Panama City Beach Vacation Rentals Offer Easy Access to Endless Entertainment and Fun

Panama City Beach is 22 miles of some of the softest, whitest sand you'll find anywhere in the world. Nearby are several parks in the award-winning Florida state parks system--with even more miles of pristine beaches. While there are a nearly endless variety of entertainment options for all ages and interests off the beach, you'll want to leave ample time just to enjoy the truly unique and beautiful beach environment along Florida's Emerald Coast. It’s a great location from which to explore all of the Florida Panhandle. Plus, you’ll find plenty of Panama City Beach vacation rentals on the beach, in high-rise condos, or situated in resorts near all the action.

While the entire beach front is open to the public (perfect for lots of long strolls as the waves break at your feet), you might want to make St. Andrew's State Park one of your first stops. There you'll discover more than 1,000 acres of white sand and protected dunes and get a glimpse of what the area looked like before development. It is truly beautiful and awe-inspiring, and conjures up images of what Native Americans and the first European explorers must've encountered on a daily basis. Lacy, golden sea oats line the dunes, rosemary grows wild, and Spanish moss hangs from the trees. You'll feel as if you stepped into another world. You can kayak, fish, swim, canoe, paddleboard, picnic and more. Be sure to take a trip to Shell Island, a 7 1/2 mile long, 1 mile wide island accessible only by boat. It's great for shelling and just hanging out. The Shell Island Shuttle makes regular runs.

Once you're done at the beach, head inland for just about any kind of fun you can imagine. PCB has become a spring break mecca, with MTV hosting its spring break specials from the area. If you're there in March, be aware that it'll be crowded and, in some places, a bit wild. The spring break tourism has advantages for the area, however, since you can find just about any kind of restaurant, bar, and entertainment you want, including family-oriented activities such as miniature golf, go karts, water slides, etc. After all, the spring breakers are still kids at heart.

Panama City Beach recently added Pier Park, a huge Caribbean-style mall with lots of dining, shopping, bars and coffee shops. It's located across from the main pier and extends far inland, with a multi-screen movie theater, and open areas for various live shows.

Panama City Beach is most popular during high season, which runs from about March through the end of August. But don't be afraid to visit during off season as well. The weather is great all the way into November. And even when it cools off in December and January, it's still lots warmer and nicer than northern climates. Though some restaurants and activities shut down for the winter, there are plenty still open, so you won't have any trouble finding something fun to do.