Panama City Beach, Coastal resort city in Florida, United States
Panama City Beach is a coastal town in Bay County in northwest Florida, stretching roughly 27 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. The shoreline features light-colored sand and shallow, warm waters, while residential neighborhoods, shops, and leisure facilities spread inland behind the beachfront.
The town was formally incorporated as a separate municipality in 1970, and has since grown into a resort community with numerous vacation rentals and hotels. Before that, the area belonged to a larger administrative unit and was used mainly for farming and fishing.
The town's name reflects its position on the Gulf Coast and suggests a connection to tropical resort destinations. Visitors see families and groups gathering along the shore for swimming, games, and picnics, highlighting its role as a casual meeting point for relaxation.
The shore is accessible on foot or by car, and many public access points lead directly to the water. The best time to visit is between spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable and waves are generally calm.
Hurricane Michael in 2018 reshaped the landscape of Panama City Beach, prompting extensive reconstruction efforts that modernized many coastal structures.
Location: Bay County
Inception: 1977
Elevation above the sea: 3 m
Address: 9800 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407, USA
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 11:00-21:00
Phone: +18502303425
Website: http://pcbgov.com
GPS coordinates: 30.17667,-85.80556
Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:04
Florida, known as the Sunshine State, extends along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico with white sand beaches and warm waters. The coastline includes urban beaches near Miami, natural reserves in the Keys, and family destinations in central Florida. Visitors find locations for swimming, surfing, fishing, and wildlife observation from Pensacola to Key West.
Grayton Beach State Park
29.9 km
Miracle Strip Amusement Park
2.5 km
St. Andrews State Park
7.6 km
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
51.9 km
Eden Gardens State Park
37.8 km
Camp Helen State Park
20.9 km
Gulf World Marine Park
7.1 km
Deer Lake State Park
29.9 km
Hathaway Bridge
6.2 km
Pine Log State Forest
26 km
Race City PCB
1.2 km
Shipwreck Island Water Park
2.7 km
Man in the Sea Museum
10.5 km
Bay County Courthouse
14.4 km
First Baptist Church
14 km
Destin Beach
61.2 km
First Presbyterian Church
16.6 km
Robert L. McKenzie House
14.2 km
Latimer Cabin
20.8 km
Sapp House
14.4 km
A. A. Payne-John Christo, Sr., House
12.8 km
St. Andrew School
9.9 km
Sherman Arcade
14.1 km
Panama City Center for the Arts
14.2 km
Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
13.6 km
Schmidt-Godert Farm
29.5 km
Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida
13.6 km
Alys Beach
24.7 kmReviews
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