PANAMA CITY BEACH OFF TOPIC=please respond if you have been there?

[disneykindofgal]

I know this is a Disney board but since we vacation elsewhere as well besides Disney I thought I would throw this question out to you all. Have any of you been to Panama City Beach and if so, what is your opinion? Thanks!

 

[#1hockeymom]

DD went there for HS Spring break this year. Because of that, I am guessing it will probably never be on my list of places to go! I think I am out of that age range! Hopefully others will have more to add! She loved it as an 18 year old

 

[poohandwendy]

My sister used to live in PCB...it is not just a 'spring break' hot spot. (although if you do go during spring break 'season', expect the usual droves of partying hard bodies, LOL)

It is an awesome town, IMO. The sand is beautiful, the beaches are awesome...beautiful place...I definitely recommend it...

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We've stayed in PCB several times, and it is beautiful and full of fun things to do. Expect fairly high motel room prices, though, I guess due to the popularity among HS and college students. We paid over $100/night for a room that should have only gone for about $60(about 4 years ago.) Not too clean, and nobody in the office overnight. But, it did look out on the Gulf, and that's what you're paying for!

IMO, Destin and Fort Walton Beach are more family-friendly, and just as beautiful.

HTH!

Edited to add: PCB is the home of one of the best seafood restaurants on the Emerald Coast - Capt. Anderson's. We try to eat there whenever we're in that area. Not hard to find, there are ads for it everywhere!

 

[Clay&Matt'sMom]

We just got back two days ago from a week at PCB. We LOVE it there!!! We used to live 90 minutes away and would go every weekend. Now we have moved and it takes us about 5 hours to get there.

It really depends on where you stay when you go there. We usually stay on the west end of the beach which is very uncrowded. There are a few new hotels and condo's on that end. Also, the price is less because you are further away from the action. It is very quiet and un-spoiled.

PCB has some of the most beautiful water I've ever seen. The sand is sugar white. While we were there, the water was crystal clear, no seaweed (although it looked like some may start to move in).

If you go, you've got to eat at Angelo's Steak Pit. They serve the best steak I've ever put in my mouth! But be warned, they do fill up fast. We usually try to arrive by 5:00 at the latest and don't have any trouble getting a seat. Also try Pineapple Willy's. You eat out on the pier while watching the waves crash against the shore. My boys love it there!!!

PCB used to be a hot spot for spring breakers. In fact, at the club La Vela, MTV used to broadcast there. But in the last few years, they have really turned things around. It is much more family friendly now. Many of the hotels will only let families check in.

You'll have a blast if you decide to go!!!

Kim

You'll have a great time if you decide to go!!!

 

[believe]

Two things I would recommend. Don't go during the 'party time' and don't go when the biting flies are out. We went when the biting flies were out and could not enjoy it at all.

 

[Teris]

We stayed at the Edgewater Resort there a few years ago. They have a fantastic pool. It was nice, we had a two bedroom with kitchen fully equiped. But the area there is very congested, and a bit hectic. I prefer a more laid back atmosphere like Naples, or Sanibel/Captiva Island.

One thing we did that was fun, was to take a waverunner tour out to the Island nearby to see dolphins. I ended up with a stupid back injury when we were out there, and had to be brought back by pontoon boat, but it was still great fun. I also learned to never ride the back of a waverunner that my DH was driving You can go out to the Island by way of the boat that is at the national park there as well. But it was more fun to rent our own pontoon boat a few days after my back was better, and went snorkling.

 

[southernclass]

If you like half naked, half drunken beach parties than you will love it. Other than that on off season it is a ghost town. I would go to Destin which is much more ritzy with retired folks and just enjoy the beautiful beaches. If you are into clubbing however there is Club Lavela, and Spinnakers in Panama and much more.

 

[kild]

Originally posted by southernclass
If you like half naked, half drunken beach parties than you will love it.

YEAH!!!
I'm going in August.
Staying at Sterling Beach on Thomas Drive. Nice place.

 

[snuggles]

I agree that Destin and FWB are so much more family friendly. The beaches there are beautiful and clean. PC wasn't very clean the last time we went.

 

[dawgfan]

Just like Snuggles, I am a Ga Disser and can get to PCB quickly. It used to be very family oriented and there are some places on the beach that still are. The west end, more toward Destin, is the end that tends to be quietest. It really all depends on where you stay. The Holiday Inn there is absolutely great and has many child friendly activities. It is also located in the more congested area of the beach and therefore you will have traffic to deal with when getting in and out of the hotel area. The Edgewater mentioned somewhere in this thread is the same deal. Spring Break takes it's toll on all beachees that welcome the breaker crowd. PCB is no exception and it is unwise to go anytime during spring break and expect calm. The summer is busy and it is the family tourist season. It is no problem for families on vacation at all. Just pick your hotel /condo wisely. If you wish I can give some suggestions by PM or you can post again here with places that you are thinking of staying and I will comment. PCB is experiencing a turn around of sorts where many smaller less attractive and less kept up hotels are being bull dozed and that property is being sold to mostly high rise condos. There are still some reasonably priced hotels on the beach that are family friendly. Destin is also a great choice and I love it there too. There seem to be more condos in Destin and they are typically higher in price. PCB has more hotels but it is harder to find the hotels that still have a good clean room and good service. Al in all PCB is a great place to go on a family vacation.

