A- Overview:
Panama City, Florida is one of the most popular Spring Break destinations in the country. Spring Breakers and thousands of others visit this city each year for its incredible beaches and fun-filled atmosphere. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this seaside community features a host of activities for the entire family.
With bright sun-shiny days and over 27 miles of beaches composed of some of the most brilliant white sand in the world, it’s no wonder so many people return here year after year. The beaches are a gateway into a wonderful selection of sea activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, skiing, and fishing. The lucky visitor can even rent a pontoon boat or jet ski for a day of personal adventures on the beautiful waters of the area. It’s an adventure that won’t be forgotten. If you preference is to have someone else do the driving, there are many companies offering glass bottom boat tours.
There are numerous state parks and nature preserves, including St. Andrews State Park and Gulf World Marine Park. These parks offer tours and educational resources related to the habitat surrounding Panama City.
Beyond the beaches, Panama City offers plenty of entertainment. Several world-class golf courses can be found here, in addition to more than a dozen miniature golf versions. The Ocean Opry Show mixes city life with water life. That mix of city and gulf is also evident at the Museum of Man in the Sea. Several amusement parks compete for visitors’ time, including Shipwreck Island, a popular water themed park. Nightlife in Panama City offers abundant clubs, restaurants for any tastes, discos, bars, and other hot spots.
For the young and young at heart, Panama City is the destination of choice for several thousand college students each year during spring break, beginning in late February and continuing through the month of March, but for the rest of the year other visitors come to experience and enjoy its many charms. Families love the abundant activities, both in and out of the water.
Panama City’s subtropical temperatures and relaxing Gulf of Mexico waters make this Florida destination a definite must see for anyone visiting the area. Who knows, while taking a leisurely walk along the beach, you might just find a piece of buried treasure or a valuable ancient coin. After all, Panama City’s colorful history includes accounts of real pirates hiding in the deep pockets of the bay lying in wait for the richly laden ships en route to Mexico and Spain.
Come and discover this treasure for yourself. Panama City, a Florida playland for all.
B- City Information:
Population: 36,417
Elevation: 33 feet above sea level
Location: Located on the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle
Land Area: 20.5 square miles
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (when it’s noon in Panama City, it’s 1:00pm in New York City and 11:00am in Los Angeles
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
50.3
53.1
59.0
64.7
71.8
77.8
80.0
79.8
76.9
67.4
59.1
52.2
High temperature (°F)
61.9
65.0
70.6
76.6
82.9
87.7
89.1
89.0
87.0
79.5
71.3
64.1
Low temperature (°F)
38.7
41.2
47.4
52.8
60.7
67.9
70.9
70.5
66.8
55.2
46.9
40.3
Precipitation (in)
5.7
4.7
6.2
3.7
3.9
6.0
8.7
7.5
6.1
3.5
4.5
4.1
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precipitation
9
8
8
6
6
11
15
14
10
5
6
8
Wind speed (mph)
8.1
8.5
8.7
8.3
7.5
6.9
6.2
6.2
7.5
7.7
7.7
7.8
Morning humidity (%)
85
86
86
87
86
86
87
89
89
87
86
86
Afternoon humidity (%)
65
63
62
61
62
65
69
72
67
60
61
65
Sunshine (%)
57
60
65
73
76
71
63
63
65
74
67
56
Days clear of clouds
9
10
10
12
12
8
5
7
10
15
12
10
Partly cloudy days
8
7
8
9
11
13
14
14
10
7
8
8
Cloudy days
8
12
12
9
9
8
11
11
10
8
10
13
Snowfall (in)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Local Seasons:
Panama City has a very moderate climate year round due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its western Florida location. Winter and summer are the two busiest times of year, although late February and the entire month of March become quite crowded when thousands of spring break students hit the area. In the winter, people from the north enjoy coming south for the warmer temperatures and numerous activities the city has to offer. Even in January the temperature averages a comfortable 50 F., with highs in the mid 60’s F. Summer is busy as many people visit the area for its relaxing atmosphere, entertainment, and proximity to the beach, not to mention temperatures averaging a very comfortable 80 F. Perfect for a day at either the Pier or the park or just watching the boats go by while sipping on a cool drink at the beach and working on that perfect tan. The fall tends to be less crowded and offers a great opportunity to enjoy some serenity. Fall is still warm enough for a nice day at the beach with a good book or a run in the sand. No matter what time of year you are visiting, this wonderful Florida city is alive with a multitude of things to do and see.
