Panama City, FL - Has Anyone Been

Hi, C.! 6 years ago a bunch of girls and I stayed in Destin, Fla. -- those beaches are beautiful and it's much quieter there. We had friends that were staying in Panama, so we visited them a lot while we were there. From my experience, Panama City is more of the place to go party. There are a lot of younger people drinking on the beach and the water isn't nearly as pretty. It was fun, but if you're looking for a more laid back vacation, I'd suggest somewhere else in Florida.

Here is info from a co-worker who has family in Destin, near Ft. Walton Beach. I hope you have a great trip!

A. Morris

Ft. Walton is a small city/town just west of Destin. A long time ago Ft. Walton was the only real city, Destin was just a fishing port/stop in the road. I think Okaloosa Island may be considered part of Ft. Walton. Anywhere in the Ft. Walton/Okaloosa Island/Destin/Beaches of South Walton/Sandestin/Seaside/Panama City stretch of Florida is good.

You can fly to the area from Dallas and land at either Pensacola (50 miles west of Ft. Walton) or in an airport that is designated "Ft. Walton" but is actually on one end of Eglin Air Force Base's landing area.

The drive is not bad, if you're up to 12-13 hours from Dallas.

I always stay in Destin and use ResortQuest as my rental agent. ResortQuest.com
There's another good rental company called Ocean Reef. My brother and sister-in-law use them. I think you can just google Ocean Reef and find them.

Accommodations range from hotels to condos to houses.

There are no more beautiful waters and beaches in the country. I'm biased, coming from native Floridians. But, they're my kind of beach. The eastern seabord is charming, but the white sands and emerald waters of my Gulf of Mexico cannot be beat.

If I can give any more specifics, let me know.

Babs Clay
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Hi C.--My husband's family has a beach house in Panama City so we go several times a year. We love it--the beaches are white and beautiful and the water is really pretty. Our house is on the easternmost part of the beach which is quieter--less of a spring breaker kind of crowd. There are condos for rent on that part of the beach as well. I would suggest going in mid-june or later as the water will be a little cool before then. If you do go check out some of our favorite hot spots for dinner--Montego Bay and my personal fav. Uncle Ernie's (It is in town in old St. Andrews.) My husband and I also kayak and there is some great paddling in northern Florida. Good luck!

My sister's husband was stationed at Tyandall AFB in the early 1980s in Panama City, so I went to visit 2 times way back then. The beaches are much prettier in Ft Walton Beach and Destin, but they are not too far to drive from PC. PC does have beaches, too which are ok. From what I remember, PC is kind of an industrial town with a Paper mill, make sure you aren't anywhere downwind from that smell..... otherwise would be an ok trip - esp. if its cheaper!

I grew up in Alabama and went to Destin every year as a child. Panama City is known as the "Redneck Riviera." And it lives up to the name. You can also look at Navarre Beach, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, Alabama. All are on the same beautiful white sands beaches. My brother now lives in Gulf Shores and I know that you can find all kinds of accommodations there, from frugal to exorbitant.
Good Luck!
M.

I went to Panama City about 7 years ago with our Jr High students at church. It was fine and we enjoyed it and all were safe but we really stuck to our condos or the private beach area reserved for the condos. We did have a day they could do an extra activity that was away from the condo. So i can't speak for the other areas and I can't even remember the name of the place we stayed. One downfall was the main strip was right next to our condos (we actually had to walk over the strip on a bridge to get to the beach.) Some of our male students saw some inappropriate activity on the strip at night time as this is where the young people cruise. The strip is very loud at night with cars honking and people yelling.

My hubby is from Jacksonville, FL. He said it is OK, a little trashy and attracts a crowd that is not always great due to the prices.

I haven't been in a long while but had gone several years in a row & it was a great place. It was voted "most beautiful beach" several times & is famous for it's sugary white sands & clear water. Lots of good places to eat & a few hotels even welcomed our dog. Destin isn't too far away but I'm telling you the times I went Panama City is still my favorite vacation memory.
C.

Hi C.,
My husband and I had the opportunity to visit all 3 places for the first time in February. I humorously call that area of the Panhandles "Country-Swamp". All 3 cities are beautiful. Ft. Walton is more of a city atmosphere and seemed more "busy"; Destin is beautiful and when you travel down Hwy 90 (I think that's the highway)it's all "Resort Row". It's definintely more for tourists. If you love the beach and outdoors then this could be the city for you. I stayed in a resort in Panama City and it was beautiful but more relaxing and quiet, not as busy as Destin. If you want to relax, yet still do the beach and golf thing, then this is a good place as well.

Hi, I know this is off subject but I noticed that you own your own company. My husband is currently unemployed and we have been looking for a job for him. We have had no luck. Would you happen to have any openings at your business? He is very reliable and physically fit. My job just isn't enough. We have been struggling for almost 2 months now and with 2 kids we really need to find something for him. Also, we are in South Grand Prairie so it sounds like it is close and convenient.

I have never been but would love to go to Panama City.