Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
freshly shucked, baked or fried, at
Papa Joe's Oyster Bar & Grill
(
www.papajoesoysterbar.com
;
301b Market St; mains $8-18;
11am-10pm Mon-Tue, 11am-11pm
Thu-Sat)
.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Panama City Beach
There's no mistaking Panama City Beach for anything other than it is: a quintessentially
Floridian, carnival-esqe beach town. Spring breakers and summer vacationers flock here
for the beautiful white-sand beaches and the hurdy-gurdy of amusements, while mile
after mile of high-rise condos insist on disrupting the view. Stop by the
visitor bureau
(
800-722-3224, 850-233-5070;
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com
;
17001 Panama City Beach Park-
way; 8am-5pm)
for information.
A renowned wreck-diving site, the area around Panama City Beach has dozens of nat-
Thomas Dr; 8am-6pm Mon-Sat)
has dives from $90, gear included.
with nature trails, swimming beaches and wildlife. Just offshore,
Shell Island
has fant-
astic snorkeling, and
shuttles
(
850-233-0504;
www.shellislandshuttle.com
;
adult/child $17/
9;
9am-5pm)
depart every 30 minutes in summer.
Sleeping
Summer is the high season for Panhandle beaches. Panama City doesn't lack for choice;
to avoid spring breakers, look for the code phrase 'family-friendly.'
Beachbreak by the Sea
MOTEL$
( 850-234-6644;
www.beachbreakbythesea.com
; 15405 Front Beach Rd; d $79-169; )
A
refreshing four-story spot in a sea of high-rises, this place offers basic motel-style rooms,
a central beachfront location and continental breakfast.
Wisteria Inn
MOTEL$$$
( 850-234-0557;
www.wisteria-inn.com
; 20404 Front Beach Rd; d $89-149; )
This
sweet little 15-room motel has a bright, Caribbean theme, poolside mimosa (champagne
and orange juice drink) hours and an 'adults only' policy that discourages spring break-
ers.
