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Panama City is the county seat of Bay County on Florida's Panhandle, a city of about 33,000 people on the north shore of St. Andrew Bay. Incorporated in 1909, it grew around a deep natural harbor, paper mills, fishing and the nearby military bases, and it is the older, working city next to the resort strip of Panama City Beach across the bay.
The city's historic heart is the St. Andrews neighborhood, an old fishing village with a marina, seafood restaurants, the Panama City Publishing Company Museum and Oaks by the Bay Park. Downtown Panama City, around Harrison Avenue and the downtown marina, has the restored Martin Theatre, the Center for the Arts and waterfront parks. Hurricane Michael struck the city in 2018, and much of it has been rebuilt since.
Visitors use Panama City as a quieter, more local base for Gulf Coast trips. Boat tours and fishing charters leave from the marinas, the Science and Discovery Center entertains families, and the white-sand beaches of Panama City Beach and St. Andrews State Park are only a short drive across the Hathaway Bridge.
The oldest part of Panama City, a former fishing village on St. Andrew Bay with a marina, seafood restaurants, small shops, galleries and bayfront parks. It has a relaxed, local feel compared with the beach. Come for a waterfront lunch, watch the fishing boats and stay for sunset over the bay.
A city marina in the heart of St. Andrews where fishing charters, sailboats and sightseeing boats tie up beside waterfront restaurants. It is the place to book a dolphin tour, a fishing trip or a sunset cruise. Walk the docks to see the day's catch, and book charters a few days ahead in season.
The downtown marina at the foot of Harrison Avenue, with boat slips, a waterfront promenade, a civic center and views across St. Andrew Bay toward the barrier islands. It hosts festivals and boat shows. Walk the promenade at sunset, then head up Harrison Avenue for restaurants and bars.
A small museum in St. Andrews inside an early 1900s newspaper building, with antique printing presses, type cases and exhibits on the area's early settlers and local news. It is free and makes a quick, interesting stop. Hours are limited, so check before visiting, and combine it with the marina.
A shady waterfront park in St. Andrews with old live oaks, a boardwalk over the marsh and views across St. Andrew Bay. It is a pleasant place to watch birds, fish from the shore and enjoy sunset. It is a short walk from the St. Andrews restaurants; bring bug spray in the evening.
A small historic park in downtown Panama City with shade trees, walking paths and community events, a few blocks from the marina and Harrison Avenue. It is a pleasant spot for a short break during a downtown walk. Check the city calendar for seasonal markets and festivals held here.
A restored downtown theater that opened in the 1930s as the Ritz and now hosts plays, concerts, comedy and film nights under its Art Deco facade. It is one of downtown's best-loved landmarks. Check the season schedule for performances, and pair a show with dinner on Harrison Avenue.
A downtown arts center in a historic building with galleries showing changing exhibitions by regional and national artists, plus classes and events. Admission is usually free or low cost. It is a good cultural stop between downtown cafes, and evening openings are a fun way to meet local artists.
A family museum with hands-on science exhibits, live animals, outdoor nature trails and a recreated pioneer homestead area, aimed at children and school groups. It is a good rainy-day or hot-day activity. Allow two hours, check opening days, and bring a snack as food options are limited.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Balon Greyjoy, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Balon Greyjoy, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ebyabe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
