When Hurricane Michael slammed into Florida’s Emerald Coast on Oct. 10, 2018, the Category 4 storm was the most severe in the history of the Panhandle and caused millions of dollars in damage.
The Panhandle, known for its charming seaside communities, certainly experienced devastation. However, the towns along scenic State Road 30A, the highway connecting Destin and Panama City Beach, were largely undamaged. Panama City Beach was mostly spared and is looking forward to welcoming tourists back to its Instagram-worthy beaches.
“Officials have projected an estimated $1 billion impact as a result of Hurricane Michael making landfall in Bay County, but miraculously Panama City Beach’s beautiful 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches and turquoise waters remained relatively untouched,” said Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “We are looking ahead and excited to welcome locals and visitors for this spring and summer’s jam-packed calendar of events.”
Pier Park
Satisfy your shopping and entertainment needs at Pier Park. This outdoor complex boasts 124 stores, ranging from clothing for each family member to home goods, shoes and jewelry.
Choose adventures at a variety of entertainment venues from the Grand IMAX movie theater to live music. For adrenaline-soaked fun, try the Mirror Maze & Laser Craze or Pirate’s Quest Laser Tag.
Ready to eat? Pier Park has dozens of dining options from fast to casual and special occasion eateries. If you’re in the mood for American classics with a Southern and Gulf Coast twist, grab a table (and a salt-rimmed tequila cocktail) at Margaritaville.
If you go: 600 Pier Park Drive in Panama City Beach; 850-236-9974; pcbeach.org
Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park is a fun place for the whole family to explore. Built in 1969, the attraction has a variety of animal species, including bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, tropical birds, stingrays and African penguins. It’s also home to the only collection of rough-toothed dolphins in long-term human care in North America.
Enjoy daily educational shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, tropical birds and more. Touch and feed stingrays, plus explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits about a variety of animal species.
Daily shows and educational chats are included with the purchase of general admission or an interactive program.
If you go: 9:30 a.m. daily; 15412 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach; admission is $29.99 online for adults ($26.99 online), $21.99 for ages 55 and up, $19.99 for ages 5-11($16.99 online) and free for ages 4 and under; 850-234-5271; gulfworldmarinepark.com
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Ahoy, mateys! Are you landlubbers ready to test your metal on a pirate ship? A two-hour adventure awaits aboard the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, which will help appease the younger scallywags. Mom and dad pirates will delight in watching their offspring swab the decks, sword fight, fire the “kid cannon,” read a treasure map and share the loot.
Enjoy a sightseeing experience of the waters, shoreline and wildlife near the entrance to St. Andrews Bay. The pirate captain will point out species of birds and fish during the cruise — and if you’re lucky, he’ll scream, “There she blows!” as you spot playful bottled-nosed dolphins.
If you go: 5325 N.o Lagoon Drive in Panama City Beach; admission is $27 for ages 15 and up, $23 for ages 60 and up, $19 for ages 3-14, $13 for ages 1-2 and free for baby pirates under 1; 850-234-7400; piratecruise.net
