Panama City Beach lies on the Panhandle, the northwestern tip of Florida, and belongs to the so called Emerald Coast. The name says it all: here powder white quartz sand meets emerald green, clear Gulf water, a different, almost Caribbean beach world from the rest of Florida. Miles of beaches, a long pier and a relaxed, down to earth atmosphere make up its appeal.
The beach
The beach is the center of it all: the finest white sand that squeaks underfoot, and water in an unreal turquoise. At St. Andrews State Park at the eastern end it is especially lovely and close to nature.
Pier and beach life
The long pier reaches far into the sea, good for walking and fishing. All around it line up beach bars, mini golf and the typical amusements of an American beach resort, lively but not over the top.
Location on the Panhandle
The Panhandle is further away from the rest of Florida, closer to Alabama than to Miami. Anyone who wants to experience the white beaches of the Emerald Coast likes to combine Panama City Beach with Destin or Pensacola further west.
