Family Vacation to Panama City Beach, FL

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent Value and Great Location

Description:

The Sunbird condominiums are a set of condos that are owned and occupied for part of the year and leased to vacationers and snowbirds throughout the year. The rooms are beautifully decorated and all come with at least a partial gulf view. The staff was very courteous and helpful and the property is run much like a hotel. The hotel offers many options for fun. First and foremost is the beach. The beautiful sugar white sand and emerald water is only a few steps from the hotel. The condo has multiple pools and a game room as well. One of the nicest things about the Sunbird is the location. Thomas drive is a very popular area that is dotted with more restaurants, family fun parks, and bars than you could possibly visit in one trip. The only downfall to the Sunbird is a slight stray cat problem. I am not sure where they came from, but sitting on the balcony, you could see 10-20 strays running around the property. Some appeared to be clean, others were rather mangy. They don't seem to bother the rooms, but it is a bit of an eyesore. The Sunbird has many qualities that make it a great place to stay. The location, amenities, and rooms all are real pluses. The Sunbird is also a great value.... read more

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Wonder Works is an attraction that stands alone in uniqueness and changes the perception of what a typical "hands on" museum can be and is one of the newest additions to the Panama City Beach attraction scene. The building is interesting to say the least. The upside down plantation style home design sets you up for the kind of mind twisting exhibits and activities that are in store for you. The fun is endless once inside the building. Awaiting you are a 10,000 square foot laser tag arena, as well as the "Wonder Coaster", a user piloted indoor roller coaster that lets the participant decide on everything from drops to corkscrews. Virtual games like basketball, soccer, and swimming with the sharks give you a virtual reality experience while the rope challenge course take you several stories in the air as you navigate the "human spider web". It would be easy to spend and entire day in the building and still not see everything Wonder Works has to offer. Wonder Works has a very fairly priced admission structure. And unlike many of the other Panama City Beach attractions, you can choose to do each activity separately or as a total package. Wonder Works will entertain the entire family. read more

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Since 1953, this famous restaurant has been attracting early diners, who come to watch the fishing fleet unload the catch of the day at the busy marina on Grand Lagoon. It's so popular, in fact, that you may have to wait 2 hours for a table during the peak summer months; the three bars help you pass the time. The Captain's menu is noted for grilled local fish (grouper, amberjack, and yellowfin tuna), crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp, and a seafood platter that's heaped high.

Our Local Expert Says:

#1 on Top 10 Kid Friendly Things to Do In Panama City Beach.

Description:

Shell Island Boat Rental and Blue Dolphin Tours is an excellent way to get lost in your Panama City Beach vacation. Here you can rent a boat for a full or half day and and explore St Andrews Bay and the pristine beaches of Shell Island National Seashore. You also have the option of taking a guided dolphin or snorkeling your.

The Blue Dolphin Tour is a must see event if you have the means. Up to six people can go on a single trip. You arrive at one of four designated times for the two hour tour where you are taking out to where the dolphins usually congregate and are put in the water before the dolphins arrive. This makes them curious and more interested in their new playmates. This is a vast improvement over tours that carry up to 25 people and often scare the dolphins off instead of luring them in.

Renting a boat is highly recommended. The staff is excellent at teaching the basics to even the most novice boater. Maps are provided to help guide you out to shell island and they can also point out where the dolphins are most likely to be seen.

The best thing going for Shell Island Rentals is their prices. Tours are less than 50 USD per person and a single boat rental for up to six... read more

Description:

It's easy to guess the type of crowd drawn to this bar since its full name is Harpoon Harry's: The College Bar. This is the spot for the young people. During certain months, the place can be crawling with spring breakers having a good time. The eats are reasonably priced, will fit any student's budget and are probably a welcome departure from ramen noodles. So, if you're in the mood to stick your nose in a text book and quiz your study buddies for hours on end, don't come here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Steakhouse in Panama City Beach

Description:

