14 Weird & Wonderful Panama City Experiences
Isn’t it cool when you arrive at a destination, and it turns out to be nothing you expected but everything you wanted? Panama City, Florida, transformed all my pre-conceived notions of this Florida destination and curated an entirely new take on the city. Located inland along St. Andrews Bay, its quaint downtown offers extraordinary (and unique) shopping, eateries, a brewery and wine shop, plus a variety of small business collectives that LOVE their city.
They can’t wait to share it with you.
This list is only the tip of what there is to do in the city, but these are a good place to begin your adventure. Here our top experiences on what to do in Panama City.
Sunset aboard Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions in St. Andrews Bay, Panama City, Florida.
Hotel Indigo and Steam on 5
The newest hotel in Panama City, Hotel Indigo sits on the water and offers the perfect spot for dining and drinks on the roof whether you’re staying onsite or not. Southern coastal meets modern style, overlooking St. Andrews Bay, Hotel Indigo is pet friendly. Enjoy the colorful Adirondack swings located at the edge of the waterfront. The pool overlooks the bay while the firepit lights the sunset each night. Tarpons offers dining in the lobby; however, catch the elevator to Steam on 5, located on the fifth floor, and settle in at the rooftop bar for a cozy gathering for drinks and bites.
7 Harrison Avenue, Panama City
Define that Creature with Chris at Flippin’ Awesome Adventures
It’s flippin’ fun. Captain Chris Farley get you up-close-and personal with the creatures in St. Andrews Bay. This private boat tour (max 6) provides adventurers with dolphin, wildlife and snorkeling experiences. Hands-on learning by the only marine biologist captain in the area, Captain Farley steers his pontoon into the bay, heading toward Shell Island, a remote sandy beach when the bay meets the Gulf. Ranked as one of the best things to do in Panama City, book your awesome adventure online.
Book online. 112 E. 3rd Court, Panama City
Captain Chris provides a touch-the-creature experience.
Sit Back and Enjoy Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions with Daniel
Whenever I see a sail boat, I picture myself on it. Just sitting on the deck, wind swishing through my hair, having another tend to the rigging. With that in mind, Daniel with Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions allows me fulfill my water dreams without all the hard work. As I have learned multiple times, sunset is always a good time to book a sailing charter. The vessel, La Bella Vita, a 2020 New Generation Island Packet Yacht is as lovely as it sounds. Most of the time is spent on deck, but Daniel invites you below to the cockpit to see the elegant staterooms, head, galley, and salon. At first thought, I need one, but with further inspection, I’ll leave the ownership to Daniel and just hop aboard when in Panama City. Excursions are limited to six guests (12 and older), cash only. Four-hour, eight- hour and party on Shell Island.
Bristol Harbor Marina, 239 E. Beach Drive, Panama City
Pick a best seller at Bookish Boutique
From special editions to gently used books, there’s no reason to walk out empty handed. Look for the pink and green stickers for discounted used books; sprayed edge shop selections features books in collaboration with authors. Pick up a t-shirt or gift for the reader in your life. I found the coolest magnetic kitty bookmark; I’ll never lose my place again.
456 Harrison Avenue, Panama City
A Bewitching Rendezvous at Baywitch
A little weird and witchy shop with fine books, jewelry, herbal teas, fair-trade items, crystals and a hands-on spell center. Whether this is your jam or not, Baywitch is quite interesting and worth a look. Born from the love of two women who adored the magical and wondrous, their mission is to “hold a space for true connection, magic and movement together.” Maybe there’s something to it, so I created my own spell jar: inside, a tangible element symbolic of each ‘fortune I wish bestowed on me; inside, bay sand, a bay leaf, rose fragrance filled the glass vessel with abundance, love, and clarity. And a few other things that I can’t quite remember. As a writer, I’m fairly sure creativity was in the mix. Pick and choose what you need most in your life. It sits on my desk. I shake it each morning, wafting its spell throughout my office, hoping that an abundance of creativity will permeate my world. In the back of the shop, Michael will read your Tarot cards. Kind of wow.