Getting There:
By car:
From the North:
Highways 231, 331, and 79 lead directly to the Gulf of Mexico and Panama City Beach. All highways easily access Interstate 10.
From the West:
Hwy 98 provides a scenic route into Panama City Beach, or take I-10 eastbound to Hwy 331, 79 or 231.
From the East:
Hwy. 98 will bring you to the beach, or take I-10 westbound to Hwy 231, 79 or 331.
By air:
Bay County Airport
3173 Airport Road
Panama City FL 32405
850-763-6751
Approximately ten minutes from the beaches, the Panama City – Bay County International Airport is conveniently located for visitors to Panama City Beach. The art-deco facility offers a spacious departure lounge, ample seating and a panoramic view of the airfield. Additional services include ground transportation services, rental car agencies, long and short-term parking facilities.
The airport is served by many of the major airline connection carriers as well as certain regional airlines.
Ground Transportation:
The airport, as well as the city itself, is also served by most of the major car rental companies. Taxi and limousine service is available.
By Train:
Panama City is not serviced by Amtrak
By Bus:
Greyhound:
917 Harrison Ave
Panama City, FL 32401
850-785-6111
Getting Around:
The easiest way to get around town is by either personal or rental car. Parking is available.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Aadventures at Sea
5711 N. Lagoon Dr
Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
850-236-0056
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Aadventures at Sea offers a wide variety of water sport activities from rentals to day tours. Aadventures has a large, clean, reliable fleet of Pontoon boats for rental and also provides sightseeing Jet Ski Tours.
Airboat Adventures
14852 Bayview Circle
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-230-3822
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Exciting and fast airboat rides! See the real Florida through the eyes of a gator!
Alvin’s Big Island Tropical Department Store
12010 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-1149
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Free
Alvin’s flagship store, The Magic Mountain Mall on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, has daily live shark and alligator feedings! Add in personalized necklaces and custom embroidery, exotic birds and a mysterious mountain waiting to be explored, and you’ve got a full day’s shopping and entertainment in one place!
Barnacle Bay
11209 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-7729
Hours: Season 10am-midnight, winter noon-10pm
Admission Charged
Barnacle Bay is a total family destination, with two 18-hole miniature golf courses in a lush and tropical setting. This tropical island golf course is complete with waterfalls, streams, and even caves.
Beach Stable
9008 Panama City Beach Pkwy
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-0222
Hours: Open daily, 8am–6pm
Admission Charged
Horseback riding. Guided tours. One, two and three hour trails. Ride the piney woods and beautiful bay beaches of Panama City.
Capt. Anderson III – Glass Bottom Boat Cruiser
5550 N. Lagoon Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-3435
Hours: Open daily, closed Nov – Feb
Admission Charged
Cruises to Shell Island daily. Watch dolphins, seabirds, turtles and underwater sea life as the captain gives an informative look at historic St. Andrews Bay. Sunset dolphin encounters every evening 5:15pm until 6:30pm.
Cobra Adventure Park
9323 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-235-0321
Hours: Open daily, 10am–midnight
Admission Charged
Enter the realm of the Cobra and race 9hp go-karts on four levels. Race on the Snow Shot Racers, a one-of-a-kind experience where you are in control as you race up to 60 mph on powerful snowmobiles. The Cobra Arcade is complete with all the latest in electronic games. Experience the roller coaster of the future on the Max Flight Simulator.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
9807 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-2625
Hours: Open daily, hours vary by season
Admission Charged
For adventure and fun for the whole family, come experience the challenge of playing Coconut Creek’s two excitingly different 18-hole mini-golf courses and experience the pleasure of getting lost in the Gran Maze, a giant-size human maze about the size of a football field.
