A family man with a chronic case of wanderlust, Adam Porter cruises America’s highways and byways looking for the best and “best-kept secret” RV getaways. While Panama City Beach — or “PCB” for short — is known as the unofficial spring break mecca for college kids east of the mighty Mississippi, Adam and his family discovered a quieter side to this Emerald Coast gem.

Panama City Beach
Courtesy Spring Cleaning SVS PCB



As we cruised down Front Beach Road on Friday, the first official day of spring break, dance music filled the night, engulfing the sound of the waves crashing against Panama City Beach’s famous sugar-like sand. As we continued southeast down Front Beach then turned onto Thomas Drive, we discovered the same legendary, emerald-kissed white-sand beauty offered up at a slower pace — with pristine RV parks, laid-back mom-and-pop eateries and one of the most beautiful waterfront state parks we have ever seen.

Unfortunately, a dark cloud followed. The southern bands of a storm system that brought devastating tornadoes to Alabama passed over the area, drenching the parks and beaches, and sending even the hardiest spring-breakers indoors. But, despite the weather, we had a blast getting to know the family-friendly side of this panhandle party town.


WHAT TO DO

  • Hit the Beach — While the entire strip from St. Andrews to Laguna Beach is exceptional, the southeast section is our personal favorite. Sunsets are gorgeous here, and sunrises can be even more spectacular.
    Set a course for fun on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
  • Pirate Cruise (www.piratecruise.net) — Shiver me timbers; we spy family fun off the starboard bow! Or is that a pod of dolphins? Set sail on the Sea Dragon for swashbuckling fun for buccaneers of all ages. The ship leaves from 5325 N. Lagoon Dr. Call 850.234.7400.
  • Panhandle Helicopter Tours (www.panhandlehelicopter.com) — Get a bird’s eye view of PCB and the Emerald Coast. Take off from 15726 Front Beach Rd. Call 850.230.2080.
  • Panhandle Parasail (www.panhandleparasail.com) — A one-stop shop for family fun on and above the water. Parasailing, fishing trips, sunset cruises, snorkeling and dolphin encounters. Offices located at 126 Rusty Gans Dr. and 5201 N. Lagoon Dr. Call 850.249.7245.
  • Island Time Sailing (www.islandtimesailing.com) — Shelling, snorkeling, cruising and Shell Island tours. The sunset cruise is a personal favorite. Located at Treasure Island Marina, 3605 Thomas Dr., Slip #22. Call 850.234.7377.

WHERE TO GO

A serval at ZooWorld
Zoo World (www.zooworldpcb.net) — This little zoological garden offers an up-close and personal view of more than 200 exotic species. If you have never seen a tiger up close or scratched a grey wolf behind the ears, you need to come to Zoo World. Then stay for the daily shows and the “Gentle Jungle” petting zoo. Located at 9008 Front Beach Rd. Call 850.230.1243.

Gulf World Marine Park (www.gulfworldmarinepark.com) — Swim with dolphins (reservations required) or just enjoy the shows. Other exhibits include penguins, sharks, alligators, stingrays and sea turtles. Located at 15412 Front Beach Rd. Call 850.234.5271.

Local Wineries — Stock up on your sunset-toast libations at two remarkable local wineries:

  • Sea Breeze Winery (www.seabreezewinery.com) gets its grapes from Kyotee Vineyards in Bruce, about 35 miles north of PCB, so you are truly drinking local. Located at 13201 Hutchison Blvd. Call 850.230.3330.
    Award winning vintages at Panama City Beach Winery
  • Panama City Beach Winery (www.pcbwinery.com) boasts an award-winning collection of various fruit wines. Our favorite was the Hurricane Sangria. Located at 8730 Thomas Dr. 850.233.5950.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum (www.ripleyspanamacitybeach.com) — A kid-friendly collection of tall tales and impossible oddities that just might be too freakish to be false. You be the judge, because they’re not telling. Look for the sinking Titanic at 9907 Front Beach Rd. Call 850.230.6113.

