My friend was stationed in Panama City, Florida for a bout a year with the Air Force and asked us to come down to visit for his birthday. So, we jumped on a flight down as soon as we possible could. Now, if you are planning…Read More

My friend was stationed in Panama City, Florida for a bout a year with the Air Force and asked us to come down to visit for his birthday. So, we jumped on a flight down as soon as we possible could. Now, if you are planning to fly down, be careful of the pilots from Atlanta to Panama City. All of the pilots in training man these flights and the experience is scary. Our pilot actually landed NOSE FIRST! That’s right, nose first. And then he proceeded to bounce around the runway as if it were covered in ice and the wheels couldn’t grip. After our near death experience, we got picked up and headed straight to the beach. My friend was living with three of his friends in a four-bedroom house right on the beach, so the location was perfect. He unfortunately had to work on the base that day, so he dropped us off and went back to work, so we explored.

The first place on the beach that we hit up was a place Pineapple Willies (www.pineapplewillies.com). This place has the strongest drinks around. There was one called 180 Octane which was basically frozen orange juice and grain alcohol served in slushy sized cups. These are so bad because they taste great and you CAN"T taste the alcohol. We made the mistake of finishing TWO of these drinks and then relaxing on the beach. Immediately, we both passed out and woke up resembling lobsters (a terrible way to start a vacation).

So after coating ourselves in Aloe Vera lotion, we felt we should head out to dinner. Now the food in Panama City is unbelievable. Just like every city situated on the waterfront, the seafood here was great. We went to a place called Hammerhead Fred’s (www.hammerheadfreds.com). We had this tuna dip and some alligator dish that was phenomenal. After dinner, we were off to the clubs that Panama City has to offer. We started at a place call Spinnaker (www.spinnakerbeachclub.com). This is a place that was featured on MTV’s Spring break and is an all-around party palace. Also, since you are in an Air Force run town, everyone party’s all of the time.

The next day we awoke with an inkling to go race some go carts. In Panama City, there are a plethora of go cart tracks, giving you the impression that NASCAR really has an influence. This was so much fun. I mean, these tracks go up in a spiral to the top of a three- or four-story tower and then drop straight down for an added rush. And the price was so cheap, I think it was around $10 or so and there was an indoor arcade full of fun, cheap games. Also, outside, there are large human slingshots and tons of bungee jumping areas. So, be prepared, it's awesome.

We then headed off for the beach to tan and swim and relax. That evening, we got ready and headed back out to another MTV hotspot called Club La Vela (www.clublavela.com). Here, there was a large stage in the center of a staggered, multi leveled club overlooking both the beach and the stage. Inside, there is a full dance floor with nonstop music and free flowing drinks. Also, as an added bonus, Spinnaker is right next door.

So, for your next Spring Break outing, I would HIGHLY recommend a stop over in Panama City, Florida for a 180 Octane, a Spinnaker dance, a Club La Vela concert and a tan on the endless beaches. So pack you suntan lotion, bring your prophylactics (and plenty of them) and bring a barf bag on your flight form Atlanta and have a kick ass time. Close

Located 30 minutes north of Panama City Beach, at the intersection of Hwy 79 and Hwy 20, the track offers matinee (12:30pm) racing on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and evening (7:30pm) racing on Saturdays. There’s also a poker room that’s open Wednesdays, Fridays, and…Read More

Located 30 minutes north of Panama City Beach, at the intersection of Hwy 79 and Hwy 20, the track offers matinee (12:30pm) racing on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and evening (7:30pm) racing on Saturdays. There’s also a poker room that’s open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays noon to midnight. Admission is $2 and children 6 and under are free. The clubhouse costs an additional $2 and box seats cost another $1. Most resorts have coupons for free admission. This is especially important to remember when taking a large group or family, as these costs do add up.

If eating at the track, general admission gives you access to the regular snack bar, which offers hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, soda, and beer. There is greater variety in the lower level of the clubhouse, and more on the upper level.

