If you’re searching for hidden travel gems in Florida, put Panama City at the top of your list. This Panama City FL travel guide will highlight why this city stands out among underrated Florida destinations and is the perfect launchpad for unique Gulf Coast vacations. As one of the best small-town getaways in Florida, Panama City offers layers of local flavor, authentic seafood experiences, and so much more, all packed into three delightfully quirky days.
Let’s clear the air right away. When you hear “Panama City,” your mind might conjure images of sandy chaos, neon-lit souvenir shops, and the general revelry that defines spring break television specials. That, my friends, is Panama City Beach. It’s the wild younger sibling who gets all the attention. Panama City, it’s more refined, yet equally fun, older sibling, sits just across the bay, offering a different kind of magic. This is the Panama City where Southern charm greets coastal cool with a firm handshake and a shared plate of fresh oysters.
Many people confuse the two, but they are distinctly different slices of paradise along Florida’s Gulf Coast. While Panama City Beach is fantastic for those who want to be in the heart of the tourist hustle, I was searching for something else. I wanted an adventure that involved more than just finding a spot for my towel. I was on a mission to dive into Gulf Coast fishing adventures, sip my way along the Panama City Ale Trail, devour the freshest catch from the Gulf, and discover the city’s one-of-a-kind mural scene. This was a quest for things to do in Panama City beyond the beach, a trip filled with adventure, flavor, and a delightful splash of quirky. Panama City, FL delivered in spades.
This Panama City FL travel guide is for the explorer craving the authentic soul of a destination, and for those who believe the best stories happen when you stray off the beaten path. Whether you’re chasing the next catch, hunting for street art, or seeking unique Gulf Coast vacations, you’ll find it all right here. So, pack your bags for one of the best small-town getaways in Florida and get ready to uncover a true hidden travel gem!
Day 1: Arrival and Rooftop Relaxation
Panama City has its own local airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), making it a breeze to reach some of the hidden travel gems in Florida with ease. If your journey involves more than a few hours in the air, I highly recommend flying in the night before your adventures begin. This way, you can get settled and start soaking up those unique Gulf Coast vacation tingles sooner.
After a five-hour flight from San Francisco, I landed in the early evening, ready to embrace the coast. My home base for this trip was Hotel Indigo, the best hotel for anyone looking for a central spot to explore the city’s underrated Florida destinations. It’s walkable to downtown, perched right on the bay, and captures the mix of history and modern cool that makes Panama City one of the best small-town getaways in Florida. Stepping into my King Bay View room, I knew immediately this place nailed it for me with local art, massive windows, and sleek furnishings create a welcoming retreat for your next Panama City FL travel guide adventure.My first move post-flight? The essential de-plane shower, a quick towel run, and my quest for local knowledge. Don’t settle for generic recommendations: I got the inside scoop from a staff member who pointed me to History Class for a fun night out and The Dive for after-hours action. Classic things to do in Panama City beyond the beach, if you ask a local. Unwinding at Steam on 5 Rooftop Bar, I tasted the Gulf with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and a seafood platter. This high-above-the-water perch is perfect for soaking in sunset views and serves as a fitting kickoff to an itinerary brimming with unique Gulf Coast vacation experiences.
Day 2: Gulf Adventures and Culinary Quests
Day two is all about Gulf Coast fishing adventures and sampling authentic seafood experiences that Panama City is famous for.
Morning: Fishing with Southern Saltwater Guide Services
Rise and shine for the ultimate fishing excursion! I boarded Captain Kevin Lolley’s Southern Saltwater Guide Services boat at Papa Joe’s Bayside marina, your ticket to one of the most thrilling Gulf Coast fishing adventures. Captain Kevin was a treasure trove of stories about the local waters, and he quickly got us hunting for the mighty Amberjack. His best advice: “Try to catch one without breaking your rod!” a classic challenge for anglers chasing authentic seafood experiences.
I caught a fish, “This Big” in Panama City, FL
(Luis Montoya)
The exhilaration of that nonstop action of battling fish, mastering catch-and-release, and feeling the Gulf breeze reminded me why Panama City ranks high among hidden travel gems in Florida, especially for those craving adventure.