 

[ValerieK]

We are leaving next week for PCB! I have family there, so can't help you with places to stay. I always stay at my Aunts "resort" She lives on the bay, has a swimming pool and a jet ski. It is beautiful. I grew up going to PCB and love it there. My grandmother has property toward the west end of the beach and it is always quiet and not crowded out that way. I love Thomas's Donuts! Yum, I can't wait!

 

[floridafam]

We go there for the Gulf Coast Triathlon in May and will be there this Fall for Ironman Florida.

We tried to stay at Edgewater and I found it completely disgusting.

The beaches are beautiful.

Our favorite restaurant in PCB is Pineapple Willy's. YUM!!!!!!

We've never had any trouble with rowdy teens. I think PCB is becoming much more family friendly than it was at one time.'

IMO, if I wanted to stay on the beach, I would rent a private home. We looked into several properties for rent when we thought my DH was going to transfer to PCB for his job.

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn on Thomas Drive and we were very happy with it. This Fall we are staying at the Watercolor Inn in Seagrove Beach-it's more of a resort vs. a condo complex. We figure it will be about a 30 minute drive (give or take) to PCB.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

floridafam - We stayed in Seaside last summer, and loved it! Watercolor is right next to Seaside, and I believe you're right, it took us around 30 minutes to get to PCB, even though it's only about 12 miles (if I remember right!)

BTW - one year while we were at PCB, we took a boat ride out to Shell Island, can't remember the cost but it wasn't too much. I can't remember the boat company's name, either, but it was right next to Hathaway Bridge, we had a great time! Started at around 9 a.m. and lasted about 4 hours, saw dolphins on the way back, lots of fun!

 

[Bbethparsons]

I live in Panama City Beach and have for let's see 38 years! We have the most beautiful beaches ever! Yes, it can be wild at Club Lavela and Spinnaker; however, I have never been there because it is not my type of entertainment.

They are tearing down almost all the motels and high rise condos are going up EVERYWHERE! Come visit! I prefer the west end of the beach, it's much quieter. Spend some $$$ here....

 

[jipsy]

All my childhood, I lived no more than 5 hours from PCB and used to go there ALOT! It is known for a party/spring break type town, so if that's not what you are looking for, make sure you don't go then. Otherwise it is great. Make sure you eat at Captain Anderson's. And the Treasure Ship has the best brunches, if it is still around. I don't know; I haven't been there in about 10 years I love PCB and I miss it dearly. The sugar white sands of the Florida panhandle can't be beat anywhere.

Destin is more upscale and also more expensive to go to. The drive from PCB to Destin is less than 50 miles, and to FWB is only another 8 miles. There are plenty of places to stay in between.

Make sure you try www.vrbo.com for accomodations. I have booked through here and was extremely happy.

 

[floridafam]

We've been and didn't find it rowdy at all.

Our family was very happy there and we saw many other families lounging on the beach.

We're going to be there again in a few months and can't wait to walk on the beach and eat at Pineapple Willy's.

 

[jipsy]

I should clarify my statement: I meant make sure you don't go during the spring break.

 

[wink89]

Panama City Beach is my favorite beach spot!! If you go during spring break or July 4th, you will get a lot of teens and college kids. Other times are really nice. The nicer condos are on Thomas Drive. If you like oysters....and I do!!....then Shuckum's Oyster Pub is the place for you! Their motto is "We shuckum' You suckum'!". Edgewater is one of the nicer places to stay and be extremely comfortable. If you want to go shell hunting, you can't miss the boat ride to shell island. I have found huge sand dollars and star fish.....but watch the shells that move because I've had my hand pinched too!! There are sand bars all around the island and you can walk way out and be only ankle deep. The sand sharks swim all around your ankles. Really cool!!!

The Flamingo Motel was remodeled a few years ago. They had a great tropical garden in the back that was nice to sit at when the beach was crowded. Breakers on Thomas Drive is a cool night spot if you like the club scene. I agree that you have to go to Angelo's....can't miss the big black angus bull in the front. If you like Grouper you have to try Montego Bay. Shipwreck Island is a lot of fun if you like water parks, but be ready for a crowd.

The beaches are beautiful. The sand is white and unlike the Atlantic side, most of the Gulf beaches don't allow cars on the sand. The beaches are wonderful at night....very romantic. I love to sit on the beach and watch the lightening out on the ocean........you're making me want to go!!!!!


Have a ball!!!