When visiting Panama City Beach, seafood is a staple on the menu at almost every restaurant in town. However, eating seafood everyday while on vacation will get dull and boring. That is why it is really nice to have a place like Angelo's in a town dominated by local seafood. Finding Angelo's is easy. Just look for Big Gus, the 20,000 pound steer that stands in front of the restaurant. Parking is free and plentiful and Angelo's is in a prime location on Front Beach Road and is within walking distance of many of the top attractions in Panama City Beach. When walking from the parking lot to the building itself, your mouth will begin to water as the smell of steaks being grilled are met by the sight of the hand cut beef being grilled while you watch from the window outside of the establishment. The menu is actually quite diverse. Of course you have every option possible for steaks, but Angelo's also offers pork, chicken, and of course fresh local seafood. Prices are fair and are in line with most of the other non-chain restaurants in Panama City Beach. When in Panama City Beach, be sure to stop by Angelo's for a great steak and be sure to head out front and take a photo with Big Gus. read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Top 10 Attractions in Panama City Beach

Description:

While visiting Panama City Beach the options for spending a day away from the beach are plentiful. Shipwreck Island stands alone atop the list of countless miniature golf courses and shopping centers to choose from. Shipwreck Island is a 20 acre water park located just off the beach and is a must visit when in Panama City Beach. The park itself offers a large variety of attractions in an effort to cater to everyone from toddlers to seniors. The White Knuckle River is a 660 foot long ride that allows for an entire family to take part in the activity at the same time. For the thrill seeker, Shipwreck Island offers waterslides that twist, turn, and drop. Some of the slides, like The Pirate's Plunge, drop visitors over 60 feet side by side in a race to the bottom. The 500,000 gallon Ocean Motion Wave Pool sends three foot waves crashing down every ten minutes and the Great Shipwreck is a unique, hands on replica of a 17th century ship that allows park visitors to swing, zip, and jump into a crystal clear lagoon pool. Shipwreck Island is moderately priced and parking is free. Admission prices are; $33 for guests over 50 inches tall, $28 for guests between 35 and 50 inches tall, $22 for Senior... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Great Ribs and Excellent Seafood

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Pineapple Willy's is a Panama City Beach landmark and has been open on the original pier in Panama City Beach since 1935. Pineapple Willy's is famous for their ribs that they cover in a Jack Daniels whisky based barbecue sauce and is a well known spring break party destination.

What the Pineapple Willy's menu lacks in size, it makes up in substance. The kitchen and staff take the local seafood and gives it a Willy's touch. Caribbean style flavors are blended with the old Florida fish house style to offer something for anyone's taste buds.

While most restaurants in the region brag about their fresh seafood, Pineapple Willy's celebrates their barbeque ribs which have won many local and national awards including...

Our Local Expert Says:

Very Historical

Description:

Panama City Beach is home to the United States Navy's Diving and Salvage Training Center as well as excellent scuba diving, having both natural and man made reefs. With this kind of nautical history it is no wonder that Museum of Man in the Sea was erected to celebrate the history of diving. Museum of Man of the Sea is located away from the crowd of the beaches and is easy to find on Panama City Beach Parkway. The museum is dedicated to celebrating the early history of diving and houses a large collection of rare, authentic diving equipment, including SEALAB-1, a famous Navy diving vessel. The museum also has an array of visual exhibits that give the visitor a true feel for what early diving perils were like in comparison to the high tech SCUBA equipment available today. Parking is free and admission to Man of the Sea is only $5 for adults and admission is free for children under 7. This is a great place to stop in for a change of pace from your beach vacation.

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Calypso Beach Café serves up delectable seafood, wings, burgers, and ice cold beers. The food merges the gap between spicy and sweet and represents the cuisine of New Orleans and the Caribbean. Go all out with the Etouffeé or the Shrimp Creole. If you're in the mood for a just a snack, check out the sports menu for nachos, dips, and of course, beer. It is open daily from 11 am onwards.

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Zoo World is an excellent stop during any visit to Panama City Beach. It allows the visitor to get an up close and personal look at the animals and exhibits and interact more than you would be able to at a larger zoo in a bigger city.