Mid-Day: Hook & Cook Experience
Then, it was time for one of the most memorable things to do in Panama City: the legendary hook and cook experience. After returning to shore, we brought our catch to Tails and Scales at St. Andrews Marina. Here, local experts cleaned and prepped the fish so it could star in a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure.
I strolled through the historic St. Andrews neighborhood, considered one of the most underrated Florida destinations thanks to its old-Florida charm and iconic eateries. Hunt’s Oyster Bar is a must-visit for lovers of authentic seafood experiences, serving oysters so fresh they practically wink at you. I even entered (and lost!) an oyster-shucking contest, gaining plenty of laughs and a newfound appreciation for this Gulf Coast delicacy.
Evening: The “Hook and Cook” Finale at Uncle Ernie’s
The day was capped at Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill and Brew House, a beloved spot for evening feasts and the ultimate “hook and cook” finale. I handed over my freshly caught Amberjack to the chef for a blackened masterpiece, a hall-of-fame meal for unique Gulf Coast vacations.
The sunset on the bay was breathtaking, cementing Panama City’s status as one of the best small-town getaways in Florida. Dining here, with flavors straight from the Gulf and a view to remember, is a highlight for any Panama City FL travel guide.
Day 3: Marine Wonders and an Ale Trail Finale
The last day balanced nature, art, and Panama City’s craft beer culture. Perfect proof there are endless things to do in Panama City beyond the beach.
Morning: An Eco-Tour with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures
The new day kicked off with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, led by marine biologist Captain Chris Farley. This eco-tour is both fun and educational, spotlighting hidden travel gems in Florida like the last working drawbridge in the Panhandle and the protected paradise of Shell Island. Chris’s knowledge and reverence for local wildlife make this trip a must for unique Gulf Coast vacations.
Flippin Awesome Adventure at Sea with Marine Biologist Chris Farley in Panama City, FL
(Luis Montoya)
Spotting dolphins, learning new facts about the ecosystem, and holding a (stingless) jellyfish were new experiences for me, the sort of authentic adventures you’ll only find in the best small-town getaways in Florida.
Afternoon: Tapping into the Panama City Ale Trail
Back on dry land, I hit the Panama City Ale Trail for a taste of the city’s creative spirit. History Class Brewing Company is not just a brewery. It’s a tribute to local lore, with walls adorned with memorabilia and pints poured alongside stories. Sampling their brews, I felt why this stop is a staple on any Panama City FL travel guide and a pillar of downtown’s revival. The Ale Trail continues to El Weirdo, a quirky taco joint bursting with color, flavor, and more of that offbeat local energy that puts Panama City on the list of hidden travel gems in Florida.
Keeping it strange and authentic at El Weirdo in Panama City FL
(Noël Burgess)
Evening: An Upscale Finale at Atelier
For a final hurrah, I walked across to Atelier, an upscale brasserie and cocktail lounge that’s quickly earning accolades among unique Gulf Coast vacation highlights. Live music, expertly mixed drinks, and gourmet small bites made for a perfect finale, with a side of nostalgia as I hand-poured my own candle (scent: “Absolute Delight”). Panama City is a destination that never stops surprising, rewarding those who seek things to do in Panama City beyond the beach.
Why Panama City Is the Unbeatable Choice for Unique Gulf Coast Vacations
From the first sunset at Steam on 5 to the last laugh at Atelier, it’s clear this city is one of the most underrated Florida destinations for good reason. If you’re chasing Gulf Coast fishing adventures, stalking out the next stop on the Panama City Ale Trail, or indulging in the city’s authentic seafood experiences, you’ll find memories that last long after your trip ends.
If you’re plotting the best small-town getaways in Florida, let this Panama City FL travel guide be your inspiration. It’s the perfect launchpad for hidden travel gems in Florida, blending Southern hospitality, Gulf Coast beauty, and endless options for things to do in Panama City.