Guest Hook Travel Guides Panama City Beach | Page 4

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1 Shell Island... 2 Panama City Beach Sunsets... 3 Pier Park... 4 Fishing / Charter Trips... 5 Panhandle Helicopter Tour... Shell Island is quite simply stunning. An escape, somewhere that honors nature, without any of the modern conveniences. Of course this level of nature does mean you need to plan your trip well, remembering to take provisions AND remembering to bring everything back with you. Located around 5 miles south of Panama City Beach (see this map), take the Shell Island Shuttle from St Andrews State Park. Please ask us if you need any further information. We are blessed with some incredible sunsets. And, as sunset "gurus", we know some of the best places to watch the golden glow! Schooners is a fun place, great for all the family, and very close to Shell Island if you feel like an easy dinner en route back to the condo. We also like the Panama City Beach Pier which you could combine with a trip to Pier Park (see below). You'll get some great photos - just imagine a pier with local fisherman and sea birds flying overhead, with the sun setting behind! Pier Park is your one stop shop for a full day of shopping, restaurants, an IMAX theater and cinema, a Mirror Maze, some fun rides, and a whole lot more! The huge Simon Mall is great for some retail therapy if you need a break from the sun. And the kids will love the Pier Park Amusements or Miracle Strip where they have some nostalgia with old school rides, particularly the Big Eli Wheel. At around 1 million square feet this is a huge place with something for everyone! This is the ocean, so deep sea fishing is a must. There are a number of good local charter companies so just let us know if you're interested and we'll suggest some options. However, if you don't have deep sea legs, then the pier is a great spot, as is St Andrew's Bay. This website is a great resource for those who want to fish from one of our piers. Remember that you can't just cast your reel, there is a license requirement. It's easy enough to obtain but please ask us if you're in any doubt. Now this is a really cool way to gain a different (and breathtaking) perspective of the Panhandle. We like Panhandle Helicopter for some great tours - the pilot is usually very informative and makes the ride fun. The prices, whilst not cheap for a few minutes in the air, are worth it. If you can stretch to it, the Shark Run or Shell Island options are something special! Imagine seeing sharks down below? Or maybe you don't want to, we can understand that as well!