During high tourist season, it may not matter what function you attend. But during less busy times, I recommend the Saturday functions. The matinees during the week are quite uninspiring during the off-season. The crowds are less than enthusiastic and the announcer sounds like he's ready for a siesta. The dogs, however, don't give a hoot what the crowd is like, if the announcer is asleep or in a coma, if it is raining cats . . . all they care about is getting that bunny.

In my whole life, I have never seen an animal give its all without being prodded, but these guys go for it with every fiber in their bodies from the time the gate opens until they touch that rabbit.

The park also has a retired racing greyhound adoption center located by the front gate entrance. A pet as a souvenir? It might catch on.

We were invited to join our relatives at their rented townhouse on the evening of July 4th. We each took a "cool one" with us to the patio and experienced some of the most beautiful fireworks we have seen. The first fireworks began…Read More

We were invited to join our relatives at their rented townhouse on the evening of July 4th. We each took a "cool one" with us to the patio and experienced some of the most beautiful fireworks we have seen. The first fireworks began near the pier, which was about two blocks away from where we were seated. Then the ones at the restaurant next door began and we had up close and personal fireworks which we had to look straight up to experience. They seemed to go on and on and we stayed on the patio until the show was over. We had never been that close to a fireworks display before and it was quite an experience.Close

We wanted to compare Panama City Beach and Pensacola Beach, so we got up one day and made a drive over to Pensacola Beach. We stopped at the National Seashore National Monument on Santa Rosa Island and walked on the beach. Panama City…Read More

We wanted to compare Panama City Beach and Pensacola Beach, so we got up one day and made a drive over to Pensacola Beach. We stopped at the National Seashore National Monument on Santa Rosa Island and walked on the beach. Panama City Beach was experiencing some green algae growth and the water there wasn't as clear as it usually is. We noticed right away that Santa Rosa Island wasn't experiencing that problem. The water was absolutely beautiful and the beaches weren't as crowded. We stopped in Pensacola Beach, and the crowds picked up and pretty much equaled those in Panama City Beach. The water, however, was perfectly clear with no algae problems.Close

Quality Inn is a part of Choice Hotels; I recommend not using any of their affiliates.What happened to me at this hotel tarnished our entire vacation, having a laptop computer stolen out of a locked room. We had checked out that morning and later…Read More

Quality Inn is a part of Choice Hotels; I recommend not using any of their affiliates.

What happened to me at this hotel tarnished our entire vacation, having a laptop computer stolen out of a locked room.

We had checked out that morning and later in the day I realized I left the laptop in its case by the bed. I returned that very same day. The staff, including the manager, Jerry, completely brushed me off as if it wasn’t their concern at all. Jerry was very nice to me, but all he was willing to do was call housekeeping and ask if anything had been turned in. The thing that bothered me about this, which Jerry seemed to ignore entirely, was the computer had been taken from an electronically locked room. It took a card key coded to open the room door to get in. If a member of their own staff had done this, of course they're not going to say “oh yes, I turned in a laptop.” Yet this was all he was willing to do. I called the police and filled out a report in their lobby. The officer told me it should even be possible to trace the door key used since it was electronic, yet again Jerry didn’t even do this. Finally, at the hotel security’s own request, Jerry did at least call our room, now occupied with new guests, to ask them if they had found anything. The laptop taken was in a fairly large, black bag, heavy with equipment, and was sitting next to our bed (no way to miss it). It was also labeled with my name and address. The whole experience was a shock to me, it just seemed like every stereotype you hear about hotels in Panama City. I haven’t even so much as received a phone call with an update concerning my $2500 loss from them.
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We recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Marianna Florida. I reserved the "handicap accessible" room on the Internet. The description was less than accurate. Although the room at this Holiday Inn had a roll-in shower and the bathroom was huge, the room itself…Read More

We recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Marianna Florida. I reserved the "handicap accessible" room on the Internet. The description was less than accurate. Although the room at this Holiday Inn had a roll-in shower and the bathroom was huge, the room itself was so tiny that we, literally, could not fit in the room with the wheelchair and our luggage. There was supposed to be a data port, and there may well have been, but there was not a desk, a table, or anything on which to place a computer. There was also no place to plug anything in, even if there had been a place to put the laptop. We ended up having to move to a room that was not "accessible" so we'd at least have some space! The new room was also pretty bad. There was a desk, but no lamp anywhere near the desk, and again no electrical outlet. The room was not clean and there was mold all over the bathroom. Not a pleasant hotel experience.Close

The purpose of our trip to Panama City Beach was to attend my nephew's wedding. But our 5-days-and-4-nights experience with beachfront living made us forget the gloomy upstate NY weather. And our small family, contingent of New Yorkers, got an authentic initiation into Southern culture,…Read More

The purpose of our trip to Panama City Beach was to attend my nephew's wedding. But our 5-days-and-4-nights experience with beachfront living made us forget the gloomy upstate NY weather. And our small family, contingent of New Yorkers, got an authentic initiation into Southern culture, courtesy of my nephew's new Alabama in-laws.

The bride's parents own a beach house on the far west end of Panama City Beach, and the wedding was to be held there, ocean-side. Not knowing anything about the area, we took the advice of the bride and rented a townhouse at the Ramsgate Harbour complex. It was great advice -- a spacious beachfront condo that was only a 10-minute walk down the beach to the bride's house and other beachfront houses where other family members were staying.

More to come...

What do you do in Florida when you can't lie on the beach and swim in the gulf? Eat and shop. And do a little exploring. We found a great factory outlet for women's clothing, designed right in Panama City Beach, called Liz and Janes.…Read More

What do you do in Florida when you can't lie on the beach and swim in the gulf? Eat and shop. And do a little exploring. We found a great factory outlet for women's clothing, designed right in Panama City Beach, called Liz and Janes. We had to make two visits there and I loaded up on the 75%-off sale prices for very comfy cotton and linen casual clothing.

We spent a day driving over to Appalachacola, a quaint and enjoyable fishing village. That would be a nice place to spend a whole day exploring the gift shops and restored old houses and inns.

Another day, we drove to Sandestin to check out the large factory-outlet mall. We found some good buys and great latte. There was good sightseeing driving along the coast.

Miracle Strip Park and Ship Wreck Island Water Park 12000 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach, FL 32407 A real old-fashioned amusement park. The best thing is the antique wooden roller coaster. It`s a good long ride with some good hills and that wonderful rickety…Read More

Miracle Strip Park and Ship Wreck Island Water Park
12000 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach, FL 32407

A real old-fashioned amusement park. The best thing is the antique wooden roller coaster. It`s a good long ride with some good hills and that wonderful rickety wooden feel! Highly praised by professional roller coaster enthusiasts (like me). The water park is no Sea World but it has plenty of slides and floats and makes a great day and night visit in combination with the Miracle Strip.

Parasailing over the ocean, above the sugar white beaches. Many people think this would be scary, but when you are up there it`s just peaceful and beautiful. The wind in your hair and the rustle of the parachute silk combined with the awesome view is out of this world

Few months ago, I went to Panama City for the purpose of my office work. This city was very nice and draws many visitors for its sightseeing, destinations, and attractions. I went to this city for a project deal. After completion of my project deal,…Read More

