Did you know there’s a time zone in Florida? “The Panhandle”, the nickname given to the northwestern part of Florida, is on Central Time, while the rest of the state is in the Eastern time zone. Some say this time difference gives the Panhandle its relaxed feel. Whether it’s the one hour time difference or the proximity to the deep south, there’s no denying the Panhandle has a laid back vibe.

One of the most popular beach towns in the Panhandle is Panama City Beach, well-known for its powdery, white sand beaches along the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With dozens of public beach access points, the waters here are famous with fishermen who enjoy the benefits of artificial reefs.

Things to do

Book a tee time at The Nicklaus Course at Bay Point in Panama City Beach, the first and only Nicklaus Design golf course in Northwest Florida. Opened for play in 2005, the par 72 course plays 7152 yards from the tips and winds through native vegetation such as Florida pines, scrub oaks, salt-water marshes and features white sand waste areas. The signature hole, No. 5 has views of the Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Bay.

Located just east of Panama City Beach, St. Andrew’s State Park is a great place to enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of the Gulf . St Andrews State Park was a past national winner of Dr. Beach’s annual search for America’s best beach. Water sports enthusiasts can swim, surf, snorkel, and scuba dive. There are miles of white sand beaches for beach combers to explore and the nature trails, which wind through a diversity of coastal plant life, offer an excellent opportunity for bird-watching.

Fishermen will be thrilled with the variety of fresh and saltwater fishing options available in Panama City Beach, from deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico to casting a line off the piers along the beach and St. Andrew Bay.

Travel Planner

The Nicklaus Course at Bay Point  4701 Bay Point Rd, Panama City Beach, FL

Wyndham Bay Point Resort  4114 Jan Cooley Dr.,Panama City Beach, FL
Close to both St Andrew State Park and The Nicklaus Bay Point golf course, The Wyndham has great views of St. Andrews Bay.

Boatyard Restaurant  5325 N. Lagoon Dr.,Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Fresh local seafood with Southern favorites like shrimp and grits

Schooners  5121 Gulf Dr, Panama City, FL 32408,
American seafood located on the beach. The open air bar faces the ocean breeze so bring a coat.

St. Andrew’s State Park  4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL