TRAVEL
For lunch, we headed to Dat Cajun Place, where we indulged in sizzling baked oysters, bursting with flavour and oozing with melted cheese. I took the chance to sample the gator bites- an unexpectedly tender, lightly spiced southern delicacy full of protein.
Later that evening, we joined locals and visitors alike at Schooners- The Last Local Beach Club, one of PCB’ s most beloved beachfront spots. With live music drifting through the sea air, a golden sunset melting into the Gulf and dinner enjoyed beside a glowing beach firepit, it was one of those postcard moments you remember long after your tan fades. We sipped on perfectly blended piña coladas- icy, creamy and generously portioned- while the menu offered up a mouthwatering array of coastal comfort food. From fresh Gulf shrimp and blackened grouper tacos( my favourite) to hearty burgers, every bite was laid-back beach dining at its best. The atmosphere was fun, unpretentious and full of that classic Florida charm.
The following morning called for something indulgent and we found it at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop. This iconic beachfront bakery is a local legend, and yes, there was a queue- but it was well worth it. With an astonishing variety of doughnuts from classic glazed to stuffed and sprinkled creations, breakfast was an event in itself and don’ t forget a coffee to wash it down. Crossing the road we swapped indulgence for intention by taking part in a Stay it Forward, a voluntourism beach project. We joined locals in planting sea oats, which are vital to the preservation of the coastline, especially during storms and hurricanes. The work was simple but meaningful, reminding us that even a holiday can be an opportunity to give back.
In the afternoon, we boarded an airboat with Wild Thang Airboat Tours for an unforgettable ride through the waters of West Bay and the nearby marshlands. Gliding on mere inches of water, we scouted for alligators, dolphins, herons, turtles and more. The pace was fast, the views dramatic and the experience genuinely exhilarating( especially the 180-degree spin at the end). After the tour and back on the dock, lunch was served up at Boon Docks Restaurant. It quickly became one of our favourite meals of the trip. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, with classic coastal fare served fresh and full of flavour: shrimp baskets, hush puppies( a small, deep fried dough ball made from cornmeal batter) and fish tacos so tender they flaked at the touch of a fork.
Our final day in PCB coincided with one of its most beloved annual events- the UNwineD Festival, a lively celebration of food, drink and Gulf Coast culture. Held outdoors with a festive, sophisticated atmosphere, the event offered tastings from top regional chefs, international wines, craft beers and premium spirits. We wandered from booth to booth, chatting with winemakers, sampling gourmet bites and attending live cooking demos and wine seminars. It was the perfect way to conclude our visit; relaxed, flavourful and infused with the creative energy that’ s helping redefine this part of Florida’ s coastline.
Before saying our final goodbyes to PCB, we squeezed in one last delicious stop at Diego’ s Burrito Factory, a lively, no-frills favourite known for its build-your-own burritos and ice-cold spicy margaritas. It’ s the kind of place where the flavours are bold, the portions generous and the vibe effortlessly cool. We loaded ours with slow-roasted carnitas, fresh pico, creamy guac and house-made salsa, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It was casual, colourful and full of personality; the perfect flavourpacked farewell to a week that delivered on every level.
Panama City Beach is a destination in transition in all the best ways. It’ s a place where nature is both celebrated and protected, where the dining scene is growing more refined by the season, and where travellers are invited not just to relax, but to connect # REALFUNBEACH.
Whether you’ re paddleboarding at sunrise, sharing stories around a beach fire, or volunteering alongside locals to preserve the shoreline, this corner of Florida offers more than just a break from routine, it offers a richer kind of holiday. One with heart, flavour, adventure and a whole lot of sunshine.
visitpanamacitybeach. com visit _ pcb
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