Few months ago, I went to Panama City for the purpose of my office work. This city was very nice and draws many visitors for its sightseeing, destinations, and attractions. I went to this city for a project deal. After completion of my project deal, my wish was to see this city. But due to finishing of project deal before time I got two or three days for seeing this city. For seeing this city, I also take permission from my office and they give me permission for this because they were happy with me for taking this deal. After getting permission, I visited this city and my boss also told me you can continue in same hotels for visiting this city. By hearing this, I became very happy because this hotel was very nice containing with all the facilities and less expansive also. By getting this cheap Panama City hotels I feel very excited and give thanks word to my boss. When I found same on net then I saw that a lot of cheap hotels in panama city were available. I went to this city by air and the flight dropped me on international airport. After leaving flight I came outside the airport where I take some snacks and went for parking for catching my car which came from my hotel. As I reached to my hotel then I feel very happy by getting this hotel. As this was the first day of trip, so there were no more activities for doing. This day, first of all I take some rest because I was so tired during my journey. After taking rest, I take some refreshment and went to market for taking fruits, juice, and some snacks. After taking juice, I take some information about this city. At late evening, I reached to my hotel where I study related to project and prepare for meeting. In night, I called for dinner and I take it which was very nice and that restaurant was also containing with all types of foods. After taking dinner I take reviews of my study and went to bed for sleeping. On the second day of my trip, I get up early in the morning and follow daily routine, take breakfast and prepare my all the documents for attending the meeting. At the time of noon, meeting started. In meeting, at least 10 to 20 guys were there who came for this project. The conference room in which the meeting to be held was very nice. There was a lot of space for meeting. Our meeting went up to 6 hours. All the guys showed their documentation for this project and everyone kept their view also. I also give presentation and showed my documentation also. All of were impressed with me and get some comment also. At the time of evening the meeting was over and all the guys went to their hotels for next day. After reaching to my room, I felt relax and take some juice, snacks and told about today. After this, I went to market for walking and visit around the streets of my hotels. At the time of night, I reached to my hotel and take the dinner. After taking dinner, I study again my documentation and some other extra also. On the third day of my trip, first of all I follow my daily routine and take a view all of my documentation also. After seeing a short view I prepared myself for meeting. After taking breakfast I went to conference hall where a large number of guys were gathered. By seeing this gathering I was surprised and meeting starts at its right time. After starting the meeting, all of us gives the presentation and this day new judges were there with previous judges, with our reports which was submitted on previous day. After finishing the meeting, all of us gathered in assembly hall. After sometime, our organization name was called for taking this project. After hearing this I felt very excited and go to stage for signed this project. Everyone was impressed with me and giving me "congrats!" After taking this project I called to my office and give this good news. After hearing this good news all were happy and my boss called me for saying "congrats". This day I also take permission from my boss to stay there visiting this city. At this my boss was agreed and said to me you can continue in the same hotel. By hearing I became very happy and this day my happiness becomes double because this hotel was very nice containing with all the facilities. This day I received so many phone calls. In night I take my dinner and went to bed for taking a good sleep. On the fourth day, I went on the tour of this city which was very nice. This day, first of all I went to Panama City beach which was situated near to this city. This beach was the miles of while sandy with emerald green waters. At beach I take lot of enjoy and get the best moments of my life. On beach, I do swimming, boating, fishing, ridings and take some rest at beach. All these adventurous were very nice with a great enjoy and fun. On beach, some people told me that this beach is considered as the "world’s most famous beautiful beaches" for its sand and emerald green water. Most of all the day, I spent on beach. In lunch, I take sea food which was very nice. At the time of evening, I returned from this beach and went to market where I take juice and know about the other attractions of this city. In night I take my dinner and go to bed for taking a good sleeping. On the fifth day, I get up late early in the morning. This day, I went on the other attractions of this city. This day, first of all I went to see the st. Andrews state park which was situated nearer to the beach. This park was very nice containing with a lot of white beaches and it was the main destination point for the tourist. At this park camping was there to which I take a lot of enjoy. This park was containing with parking, and parks which were containing with lush greenery, and different types of plants and flowers also. After seeing this park, I went to the museum of arts and science where I know the history and some facts of life also. After seeing this museum, I went to clubs for enjoying dance and music and enjoy the nightlife of this city also. At late night, I reached to my hotel, take dinner and went to my bed. On last day, I went to market for shopping from where I take some useful things and clothes. After shopping, I went to cheap hotels where I packed my luggage and check out my hotel rooms. After leaving the hotel, I went to airport and fly to home. All these days were very interesting and give me the best experiences of life. Close