TRAVEL
A REFINED SLICE OF THE SUNSHINE STATE PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
BY ADAM READY
Sun-drenched beaches, turquoise waters and unexpectedly sophisticated charm: Florida’ s Panama City Beach is blossoming into a coastal destination that offers more than just sun and sand. After an easy transatlantic flight from the UK to Atlanta with Virgin Atlantic, followed by a short domestic hop to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, we arrived ready to explore the best of Florida’ s Gulf Coast. With a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, culinary highlights and community spirit, Panama City Beach surprises and delights in equal measure.
Our base for the week was the Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort, a modern beachfront haven that blends upscale comfort with laid-back coastal charm. The all-suite accommodation offered spacious, contemporary interiors with separate living areas, plush bedding and private balconies- many of which overlook the shimmering Gulf Coast. Mornings began with a complimentary buffet breakfast in the airy, light-filled atrium, while evenings ended with cocktails at the daily reception on the 5th floor, a thoughtful touch that made the stay feel effortlessly elevated. The resort’ s palm-fringed pool area provided a relaxing retreat after our daily adventures.
The resort is perfectly positioned just a short stroll from Pier Park, Panama City Beach’ s vibrant openair shopping and entertainment hub; it places us at the heart of everything. With over 100 shops ranging from fashion and footwear to homeware and jewellery, Pier Park puts the all in mall, offering an array of dining options, too. One evening, we took to the skies aboard the SkyWheel, enjoying panoramic views over the Gulf and cityscape- a truly memorable way to take in the sunset. Whether you’ re in the mood for casual seafood or a night of cocktails and fine fare, this coastal complex has something for every taste.
Our first morning set the tone with an exhilarating ride above the coast with Panhandle Helicopters. Seeing the Emerald Coast from the sky is nothing short of breathtaking; miles of white sand, blue-green sea and the peaceful rhythm of waves stretching out before you. It was a thrilling, sky-high introduction to the landscape passing over dolphins, sharks and turtles in the open sea below.
From the sky to the sea, we spent our afternoon aboard the Island Time Sailing catamaran for their popular‘ Snorkel and Dolphin Cruise’. The energy on board was relaxed and friendly, and after a dip in the clear Gulf waters and a swim ashore to the pure white sandy beach of Shell Island to collect some shells( hence the name), back onboard we were treated to sightings of wild dolphins dancing in the surf. Add in a cocktail or two, some sunshine and the breeze in your hair- this was Florida at its finest.
Dinner on our first evening was at the elegant Firefly restaurant, a PCB institution known for its ambient lighting and outstanding menu. Their sushi was fresh and creative, and the Caesar salad was one of the best I’ ve ever had- crisp, perfectly seasoned and served in a Parmesan crisp bowl that caught the whole table’ s eye. The entrées were just as impressive, ranging from a perfectly seared grouper to succulent lamb chops, and the star of the evening? The centre-cut filet mignon, cooked to perfection and paired with a rich demi-glace. Every dish felt curated, indulgent and full of flavour. An ethos that extends to the great cocktail menu too!
We kicked off the next morning with an authentic American breakfast at Andy’ s Flour Power. Owner John, who is a native of New York City and relocated to PCB some 20 years ago, greeted us with a warm welcome. Their homemade pastries, custom omelettes and freshly squeezed juices were delicious, but the standout was the signature‘ Breakfast Martini’ that balanced citrus and sweetness in all the right ways. John even got us behind the bar to make our own which was fun and something I’ ve not done at 9am before. Be sure to leave room after breakfast for a home made pistachio muffin or take one to go as we had to. John’ s motto for the business is‘ fresh not fancy’ and you can see why this is such a popular spot for locals alike.
No trip to Panama City Beach is complete without time spent exploring St. Andrews State Park. With the ever-knowledgeable ranger John Larson as our guide, we wandered through towering pine forests, followed shaded trails rich with bird calls and encountered native wildlife including egrets, turtles and even a baby alligator basking near a marshy inlet. The park’ s blend of dune-backed beaches, winding boardwalks and peaceful lagoons created a landscape that felt both expansive and deeply personal. We paused often to take in the silence- a rare kind of stillness broken only by the rustle of palmettos or the gentle lap of water against the shore. It’ s a rare retreat where nature feels both vast and intimate, reminding us just how wild and wonderful Florida’ s coast can be. www. insidekent. co. uk • 139