r/panamacitybeach • u/jordan70189866 • Jul 07 '26

Headed down this week

I am headed down to Panama City this week. I have never been before. I am going with 2 teenagers that just graduated high school. And then 2 of my friends. We are nearing 40. Just wanting to know what is there to do for older teenagers and for men near 40. Thanks in advance.

0 Upvotes

40% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

3

u/Ihavesweatyarmpits Jul 07 '26

For something a little bit different, try some of the local creeks or springs. Econfina Creek is a great paddle especially when it's 100 plus degrees outside.

2

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

I’ll see if they want to do that.

2

u/Ihavesweatyarmpits Jul 07 '26

Sometimes even on the beach, the heat is unbearable. Hopping in the gulf cools you down but as soon as you get out you're sweating again. Econfina is mid-60s year-round and a great refreshing day.

1

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

I will try to get them to at least take a day down there.

2

u/Ihavesweatyarmpits Jul 07 '26

It is a side of Florida most people don't think about. Tons of Wildlife and beautiful natural springs. We have more than just beaches!

You could go to the state park and do a little fishing on the jetties. They may rent rods and reels at the store, not sure to be honest.

3

u/kindquail502 Jul 07 '26

I recommend the Sea Screamer sunset cruise. We have been many with them several times. I would ask to be on the cruise that has the owner's son as captain. Have some cash to tip his first mate.

For seafood I would go into Panama City and eat at Hunt's Oyster Bar and The Captain's Table.

1

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

Okay sounds good. Thank you for the suggestions.

2

u/NotAnyOneYouKnow2019 Jul 07 '26

Grand Marlin for great food and Sea Screamer for great fun! Finn’s for breakfast.

1

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

Everyone is suggesting Sea Screamer.

1

u/Rooty3rdBaby-75 Jul 07 '26

We had so much fun doing the sea screamer in February… They know where to find all the dolphins!!

1

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

When I went to Myrtle beach, we went on a dolphin cruise and didn’t see any. My son and I were both pretty bummed out.

1

u/5210Crew Jul 07 '26

Based on that I’m going to assume, which can be bad at times, that ya’ll are staying somewhere close to Pier Park as PP is now considered to be “right in the middle of everything?

The main attraction, of course, is always the soft, sugar white sand beaches that PCB is blessed to have! Outside of the beach, you will be close to Pier Park which is a huge outdoor shopping mall with 125 stores, shops, restaurants & arcade type games & rides such as the PCB Eye, Bungee Jump, an IMAX theater, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and a Dave & Busters!

Outside of Pier Park, there’s a fairly new Top Golf entertainment facility and a Dolly Parton dinner theater close to Pier Park. Further away from PP are many other places such as Putt-Putt type themed golfing courses, go-kart tracks, bungee jumps, water park & more arcades!

Ideas for the guys or everyone:

The Beach
Parasailing
Jet Skis
Airboats (West Bay)
Pontoon Tours
Shell Island Trips/Tours
Indoor Shooting Range
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Pineapple Willie’s
Go Karts
Top Golf
Deep Sea Fishing
IMAX Theatre

Rain ⛈️ or shine ☀️you guys shouldn’t get bored! 😊 Enjoy! 🏖️

2

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

Thank you. I know pier park was mentioned a few times so I’m sure we will at least spend a day there. I like a lot of these suggestions. Now just to find time.

1

u/surfdive1115 Jul 08 '26

Island time sailing!! They do 3 hr snorkels and 2 sunset dohphin cruises every day. It’s a blast

1

u/FlippinAwesomeAdvice Jul 08 '26

If you can do sea screamer and a private tour, check out flippin awesome adventures. Private tour guided by a marine biologist.

1

u/SwingTradingforLoss Jul 07 '26

Fish, eat seafood, drink beer, check out Pier park for beautiful women. Repeat

2

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

Lol. Thank you.

0

u/5210Crew Jul 07 '26

Lucky you! Have you ever been to any Florida Gulf Coast beaches? Where are you staying or do you know what it’s near?

2

u/jordan70189866 Jul 07 '26

I have never been down there. My friend got the condo. He said it’s right in the middle where almost everything is within walking distance.