Panama City

History

The beaches of the Florida Panhandle remain largely undeveloped until the mid-1830s, when wealthy Georgia and Alabama merchants and plantation owners discovered the area and began building summer houses there. The area expanded again during the Florida building boom of the 1920s. During World War II, Tyndall Air Field opened just outside of Panama City and many of the servicemen and women stationed there remembered the region's charms and returned to Florida when they left the military.

Attractions

Panama City's appeal lies largely in its wide, uncrowded beaches and the accompanying water sports. However, the area does offer several non-beach attractions. Among these are:

• Shell Island – This undeveloped barrier island gives visitors a chance to enjoy huge stretches of white sand, that are little changed since they were first "discovered" in the mid-19th century.

• St. Andrew's State Park – Offers over 1260 acres of beaches, natural dunes, and wetlands to explore. Facilities include grills, showers, and concessions.

• Gulf World Marine Park – Fun for all ages, the Gulf World Marine Park is a marine mammal public display facility, licensed by the federal government and established in 1969. The facility offers educational marine animal demonstrations and shows as well as exhibits about marine life and opportunities to interact with the dolphins, rays, and other tame marine creatures.

• Spinnaker Beach Club – The center of the Spring Break party, this club is actually 20 different clubs in one. Located right on the beach, Spinnaker's offers live music, drink specials, contests, and live "party cams."

Other activities include playing one of the area's numerous golf courses, browsing the area's many outlet shops, and windsurfing, water-skiing, para-sailing, and other watersports. The waters off of Panama City are renowned for their excellent scuba diving and snorkeling and enthusiasts will find abundant marine life, coral formations, and interesting shipwrecks, just offshore.

Visiting Panama City

Panama City is easily accessible via air from Atlanta, Miami, and other cities around the US via connecting flights. It is also a short drive from Tallahassee; Mobile, Alabama; and Mississippi coastal cities.

Accommodations in the Panama City area range from luxury beachfront hotels to smaller, locally-owned bed and breakfast inns. Several Panama City hotels, such as the Quality Inn and the Best Value Inn, offer special low rates during the spring break period. Those desiring more luxurious accommodations should try the Marriott Bayshore Resort, located right on the gulf.

In addition to the many hotels, the region boasts thousands of condominium units in all price ranges. These range from simple efficiencies to lavish, multi-bedroom gulf view units.

Renting a car is a plus in Panama City so that you can explore the many beaches and parks in the area. However, spring breakers should be aware that many car rental companies will not rent to visitors under 25 years old. It's best to ask when making the reservation.