A-Z April Challenge - P is for Panama City Beach

I grew up on the Atlantic Coast of Florida and loved spending time at the beach.  Our first real family vacation was to Sanibel Island on the Gulf side of the state.  I fell in love with those sugar sand beaches and vowed I would live there one day.  I still love Sanibel, but it is a great distance to get there and as a young mother I found Panama City Beach.  When my children were small we would go to either Panama City Beach, Pensacola,  or Gulf Shores when we needed a beach fix.  About four years ago we discovered the Driftwood Lodge in Panama City Beach and have not been anywhere else.  I love this mom and pop hotel chain.  Their treatment of their customers is impeccable.  They serve watermelon every day at 1.  They have games for the kids each day.  One night they put up a huge screen and show a family movie.  It is great.  Our group goes each Memorial Day week and on Memorial Day we cook for anyone who wants to join us.  It is a really special place.  Panama City Beach has it all. 

There is actually 27 miles of white sand beaches along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  Panama City Beach is home to two State Parks, dozens of public beach access points, waterfront restaurants that serve up some of the best fresh local seafood, and there are all kinds of legendary attractions.  There is pier park where people go to shop.....or just walk and listen to music.  Every summer they have live concerts at the amphitheater there. 

 

The waters here are famous with fishermen and scuba divers who enjoy the benefits of dozens artificial reefs located offshore, and with a coastline that angles slightly toward the west, in Panama City Beach you can watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico every day of the year. 

Beachcombers won't want to miss a trip to Shell Island, a pristine barrier island across the channel from the mainland. This 700-acre island is underdeveloped, providing a peaceful spot for sunning, swimming and shell collecting.

Frank loves to go to the pier and fish.  From the Driftwood the pier is walking distance.  If you ever get a chance to go to the Gulf Coast....be sure and visit Panama City Beach.  You will love it.....but if you are not into young people....don't go during Spring Break!