Dan Russell Municipal Pier
16101 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-233-5080
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours a day
Admission Charged
Fish for cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, flounder, red fish, pompano, and much more at this 1,600 foot concrete pier. Rod rentals, bait and tackle are available on site.
Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center
8602 Thomas Dr. at Joan Avenue
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-1049
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Charged
There are three go-kart tracks, including the Vortex (a three story high racetrack) and the Formula II Track (a fast 9hp track), bumper boats and miniature golf (18 or 36 holes) at Emerald Falls. Kids will have a blast at Kids Kingdom, the Kiddie Go-Karts and Krazy Bumper Karts. The Alien Arcade is filled with hundreds of the latest games and the Max Flight Simulator takes you 360 degrees on the roller coaster of the future.
The Glass Bottom Boat
3605 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-8944
Hours: Open year round, three trips daily in summer
Admission Charged
The air conditioned Glass Bottom Boat’s unique and educational Sea School includes underwater viewing, dolphin encounter, crab trap operation, explanation of marine life from shrimp net, sightseeing, bird feeding plus a 50 minute visit to beautiful Shell Island to swim, sun, etc. Reservations are recommended.
Goofy Golf
12206 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-6403
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Enjoy a round of miniature golf with the whole family.
Gulf World Marine Park
15412 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-234-5271
Hours: Open 9am daily, rain or shine
Admission Charged
Experience exciting family fun with dolphin, sea lion and tropical bird shows. The Marine Park also includes a stingray petting pool, sharks, otters, sea turtles and alligators. A pass to the Splash-Magic laser light show is included with General Admission. Special programs include Swim with a Dolphin (Guaranteed) and Trainer for a Day. Special programs require reservations and are not included in General Admission.
Hydrotherapy Kiteboarding & Windsurfing
17644 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-236-1800
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Learning to kiteboard or windsurf is easy with a U.S. Sailing Certified instructor and up-to-date equipment.
Island Time Sailing Cruises
3605 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-7377
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Sail to beautiful “Shell Island” where you can snorkel the calm clear waters of St. Andrews Bay. After snorkeling and lunch, Island Time sails to the favorite playgrounds of the local dolphins.
Island Extreme Watersports
7030 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-866-3805
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Island Extreme Sports features the Polaris flying boat. Sales and flight lessons are available. Dolphin Jet Ski tours and pontoon boat rentals are available.
Lagoon Pontoons
5915 N. Lagoon Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-235-1800
Hours: Open year round, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Enjoy a day at sea in a pontoon boat that you drive. Fun for the whole family.
M.B. Miller Pier
12213 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-784-4065
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Enjoy some time fishing or just watching the water roll onto the beach.
Miracle Strip Amusement Park/Shipwreck Island
12000 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-5810
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Shipwreck Island is a water park with thrill rides, family rides and young children’s rides.
Museum Of Man In The Sea
17314 Panama City Beach Pkwy
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-235-4101
Hours: Open daily 9am– 5pm, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day
Admission Charged
The Museum of Man in the Sea collects, preserves and interprets man’s endeavor to live, work and play under the water. Exhibits from the museum’s international collection include all forms of apparatus used underwater including dive gear, submarines and remote operated vehicles. The museum is constantly expanding its collection.
Ocean Opry Music & Comedy Show
8400 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-5464
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Ocean Opry is a 1,000-seat music theater featuring country music and family entertainment year-round. “The Radars” beach style music and comedy stage show offers 3 generations of entertainers and clean family fun for all ages.
Panama City Beach Winery
8730 Thomas Dr, # 1103B
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-233-5950
Hours: Wine tastings are available Mon – Sat 10am-5pm; Sun noon-5pm
Admission Free
Home of the citrus, berry and fruit wines. All of the premium specialty wines are made from 100% pure Florida Citrus Juice.
Paradise Helicopters
15726 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
850-230-2080
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Taka a flight above the Beautiful Gulf Coast.
Pirate Cruise — Sea Dragon
5325 N. Lagoon Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-7400
Hours: Opens 10am in the summer
Admission Charged
A 2 hour pirate entertainment and sightseeing cruise.
Rock’It Lanes Family Entertainment Center
513 Beckrich Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-249-2696
Hours: Vary, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Bowling, billiards and an arcade in a non-smoking environment.