Wonderworks (www.wonderworksonline.com) — Look for the upside-down house across from Ripley’s. Curious kids will love it here. Ask about the combined “X-Treme Attraction Package” and save on tickets to both Ripley’s and Wonderworks. This day trip can be a sanity-saving option for families who get stuck with rainy vacations. Located at 9910 Front Beach Rd. Call 850.249.7000.

Pier Park (www.panamacitybeachonline.com/pierpark) — Discover a Florida-flavored outdoor mall and entertainment boardwalk complete with a Ron Jon Surf Shop and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Guys, did I mention that some of the best pier fishing on PCB is right across the street? Find the mall at 600 Pier Park Dr., and the pier at 16101 Front Beach Rd.

Storm's comin' at PCB public beach pier
While you are in PCB, don’t miss out on St. Andrews State Park. CLICK HERE to learn more about this stellar Florida State Park.

WHERE TO EAT

There are countless places to have a great meal with a terrific view in PCB. But, when I asked the locals where to eat, this is what they told me:

Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar (www.pwillys.com) — This beachfront party spot is famous for good food and live music. Try the island grouper topped with homemade pineapple sauce. Click over to the website for a live webcam view of all the action beach-side. Located at 9875 S. Thomas Dr. Call 850.235.1225.

Marco’s Gulf Pizza (www.marcosgulfpizza.com) — A local friend turned us on to this tasty pizza place. Marco’s opens daily at 4 p.m., but the food is worth the wait. Great pizza and pasta. Located at 7010 Thomas Dr. Call 850.234.5000.

Liza’s Kitchen (www.lovelizas.com) — Everything at this lunch and brunch café is made from scratch. If you come on the weekend, try the “real French toast.” Yum! Located at 7328 Thomas Dr. Call 850.233.9000.

HogNose Snapper — Groovy little lunch and dinner joint with amazing food. Portions are robust and delicious. Owner-operated, and it shows. The staff goes the extra mile for service. My 2-year-old loved the “chalkboard table.” Located at 7008 Thomas Dr. in the Dunes Plaza. Call 850.234.6673.

Firefly (www.fireflypcb.com) — Yes, Firefly is in a strip mall; but once you step inside, it’s all class. Casual fine dining including fresh fish, exotics and seasonal veggies. Selections are pricey, but early birds (before 6 p.m.) can get a good break on dinner rates. Located at ‪535 Richard Jackson Blvd‬. For reservations call 850.249.3359.‬

WHERE TO STAY

All of the parks we visited were a bit waterlogged due to the severe storms passing through, but these two still managed to feel inviting and look great:

Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort (www.rvresort.com)

Camping at Emerald Coast RV
A beautiful and comfortable home base for any stay in Panama City Beach. Expect to see a fair number of park models — they even have some for rent — but this is not one of those parks with only a few short-visit sites. Friendly staff and welcoming neighbors.

  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (30/50-amp)
  • Wi-Fi and cable TV
  • Pull-through sites available, with room for big rigs
  • Lakefront sites
  • Pool and plenty of shade trees
  • Family-friendly and pet-friendly

Reserve online or call 800.232.2478. Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort is located at 1957 Allison Ave., Panama City Beach, FL 32407. GPS: 30.184777, -85.788214

Panama City Beach RV Resort (www.panamacityrvresort.com)

Camping at Panama City Beach RV Resort
From this resort, it took us about three minutes to walk to the beach while pushing a stroller. The park is well laid out and spacious, with plenty of room between you and your neighbors. Check out Patches Pub & Eatery across the street for live music on weekends and the amazing “half-breed burger,” a hamburger and pulled-pork fusion of wonderful.

  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (30/50-amp)
  • Wi-Fi and cable TV
  • Pull-through sites available, with room for big rigs
  • Pool access
  • Family-friendly and pet-friendly

Reserve online or call 850-249-7352. Panama City Beach RV Resort is located at 4702 Thomas Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 32408. GPS: 30.138391, -85.748289

Interested in a more rustic, waterfront camping option? CLICK HERE to check out St. Andrews State Park.

Better RVing Advertisement