Beachfront restaurants, fishing and beaches galore
The name Panama City may conjure up images of the neighboring beach, a spring break favorite, not to mention its depiction on a certain MTV show. But the town itself was founded in 1827 as a fishing village, and was given its current name in a hopeful attempt to associate its port with the Panama Canal. It’s located on St. Andrews Bay, away from the high-rise condos and party crowds, but you can still find plenty of bars and seafood restaurants among the mural-covered downtown to make your weekend a great one.
The Pearl
Airbnb
Where to stay
Panama City has all the standard hotel brands, including Holiday Inn, Ramada and the like, but most are towards the mall. Hotel Indigo Panama City is the first and currently only hotel in downtown St. Andrews to offer ocean views. The hotel also features a rooftop bar and restaurant with fresh local seafood, an outdoor pool, and rooms with balconies.
If you’re traveling with a group, a better option is one of the many luxury rentals in Panama City. The Pearl is a four-bedroom waterfront home near downtown with a private dock equipped with kayaks and an infinity pool.
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West Coast Style Breakfast Burritos, Courtesy of Finn’s Island Grub
Courtesy
Where to eat and drink
Start your day with a hair of the dog and a hearty West Coast-style breakfast burrito at Finn’s Island Grub in Little Village, with a seating area under a thatched roof that turns into a bar in the evening.
Luna Muna Cafebar is another option, where you can grab a smoothie and the appropriately named “Boat Sandwich,” made with salami, ham, and provolone, to take away and enjoy for a day on the water.
If you’re looking to dine on the dock, Bayou Joe’s allows you to BYOB, meaning by boat. The restaurant attracts fishermen for its hearty breakfasts, but later you can see diners enjoying the Bloody Mary with all the fixings and a variety of fresh seafood. The Trash Burger is an experience in itself, where the cook decides what toppings he puts on any given day, and that can include animal crackers or candy.
Bivalve fans know and love Hunt’s Oyster Bar, which employs some of the fastest shellers in the world, owned by a family that works closely with commercial fishermen to source the best local product. It is also one of the restaurants in town that offers hook and cook, where you can bring your fresh catch and have it prepared by the experts.
There’s no shortage of old-school bars and bars in this part of the Panhandle, not to mention the uniquely Florida phenomenon of package stores with bars in the back. Despite the name, Salty Hobo is a laid-back spot popular with locals and visitors for its live music and pool tables.
But Panama City has also jumped on the craft cocktail bar trend with Thistle & Thorn, a cozy lounge with open mic nights and themed drinks, plus wine, beer and charcuterie. Even if you’re not a craft beer drinker, stop by History Class Brewing to check out their artifacts from PC’s past along with smoked chicken wings and pulled pork. That’s the kind of class we can join!
A heritage excursion charter
Courtesy
What to see and do
The best part of visiting Panama City is being on the water, whether in the calm St. Andrews Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. Almost every guide company in town offers boat tours to Shell Island, an uninhabited barrier island where you may have the entire stretch of sand to yourself. Carry the essentials for an almost perfect day.
If you’re looking to make your deadliest fishing dreams come true (without the danger), most of the fishing charters advertised in the neighboring beach area actually come from Panama City marinas. Here you can fish for tarpon, cobia and amberjack, depending on the time of year. If it’s your first time, the guides can show you the ropes, whether it’s offshore or fly fishing.
Local waterways are even part of the Florida Saltwater Paddling Circumnavigation Trail, which runs throughout the state. Bring your boat or borrow one from Sunjammers, a downtown outdoor store.
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This article appeared in the Inside hook Newsletter. Register now.
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