an hour in 1996 , I would like to know what they are making now?? How is buying a home in a nice area?

[@stevem-h5e]

Non-existant.

[@e.c.3844]

Keir and Noah met Stephen Colbert in Panama City Beach Florida. Keir and Noah said Stephen Colbert is a super nice guy .

[@MirzaAhmed89]

Who are Keir and Noah?

[@shallah777]

I ALWAYS wear my lifejacket in the ocean. Also my children know not to even step a toe in the ocean with their lifejackets.

[@Ihskhchvkhzhkskwhmdjhcihc]

It's not that difficult to scrape up enough to go to St Andrews, but you have to behave, too. I don't think it's for young ppl. No drinking or crazy partying. If you're looking to camp, have a regular vacay or whatever, just look into it. You don't have to get a hotel, and maybe if ppl stopped paying crazy rates, it would drive down demand naturally.

[@nikisawyers7559]

7 people drowned in June? WTF?!?!

[@ezez1378]

Yea Tampa Sarasota

[@susyq.218]

What about sharks?

[@emanuele2004]

VOTE MICHAEL WIND NEXT GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA INDEPENDENT MAKE LIFE BETTER FOR ALL

[@amanda8854]

The car situation at pier park has gotten worse over the years. I pray it doesn't take a child getting hit for them to change things

[@uppermoon1475]

Oh, and one more thing, my dad is bringing goggles so and he’s bringing Water gun for me

[@paceflchick]

Navarre to Pensacola private

[@harshword8388]

I'm trying to make Destin a relocation goal. Mainly because that sand is magic! It's crazy😂

[@chadm6981]

We live in Navarre about half between Destin and Pensacola. There other areas worth checking out that are very close to the beach that aren’t built out like Destin. Look around you might find more bang for your buck.

[@iceandflames]

Miami and Hallandale Beach Florida, beaches is better and beautiful.

[@luisaleman4008]

Depends if u party go down south

[@stevem-h5e]

I spent 10 minutes in the water, and found that I could only swim in tight circles.

[@CommonsVivian-w6p]

Robinson Patricia Thomas Donna Gonzalez Edward

[@catbarrett3492]

I didn’t like pier park either!!!

[@triciariddle1418]

Agree. Would be much better if they closed the inner roads.

[@stevem-h5e]

I told my daughter to travel to Florida for spring break, but she said it's a long way to go "for skin cancer and a Slurpy." Young people today are much smarter about their habits and health choices than I was.

[@Coachspeak85]

U better take her butt to the beach so she can get Outside!! Get some sand ,sun and fun. Put the phone / tablet down.skin cancer and a slurpy,...Netflix reference. Lol

[@kennedy98796]

you dont think people jamming in the streets was a party at the beach ? what

[@darrell5703]

Parts of this video aged well, but not in a good way unfortunately. 3 people just drowned the other day because of the riptide.

[@brentt8590]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. Wondering how to fly in from LAX. Are there any direct flights? If not, what is the best way to get to Panama City?

[@sharondrake8582]

The airport is 15 mins away.

[@Pogjuice0]

I’ve lived there for 11 years

[@RussellService]

Was going to embed this video in my PCB sites, because the videography is fantastic... but honestly, there's too much negativity and critiquing in the narration. For me to promote travel and staying in PCB... the messaging has to be 100% positive. (Just my two cents.) Great video otherwise.

[@FrannieGreil]

500 bucks if your in the surf under double red flags 🚩🚩

[@user-qf5ql2lo7y]

Only downfall. I love to hear the ocean sound. There is not that in Panama City.

[@oldpanamacitybeach]

Probably because there's no ocean nearby.

[@channingboy6456]

I have I prefer Destin better. Panama is more populated and Destin has crab island!

[@cormacsage7126]

Pensacola is better

[@mpdothan]

if anyone complains about noise at beach or partying then your too old and just go home

[@alienasshunterforrealz2321]

Come for vacation leave on probation