Panama City Beach In a Weekend

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Ranked among the nation's top golf and tennis resorts, Bay Point Marriott is a great value, not to mention the centerpiece of a manicured development sprawling over 1,100 acres on a wildlife sanctuary bordered by St. Andrews Bay and the Grand Lagoon. Situated beside the lagoon, the vivid coral stucco hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens. From the glamorous three-story lobby, window walls look out to scenic water views and two pools (one in its own glass-enclosed building). Guest rooms are spacious and luxurious, some with balconies or patios. The recently renovated Golf Villas at Bay Point Marriott is a group of seven buildings situated next to the only Nicklaus Golf Course in Northwest Florida. Watersports are available at the resort's Grand Lagoon Beach. There's also a free water shuttle to beautiful Shell Island on the Gulf of Mexico. The 11,000-square-foot Serenity Spa at Bay Point opened in 2007.

Facilities: 2 restaurants; 3 bars; 3 heated outdoor pools; indoor pool; 2 golf courses; 5 tennis courts; health club; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment/rentals; concierge; business center; room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; free washers/dryers

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Located on the quieter, west end of the beach, Gulf World is a marine park that offers visitors to Panama City Beach an inside look at the local marine life with live animal exhibits, educational shows, and interactive activities. Gulf World is a nice break from the countless miniature golf courses and endless days at the beach that are certain occupy some of your time while in Panama City Beach. The animal shows that are offered at Gulf World are free with admission and you can actually plan your entire visit to see all of the shows while taking time to enjoy the many other things the park has to offer easily due to the multiple show times offered. The Sea Lion and Dolphin shows are a few of the high points along with the Stingray petting pool. If you have the itch to get even closer to nature, check out the Trainer for a Day or Swim with the Dolphins options offered. There is additional cost but if you can afford it, both are highly recommended and will enhance your experience even more. If you are lucky, you may catch a special event or concert scheduled while on your visit. If you get the chance to see one, you will definitely have a good time.

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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

Our Local Expert Says:

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

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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

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...

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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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So many steak and seafood restaurants but so little time. Having a hard time choosing? Roll the dice with Breakers. Get crazy with the Filet Mignon with Bleu Cheese Herb Crust or take it easy with the Snapper Aioli. The kids can get jiggy with the children's menu. Don't forget to wash it down with an ice cold beer or cocktail. If you have one to many, stay away from the ocean! It is open daily from 4.30 pm.