SeaBreeze Winery
13201 Hutchison Blvd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-230-3330
Hours: Open 10am–5pm daily
Admission Free
Offers complimentary tours and tasting.
Shell Island Boat Rentals
Treasure Island Marina, Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-7245
Hours: Seasonal: spring and summer 8am – sunset; fall 9am – sunset
Admission Charged
Find your own beach! New pontoon boats and fishing boats with quiet, reliable Honda motors are available for rental. Pontoon boats are fully equipped with am/fm stereos, sun canopies and swim ladders. Fishing boats offer T-tops, fishing rod holders and bottom machines. Maps of the area and all safety gear are provided. The friendly, experienced staff shows you where the best shelling, dolphin encounters and snorkeling can be found. Located just ten minutes from Shell Island.
Sling Shot at Indy Speedway
8762 Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-234-1121
Hours: Open Monday–Friday, 4pm–midnight, Saturday and Sunday, noon–midnight. Closed October 15–May 1
Admission Charged
The Slingshot is one of the fastest, highest, most extreme rides on Panama City Beach. Sling 300 feet in 2 seconds at 100 mph experiencing 5 g’s of pure adrenaline!
St. Andrews State Park’s Shell Island Shuttle
4607 State Park Ln
East end of Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
850-233-0504
Hours: Open 9am–5pm summer, 10am–4pm spring and fall
Admission Charged
Stay all day or just one hour! The Shell Island Shuttle carries passengers between St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island every half hour, seven days a week. Also offers a snorkeling package and kayak rentals. Experience tropical fish and swim with the local, friendly dolphins that regularly frolic along the shores of Shell Island. Fun for beginners and pros of all ages! Coolers are welcome. Shell Island’s pristine beauty and abundant wildlife make an enjoyable and exciting way to spend the day. No reservations necessary.
Super Speed Fun Park
9523 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-1588
Hours: Open year round, 10am–midnight
Admission Charged
Activities include five go cart tracks, dragsters, bumper boats, a haunted house, laser tag, a skycoaster and a mega arcade.
Zoo World Zoological and Botanical Park
9008 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-230-1243
Hours: Open daily 9am
Admission Charged
Zoo World Zoological and Botanical Park is home to approximately 300 beautiful and exotic animals including lions, tigers, bears, kangaroos, giraffe, orangutans and snow leopards, just to name a few. These exotic animals live in a beautiful setting of botanical gardens including 250 species of tree and plant life from around the world. Zoo World also features a Petting Zoo where visitors can hand feed Sidney, the friendly giraffe.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Hickory Lanes
5420 Hickory St.
Panama City, FL 32401
904-769-7443
Panama City’s premier bowling center features plenty of quality lanes, a restaurant, a snack bar and special bowling nights throughout the week.
Barnacle Bay
11209 Front Beach Rd
Panama City, FL 32401
850-234-7792
This state of the art mini-golf center is open year-round and serves up good food and drink to its patrons.
Captain Anderson III
Capt. Anderson’s Marina
5550 N. Lagoon Dr.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-234-3435
Capt. Anderson’s glass-bottom boats offer a spectacular way to enjoy the beautiful undersea life around Panama City’s beaches. Shell Island cruises and dolphin encounters are other attractions offered by Capt. Anderson.
Coconut Creek Mini Golf and Grand Maze
9807 Front Beach Rd.
Panama City, FL 32401
8550-234-2625
This is more than just a mini golf course! From bumper boats to a giant human maze, Coconut Creek has fun challenges for everybody.
Gulf World
15412 Front Beach Rd.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-234-5271
This water attraction features marine life of all kinds for visitors of all ages. The dolphin and sea lion shows, which are scheduled several times a day, are a real delight.
St. Andrews State Recreation Area
4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, FL 32401
850-233-5140
Swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking are all available at this State Recreation Area. Beautiful calm waters offer the perfect environment for relaxation, while others may prefer the numerous hiking trails.