424 Harrison Avenue, Panama City
The Original Heidelberg at Panama City Publishing Company Museum
Celeste at the Panama City Publishing Company Museum
Inspiration lives here. Awe lives here. For the writer (and for every person who has ever picked up a newspaper, book or pamphlet), watching the process put print-to-paper is amazing. Located in historic St. Andrews, the museum preserves history as well as the vintage printing craft that George and Lillian West brought to Bay County. It was the home of Panama City’s first newspaper. Their pride and joy, the Original German Heidelberg Platen Press that was a workhorse in printing. Open Tuesday - Saturday; group tours and demonstrations are available.
1134 Beck Avenue, Panama City
Old Sentry, the Giant 250-year Oak
It survived the Civil War and Hurricane Michael, a symbol of the resilience of the community and its people. Located in the Oaks by the Bay Park, it’s a community passion. Move to its right and see the salt kettle that was used by the Confederate soldiers during the Civil War to recover salt from seawater.
2715 W. 10th Street, Panama City
Tasty History | History Class Brewing
This downtown brewpub is a community favorite. Not only do you get experience handcrafted brews—Belle Booth, Ella Mae, Hawk’s Sipper, Officer Wilson, Jewel’s Hibiscus and more—Southern bites like pork rinds, Smoked Bologna Sammie, and Nanner Puddin’, but also a community history lesson. Walls are filled with Bay County stories, black and white historical photos, as well as high school jerseys and championship trophies. A great introduction to the city.
6 E. 4th Street, Panama City
Coffee Your Way at The Press Downtown
Finding your go-to coffee shop in any destination is a priority. At The Press, the staff serves coffee your way as well as a menu of quick eats. Take a coffee break, work remotely from their indoor or outdoor seating areas, or grab a cup to go to fuel your day’s adventure.
310 Harrison Avenue, Panama City
Weird is Subjective at El Weirdo and Taco Cafe
I must confess. If I lived in Panama City, El Weirdo would be my daily habit. Yes, it’s strange, but this neighborhood taco/drink bar makes everyone feel at home. Their goal, to celebrate people and allow you to be weird right along side them.
There’s art everyone, created by local artists who used their voice to express their weirdness. Their instruction: create whatever the heck you want in your space. Not a bare wall in the place, the art elevates food and drink. The rainbow-colored car, the old TVs and the vibrant bowling balls lining the sidewalk intrigue me most.
The fabulous street tacos compliment the art and the kegged cocktails put a new spin on mojitos (and the like). Try the Street Corn Dip and the Nacho Mama’s Nachos. You’re welcome.
Open Wednesday - Sunday. 24 W. Oak Avenue, Panama City
Dock and Dine at Bayou Joe’s
Pull your boat, tie her up and dine at Bayou Joe’s. Overlooking Massalina Bayou, feed the fish while you wait for your order. Come early and come hungry. It one of the last remaining iconic Florida restaurants that sit above the water, with the coming and going of boats and fishermen. You have a birds-eye view of the Tarpon Dock Drawbridge, one of the last operating drawbridges in Northwest Florida.
Open Wednesday - Sunday | 112A East 3rd Court, Panama City
Get Hot at Panama City Hot Glass
Never have I ever and now, I’m so glad I did. An intimate glass blowing studio and gift shop/gallery, Panama City Hot Glass raises the temperature yielding a piece of art for your home. Make Your Own Glass workshop is a 30-minute experience that walks you through ever step, from molten glass to final artwork. No experience necessary, book your spot online and the studio only books for the current month. Pricing is dependent upon the final product.
1331 Harrison Avenue, Panama City
Gather on the Deck at Little Village
An eclectic gathering place, Little Village is a waterfront St. Andrews entertainment and dining venue. Featuring local artisans, musicians and fair-trade products, their “feel good shopping” is only made better by their tacos. Order at the window and pay in cash.
2808 W 12th Street, Panama City
Bacon Brunch at St. Andrews Bodega
When Len ordered the Bacon Skirmish - Bentons, Broadbent, Nueskes - I knew it had to be unique. Any item with the word ‘skirmish’ in its title cannot be ignored. On a stand with six strips of bacon hanging, fully=cooked by time of arrival, with a sprig of rosemary in the middle, the server torched the strips and the aroma (and our eyes) exploded. Skirmishes are great for brunch.
An intimate eatery that is chocked-full of surprises, St. Andrews Bodega is open daily from 4 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The food is trendy and unique, and the wine list is massive. There’s also a butcher in-house to carve your take-home feast. It’s where to eat in St. Andrews.
1109 Beck Avenue, Panama City
