Panama City Beach in August?

[dianeandruss]

It's been rough this past year, so we would like to plan to spend a few days at the beach before the kids head back to school this fall. We have a "vacation money jar" going and we are also doing a yard sale and bartering my husband's computer experience for gas cards, etc. With that being said- does anypne have any tips for staying in this area. Best hotel? Must see places, things, restaurants? We are considering one of the "all inclusive" hotels on the beach so the kids will have a playground, kiddie pools and all access to the beach. My children are younger (under 10), and one is special needs, so we really don't want to pack too much into this time away. We just want to relax. Any info is appreciated!

[cybilx10]

Unfortunately I have been there. I have heard it is beautiful.

I tried looking up a few links for ya and I think I came up with a few good ones for you to get some good info. Hopefully someone else that is more local can help you out more.


VisitPanamaBeach
TripAdvisorBeachFront
PanamaBeach

[dliver316]

I just got back like 3 days ago!!! When I lived in Alabama we used to go there all the time.

Restaurants: You really have to go to Angelos steak house if you like steak. Filet mignon is the best I have ever had (and I am not really much of a steak eater). Very expensive though $28 for the filet. But worth every dime! This is a casual family steak restaurant. Margaritaville is great too...it is a restaurant that plays Jimmy Buffet music all the time...they have a big airplane with a salt shaker that comes out...just a fun atmosphere. Also people walking around on stilts giving out balloon animals to the kiddos. It was fun! They have a great appetizer - Volcano nachos.

Hotels: I have not stayed here but I hear that Aqua is awesome, especially for kids. Pretty much has an indoor waterpark. Next time we go we are going to try to stay there. I have stayed at Edgewater in the past and it was really nice too. So many options on hotels down there.

Things to do: This time we went to Shell Island. It is not as crowded as the main beach and there were lots of shells to be found. There are tons of the touristy type of things to do like putt putt golfs, go karts and such. Pier Park is a big shopping area that is pretty nice and they also have carnival type rides for the kids.

If I think of anything else I will let you know!!

[dianeandruss]

Thanks for the info ladies, I really appreciate it!

We are considering the Sandpiper Beacon hotel, but it gets mixed reviews. We just like the idea of having everything in one place. Anyone ever been there?

[allison1887]

We use to go yearly- but never stay in the larger hotels because of the crowds.
One of the best things that my son enjoyed was the pirate cruise. I would suggest getting tickets early because they do sell out fast.

I have stayed at the sandpiper and it wasn't bad at all. I think if you go in August you will not have the crowds that they have in July.

[samsgal040503]

We go every summer to Port St Joe, FL(google it, not far straight down the coast from PCB). It is so laid back, uncrowded and child friendly. We go in June and really love the fact that you can look up and down the beach in both directions and MAYBE count 12 people... IN JUNE! It's awesome! Leaving PCB and driving down the coast(on RT 98) there are a few other towns that are nice(and uncrowded) as well... Mexico Beach, Beacon Hill, Port St Joe and Indian Pass. Cape San Blas is a must see if you are in the area... and the Indian Pass Raw Bar(not just seafood) is also a must if you have time. Here are a few links that have been helpful in our travels.

Florida Panhandle Vacation Rentals by Owner, Florida Panhandle VRBO®, Florida Panhandle Homes, Florida Panhandle Cottages For vacation rentals by owner. Privacy instead of a hotel! Might wasnt to check out Barrier Bunes on Cape San Blas. Amenities galore!
Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals with Paradise Coast Vacation Rentals on beautiful Cape San Blas, and Mexico Beach Florida We rented from Paradise Coast last year. Stayed in the "Lazy Pelican" which was nice, new and clean. Unobstructed beach view(although not beachfront, no homes are in front of it) and a short stroll over the dune to a super wide beach. You can even build a fire in this area of the beach. The folks at Paradise Coast Rentals are very nice. We called and told them our budget and they gave us a good deal.
I hope this helps you and your family find that perfect vacation spot!!

[ptcygofalcons]

If you do decide to stay at Panama City Beach and you want a break from the crowds on the beach , St. Andrews State Park is a great place to escape to. It has a long stretch of beach and offers camping nearby. It's beach is normally not crowded at all.
I am going to added another area nearby between and that is Sea Grove beach between Panama City Beach and Destin.Very quiet and beautiful in comparrison to Panama City Beach.

[taho]

I used to go every year, and I can tell you your best deal for lodging will be to go to VRBO.com and look at condos. Take the time to really go through them and you will find a good deal, there are many to chose from, and most of them are very nice with amenities your family will love. Plus with the condos, you can save money by cooking some of your meals there and not having to eat out a lot. We would always do breakfast, and lunch in the condo, and go out for a nice dinner. I hope this helps! Sometimes if the condos are not rented for the week or days you are going you can ask for a better deal, because you are usually renting straight from the owner.

[#1RobThomasfan]

I live here and I'll tell you to check into Mexico Beach which is our neighbor and MUCH quieter...we as a family don't set foot on Panama City Beach...TOURIST CENTRAL and way overpriced. Mexico Beach is not a hot spot for action though...really just the beach to hang out at..

On PCB- Angelo's is way overpriced and not that good IMO..alot of the restaurants are overpriced and not so great. You'll do better with fast food, honestly save your money.

We do like to visit Pirate's Island Golf, its a nice mini golf course ( must be able to climb the stairs as it winds around the course)

Pier Park is a good place to visit if you want to shop and check it out...rides for the kiddos in the center..about $15 for an all day armband. Five Guys Burgers is great to eat at!

I would suggest maybe staying in Mexico Beach and when you want to do something fun drive the 20 minutes to PCB...El Governor is a hotel on Mexico Beach, not a hot spot by any means but right on the beach and QUIET.

[tomngret3]

We also go every year. We live in Ohio, so it is a good 15-16 hour drive..(depending on how many pit stops we make). This year we have a new addition to the family..a 7 month old. Our 3 1/2 year old loved when we stayed at The Boardwalk Beach Resort. Very nice kiddie area which is padded in case they fall while running thru the fountains. They also have a zero entry pool..which is nice for little ones too. This year we are looking at staying at "Splash". It is a disney inspired condo that has lots to do for kids..a water park that is partitally shaded. There is also a splash pad outside. Favorite places to eat... Pineapple Willeys, Schooners, Margarittaville, Harpoon Harrys. We love going towards the middle-end of August too b/c the rates drop significantly and some kids go back to school at this time in Florida,,,so less busy! Have fun and hope you love it!