Zoo World
9008 Front Beach Rd.
Panama City, FL 32401
850-230-1243
At Zoo World the tropical animal exhibits complement the amazing botanical gardens filled with plants and flowers from the area and beyond. Kids will love the petting zoo.
Miracle Strip Amusement Park
12000 Front Beach Rd.
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
850-234-3333
With over 30 rides and attractions, Miracle Strip Park has been helping people of all ages have fun for over 36 years. Some of the best roller coasters in Florida can be found here, while the Midway Theatre offers amazing shows every single night of the year. Kids find great pleasure in the 15 rides designed especially for youngsters.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events
February
Gulf Coast Quilt Expo
Usually held in mid-February
Panama City
800-767-8618
Quilt makers from across the country exhibit prize-winning quilts in this annual educational Expo in Panama City Beach. Some of the top name teachers from around the country provide quilters with classes to enhance skills at all levels.
Late February
Spring Break
Held when colleges break for spring, usually late February – March
Special event are held throughout the area.
March
Panama City Scottish Festival and Highland Games
Grace Presbyterian Church
1415 Airport Rd
Panama City, FL 32405-3531
850-769-4000
Call for additional information
The Highland Games and Scottish Festival features bagpipe bands, pipe and drum bands, delicious Scottish food, highland athletics, Scottish dancers, clan tents, and historical exhibits. The highland games include such favorites as the caber toss (telephone pole toss), the hammer throw and the stone of strength (similar to the shot put).
April
Annual Zap Pro/Am Spring Skim Jam
Spinnaker Beach Club
8795 Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, Fl 32407
850-234-7892
Call for additional information
Skimming is a relatively new sport that involves running along the shoreline, stepping onto and balancing on a very thin skim board across the ebbing surf at the beach. This event has skimmed into the record books; becoming what might be the nation’s largest skim board competition featuring the best Pro & Amateur skim board talent in the world! The three day event includes demonstrations, videos, kid’s games and treasure hunt, giveaways and of course, the competition!
Gulf Coast Horse Show and Festival
Parks and Recreation Department
850- 233-5045
Usually held the last weekend in April
Call for additional information
The Tennessee Walking Horse and its high-stepping running walk is the central feature of the Gulf Coast Horse Show and Festival. The festival includes live music, arts and crafts displays, tack and food.
May
Annual Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally
Biker Village and Thunder Beach Welcome Center
Shoppes at Edgewater
4412 Delwood Lane
Panama City Beach, FL
850-235-6275
Usually held the last weekend in April
Call for additional information
Thunder Beach is Panama City Beach’s own motorcycle rally, an annual celebration of the motorcycle and the fun-loving people who “ride to live, and live to ride.” The rally is actually a series of events that take place at various venues on the beach and in Panama City… concerts, bike parades, poker runs, and bikini girls being just a few of the highlights.
June
Annual Gulf Coast Triathlon
Downtown Panama City Beach
850-233-5070
Fee Charged
Call for additional information
The Gulf Coast Triathlon is a race comprised of a 1.2 mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 Mile Run. The swim is in the Gulf of Mexico, where the water is generally around 73 degrees F in early May. The bike ride is through Panama City and Panama City Beach, and the surrounding countryside. The run is on a circular course through Panama City Beach, taking ample opportunity to skirt the stunning beachfront. The race is held in May, but it can get hot. Be sure and bring plenty of sunscreen, and be prepared for high heat and humidity. In addition, there is a sports exposition, group dinners, post-race party, and entertainment for fans and participants of all ages.
July
Annual Bay Point Billfish Invitational Tournament
Gulf of Mexico
Panama City Beach
Usually held mid-July
850-235-6911
Call for additional information
The Annual Bay Point Billfish Invitational Tournament has become one of the most prestigious tournaments of its kind in America. Deep-sea anglers converge on Panama City Beach hoping to land a record-setting billfish and win one of the large cash prizes. In past tournaments, some first place catches include a 57 pound dolphin, a 173.4 pound tuna and a 67.2 pound wahoo. In addition to fishing, there is a “Miss Billfish” contest, live concerts and fireworks.
