PCB Tips: A Local’s Perfect Day in Panama City Beach, Florida
If you’re like me when you travel, you want to know where do the locals go and what do they do? Because chances are they have separated the wheat from the chaff when it comes to food, drinks and entertainment. Well my friend, here are some PCB tips — a local’s inside scoop on a perfect day in Panama City Beach.
PCB Tips: How to Plan a Perfect Day Like a Local
Breakfast: The Most Important Meal of the Day
Well, that’s what momma always said didn’t she? In any case, to do it right in Panama City Beach, start your day at Andy’s Flour Power. With a laid-back atmosphere, enjoy omelets crepe-style or a hearty café skillet.
According their website, “Owner, John Certo, is a third-generation chef from New York City. He started cooking at 9 years old, and has always had a passion for cooking delicious food people enjoy.” When you eat here, you can tell John has a passion for what he does.
Just remember to make breakfast an early start, so you have plenty of time for the day’s agenda.
Soak Up the Sun
Just off the coast of Panama City Beach is Shell Island with sugary white sand, clear water and plenty of sunshine. Guests have to take a boat or a shuttle to the island. If by boat, link up next to other boats and make a yacht club just off the shore while enjoying the sun and good company. Or take in the rays on the gorgeous beach. If laying out is not your thing, walk the island via nature trails or even spot dolphins, Shell Island has one of the highest concentrations of bottle-nose dolphins in the world.
Once you’ve had your fill of sun and fun, head back to the mainland for lunch.
South of the Border, Next to the Beach
After spending the morning in the sun, there is nothing better than Diego’s Burrito Factory where they roll you a fat one! While they fix a burrito that’s enough to share, head to their on-site margarita bar for a fresh mixed margarita. Nothing better to refuel after spending hours in the sun.
From here, do what most of us do and take a snooze back in the rental. You’re on vacation. You deserve it!
The Local Beach Bar
What would a trip to Panama City Beach be without a cocktail on the beach? Schooner’s is the place. Dubbed the last local beach bar, this hot spot welcomes everyone. It has an open floor plan and opens up right onto the beach. Order drinks, pull up a chair, and take in the views under the patio or sit on the sand.
Schooner’s offers the perfect place to spend the afternoon, relax and enjoy the company of fellow beach bums.
The One, Two Combo for Dinner
After a day trying these PCB tips, it’s time to put the finishing touch on a perfect day. Some travelers may ask: What’s the best place for dinner? But not you, my adventurous connoisseur of the local experience.
You ask, what would a local do? The true way a local does dinner in Panama City Beach is to hit a one, two combo at the hottest dinner spots at the beach.
First, get drinks and some of the freshest sushi at Firefly. This place is going for casual elegance, and they nail it. It is very possible for you to come here for drinks and appetizers, and look no further for your entrees.
For those who want to venture further, don’t miss the final leg on our perfect day journey.
Capt. Andersons: This is a Panama City Beach classic. Having been around since 1967, I can’t think of a better place to sit down and have a nice meal with family or friends, and enjoy a traditional Panama City Beach atmosphere.
More Local PCB Tips and Next Steps
Well, there you have it: A perfect day according to a Panama City local. Of course, we know this is not the end. The night just begins after dinner, but the nightlife scene could be its own series of posts. Enjoy!
If you want to enjoy Panama City Beach for a lifetime, visit Latitude’s Realty for the latest listings on Gulf Front condos.
Plan your Gulf Coast getaway and book your Panama City Beach vacation rental.
About the Author: Brooke Newell was born and raised in Panama City Beach, Florida, an experience for which she is grateful and will never forget. Brooke attended the University of Florida in Gainesville and currently works at Latitude’s Realty to help others achieve real estate ownership dreams.