What Zoo World lacks in overall size, it more than makes up for with the experience. Lions, Florida Panthers, Alligators, and other wildlife are just a few of the animals you can observe. Zoo World also has a large collection of endangered species and rescued animals which add to the appeal of the place. The staff is very helpful and their interaction with the animals rivals anything you will find at bigger zoos.

Twice daily hand feeding of the zoo's Bengal Tigers and a petting zoo that has a stairway to reach the tallest zoo tenant, a giraffe, are a few of the highlights of Zoo World. Shows take place daily and trainer for a day programs are available if you want a true hands on experience. Admission for a family of four is very reasonable and will cost around 50 USD and parking is free.

If you are looking for a way to get off of the beach for a day and not spend all of your vacation money in one trip, Zoo World is an excellent destination when... read more

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Dirty Dick's Crab House dishes up heaping helpings of traditional seafood dishes. The atmosphere is casual and fun. This is a great place to knock back a few pitchers and enjoy great food.

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Rosemary Beach is a small, charming community with a character all its own. Built by an innovative group of architects and nearby craftsmen, the community features a Spanish style neighborhood with a plethora of recreational possibilities. The beautiful seaside area offers vacation rentals making it the ultimate vacation getaway. You can choose to stay in lofts, cottages, houses, and flats. The neighborhood's shopping and dining possibilities are expansive as are outdoor activities like tennis courts, pool areas, hiking trails, and so much more.

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At Gulf World Marine Park, you can experience all the sights and sounds of marine life. See firsthand the habitats of the Bottlenose Dolphin, California Sea Lion, a variety of turtle species, and much more. Be sure to check out daily shows like the Parrot, Reptile, and Underwater shows, as well as other exciting demonstrations that entertaining and educational. Special programs such as "Trainer for a Day," "Adventure Camp," and "Snooze with the Sea Life" give guests the chance to get a close-up experience with aquatic animals. Admission to the park is $24 + tax for adults, $15 + tax for kids between 5-11, and free for kids under 5. It is open daily from 9 am.

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From the time you pull in to the parking lot at Hammerhead Fred's, you get a taste of what it in store for you as you dine. The restaurants signage includes a tail strung Great White Shark. It can't hurt you, but it is excellent for picture taking. As you exit your car, the sound of steel drums and Caribbean style music fill your ears as you walk up to the well landscaped entry way and waiting area. Once enter Hammerhead Fred's, the upbeat and positive atmosphere continues. The wait staff was fun and informed and willing to make a suggestion. This is important because the service industry has to deal with spring breakers each year and can, at times, become jaded to tourists. This has not been the case on any of my visits to Hammerhead Fred's. In fact, the love for visitors is visible in all aspects of the restaurant. Bring a permanent marker and leave your mark, literally. Feel free to write on your table, seat, wall, or wherever you can find space to fit your name. Reading the scribbling of other patrons is one of the more entertaining ways to wait for your meal. The menu truly does have something for everyone. I know this cliché' but, it does. The seafood is always fresh, and Apalachicola... read more

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Cobra Adventure Park in Panama City Beach is a family fun park that does not fall short on attractions to keep you and your family busy. The park itself offers many attractions. The massive arcade will keep the kids busy fighting bad guys, playing air hockey, and winning prizes. The four level go cart tracks are a blast. You whip around racing other drivers up and down hills and around sharp corners. The miniature golf course is fun and challenging and is appropriate for all ages. If you like to seek thrills, then you have found the right place. Hop on to the vertical accelerator, a bungee type thrill ride that shoots you and your "orb" from a stationary position up into the sky at blistering speeds. The best part about Cobra is that you can stay there an entire day or evening and not get bored. Although Cobra Adventure Park can get expensive, it is a good time and will keep the family entertained. I definitely recommend stopping by while you are in Panama City Beach.

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Boasting the world's largest tiki hut on the beach since 1987, it's a little hard to miss this place. However, if you do, you're missing out on something special. Here, along with excellent drink specials and some of the best food around, patrons and party people can enjoy some of the best nightlife and events - right on the beach! Don't be afraid to wander out on the sugar sand for a game of Volleyball or sip your margarita under a palm umbrella. Either way, you're enjoying the best PCB has to offer.