USFA World Series
Frank Brown Park
162000 Panama City Beach Pwky (Hwy 98)
Panama City Beach, FL
Usually held in mid-July
850-234-2839
Call for additional information
The United States Fastball Pitch World Series attracts teams from all over the country. The girls’ fast pitch teams compete over a two week period and both team and individual trophies are awarded for 1st through 4th place.
August
FishStock
Panama City Marina
850-769-2536
Usually held mid-August
Call for additional information
FishStock is a one-of-a-kind festival full of fishing, food and fun to celebrate the sport and lifestyle that anglers and their families enjoy so much. This weekend event features onshore exhibits, saltwater fishing clinics and boat and tackle shows. The Youth Fishing Foundation offers an environmental presentation featuring a saltwater touch tank and a beginner’s fishing course for inquisitive, youthful anglers. For teens, there is a casting competition. Some of the area’s best professional guides will offer seminars on saltwater fishing techniques.
September
Thunder Beach Autumn Rally
The Shoppes at Edgewater
4412 Delwood Lane
Panama City Beach, FL
Usually held late September
888-396-1638
This 4 day event for motorcycle riders features two Poker Runs, a bike show, a bike parade and bike exhibits, as well as daily and nightly contests, bike games and Thunder Girls. Free live entertainment by both national and regional acts play everything from rock ‘n roll to the blues!
October
Nature’s Gallery Fall Arts Show
St. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, FL 32408-7323
800-326-3521
Usually held late October
Call for additional information
Art, history, and nature are all included in the annual Nature’s Gallery. It’s a collaboration of environmentalists, artists, and historical re-enactors, and together they provide guests with a truly unique experience. There are tents with homemade wares from all over the southeast and local thespians act out daily life from years ago. The showcase of the weekend event is the beautiful, Florida wildlife. Also features is a Civil War encampment re-creates life in Florida during the 1860’s, a Native American exhibit explains the ways of life of the native inhabitants of the region, and the Big Bend Wildlife Center and Zoo World offer a variety of animals that visitors can approach, and in some cases, handle.
Annual Black Cat Affair
Usually held in mid-October
Location: Panama City
850-234-8963
The annual Black Cat Affair raises money to help homeless animals. ASRAL (Animal Sterilization Rabies Assistance League) holds this fun filled affair and silent auction.
November
Janus Ironman Triathlon
Boardwalk Beach Resort
9540 South Thomas Drive
Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
850-235-2608
Usually held in early November
Call for additional information
Hundreds of the world’s fittest people will be on the beach to compete in this grueling endurance test. It starts with a 2.4 mile swim (which competitors have 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete), is followed by an incredible 112 mile- 8 hour bike route, and finishes with a full 26.2 mile marathon…7 hours are allotted for this challenging run!
December
Annual Boat Parade of Lights
St. Andrews Marina to Panama City Marina
850-785-2554
Usually held mid-December
Call for additional information
The boaters of Panama City and Panama City Beach go to extraordinary lengths, decorating their boats with festive lights for the holiday season. The boats cruise from Historic St. Andrews Marina on Beck Avenue along St. Andrews Bay, past the stately homes lining Beach Drive, and into the City Marina at the foot of Harrison Avenue. The Christmas fleet then proceeds past thousands of spectators lining the Marina in downtown, and slowly the boats disperse. In years past, boats and ships from the Naval Coastal Systems Station base on the Beach have taken part,
The Bay Art Show
Usually held in early December
Location: Panama City
850-769-4451
This annual exhibit showcases art submitted by local artists in the 16 counties of NW Florida. Art of all mediums (except photography) is displayed throughout the Visual Arts Center.
Arts and Entertainment
Martin Theater
409 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, FL 32405
850-763-8080
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Originally built in 1936, the Martin Theatre first opened its door as the “Ritz”. Early memories boast visits by such notables as Clark Gable, Constance Bennett, Michael O’Shea, William Boyd, and cowboy great Bill Elliot.
The Orchestra of St. Andrews Bay
5230 West U.S. Highway 1
Panama City, FL 32401
850-769-1551
Hours: Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Four times a year the Orchestra performs concerts for the public at Gulf Coast Community College’s Amelia G. Tapper Center for the Arts. Of these concerts, one is a children’s concert.