Living in Panama City means having something most people travel hundreds of miles to experience right in your backyard: white-sand beaches, emerald water, fishing, boating, incredible sunsets, and plenty of places to escape outdoors.
Whether you've lived in Bay County for years, just moved to the area, or you're visiting for the first time, you don't need an elaborate itinerary to have a great day here.
Here's our idea of a nearly perfect day around Panama City and Panama City Beach.
There are few better ways to start a Florida morning than near the water.
St. Andrews State Park, located between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay, is one of the area's standout outdoor destinations. The park offers beaches, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, hiking and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Get there early, when the day is quieter and the Florida heat hasn't fully arrived.
Bring some coffee, take a walk along the beach, or simply find a spot overlooking the water.
If you're feeling more adventurous, bring your snorkeling gear. The jetties at St. Andrews are particularly popular for snorkeling and exploring the marine life below the surface.
Next stop: Shell Island.
This undeveloped barrier island separates St. Andrews Bay from the Gulf and stretches for approximately seven miles. It's accessible by boat, including shuttle service from St. Andrews State Park.
This isn't the place for shopping or restaurants—and that's exactly the point.
It's a chance to enjoy a more natural side of Panama City Beach.
Spend a few hours swimming, walking along the shoreline, snorkeling, looking for shells, or simply doing absolutely nothing.
Wildlife is another big part of the experience. The waters and natural areas surrounding Shell Island are home to dolphins, sea turtles, birds and other coastal wildlife.
Just remember to bring what you'll need for the day, including plenty of water and sun protection.
By this point, you're probably hungry.
One of the advantages of living near the Gulf is having plenty of opportunities to enjoy seafood close to where it was caught.
Rather than rushing through lunch, find a waterfront or locally owned restaurant, order something fresh, and enjoy the view.
Fish tacos, shrimp, grouper, oysters or a good sandwich somehow taste a little better after you've spent the morning on the water.
That's part of the Panama City lifestyle: sometimes the best days don't need much of a schedule.
If you're not ready to leave the water behind, you have options.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, jet skiing and fishing are all popular around Panama City Beach, St. Andrews Bay and the Grand Lagoon.
Fishing deserves a special mention.
You don't necessarily need a boat. Fishing opportunities around the area include piers, beaches and the jetties at St. Andrews State Park, while charter boats can take you farther offshore.
Or skip the activities entirely.
There's nothing wrong with spending the afternoon under an umbrella with your feet in the sand.
Whatever you do during the day, try to end it near the Gulf.
Panama City Beach sunsets have a way of reminding you why people come here on vacation—and why those of us who call this area home are lucky to have it nearby.
Grab dinner, take an evening walk along the beach, or just find somewhere to sit and watch the sky change.
Sometimes that's all you need.
The beaches understandably get most of the attention, but living here is about more than spending a day on the sand.
It's early mornings on the water.
Fishing rods in the garage.
Coolers waiting for the weekend.
Paddleboards and bikes.
Family visiting for the summer.
Hurricane supplies you hope you never need.
And somehow accumulating enough beach chairs for approximately 17 people even though only four people live in your house.
That's Florida living.
And that's where we're going to sneak in our one storage-related point.
All those things that make living in Panama City fun also have a habit of taking over the garage.
At Panama City Storage, we're a locally operated business serving the same community we write about. Whether you need somewhere for beach gear, fishing equipment, household belongings, business inventory or simply want enough room in your garage to park your car again, we're here when you need a little extra space.
Then get back to the important stuff—like figuring out whether tomorrow is a beach day.
Panama City Storage
1920 Sherman Ave
Panama City, FL
Call or text: 850-771-7676
Website: www.panamacitystorage.com
Secure. Simple. Local.