Panama City Beach began in the early 20th century as primarily undeveloped land better known for fishing than beaches, with just a handful of residents and basic facilities. The completion of the Hathaway Bridge in 1929 transformed accessibility, attracting tourists eager to experience the area's natural beauty. The St. Andrews Bay Bridge completed the same year connected downtown Panama City west to the land that would become Upper Grand Lagoon and Panama City Beach via US-98. In the late 1930s, tourism development began drawing people from across the country to the Gulf Coast beaches. Gideon Thomas became the first to successfully develop a tourist resort, constructing the two-story Panama City Beach Hotel and building a 1,000-foot pier into the Gulf. The area incorporated into Bay County in 1936, though it wouldn't officially incorporate as "Panama City Beach" until 1970. The post-World War II era marked a pivotal turning point, with the 1950s seeing a surge in mom-and-pop hotel and motel construction along the shores. Beginning in the early 1990s, Panama City Beach became known as Florida's top Spring Break location, evolving into one of the Gulf Coast's hottest vacation destinations.
Panama City Beach offers world-renowned white-sand shores and emerald-green waters along miles of Gulf Coast shoreline featuring numerous water adventures and tourist attractions. The beaches provide swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking in the calm Gulf waters. Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island accessible by boat, offers pristine natural beaches for exploration. St. Andrews State Park provides hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and protected beach areas. Pier Park serves as the entertainment hub with shopping, dining, amusement rides, and family attractions. The area's 27 miles of beaches accommodate sunbathing, beach volleyball, boogie boarding, and sandcastle building. Dolphin watching tours, sunset cruises, and deep-sea fishing charters operate from local marinas. The spring break atmosphere brings energetic crowds during March and April, while summer attracts families seeking Gulf Coast vacations. Conservation Park offers nature trails through coastal dune lakes, unique ecosystems found only in rare locations worldwide.
Dining in Panama City Beach showcases fresh Gulf seafood along Front Beach Road and throughout the beach community. Bayou Bill's Crab House at 23100 Front Beach Rd, a must-visit since 1986, serves fresh Gulf seafood with Southern-inspired flavors specializing in famous crab legs and fresh oysters. The Grand Marlin prints daily menus featuring the local catch, with ever-changing scratch-made selections using the freshest seafood and highest quality ingredients. Saltwater Grill provides premier dining with fresh Gulf seafood, premium steaks, and sushi alongside a stunning 25,000-gallon tropical aquarium. Pineapple Willy's, built on Panama City Beach's original pier, serves World Famous BBQ Ribs and signature daiquiris. Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar has served fresh Gulf seafood with live entertainment since 1986. Sandbar Seafood and BBQ on Hwy 79 off Front Beach Road specializes in great seafood and savory smoked BBQ. Capt Jacks Family Buffet offers all-you-can-eat dinner buffets featuring Snow Crab Legs, seafood, steaks, pasta, and desserts.
