The Shores of PanamaStaff Picks

In the waters and sands around Panama City Beach, visitors and their families can spot some of Florida’s most incredible animals. Whether you choose to snorkel near the shore or go fishing at the Panama City Beach pier, prepare to encounter an exciting array of wildlife.

One unforgettable experience offered in Panama City Beach is swimming with the local dolphins. Diving instructors in the area lead excursions that teach easy and safe interaction with bottlenose dolphins. If you prefer a day of fishing, head to the Gulf and watch out for the likes of redfish, tarpon, and crevalle jack. While you’re out on the water, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the loggerhead sea turtle, too.

A little over 10 minutes from the hotel, guests can also travel to St. Andrews State Park to see a thriving ecosystem in action. Between the beaches and hiking trails, you might see alligators and whitetail deer. Breathtaking Florida birds can also be spotted around the state park, including ibises, herons, and woodpeckers. Bring the kids along for a day of nature and family fun.

While the rest of the world has to deal with shoveling snow, Panama City will be busy attending some of the best festivals around. If you plan on staying with Shores of Panama anytime in March, chances are there’s some festival going on that can entertain you for hours on end. Here are some local favorites to get you going.

First up on the list is the Panama City Beach Scottish Festival on March 7. Make your way to Frank Brown Park and enjoy bagpipe bands, Scottish-themed athletic competitions, car shows, authentic Scottish and Irish cuisine, and too many live performers to count.

Next up is the Panama City Community Music Festival at the Oaks by the Bay Park. This free event features three hours of music, food, and children’s activities.

For some more adult entertainment, make your way to Unwined on March 20 and 21. Unwined is a premier wine, craft beer, and spirits festival that will have you sampling a diverse assortment of the finest alcoholic beverages around. Your wine experience will be paired with live concerts in the park and delicious food from local vendors. This festival will be held at Aaron Bessant Park and is one you won’t want to miss!

Panama City may be known for its amazing beaches and all-around sunny vibes, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to properly celebrate winter holidays. Every year, Panama City ushers in the new year with a live ball dropping from Celebration Tower. New York can keep its One Times Square drop. Here in Panama, Celebration Tower boasts a taller tower, surrounded by much more gorgeous scenery. Why freeze for hours when you can enjoy a beachside party instead?

This event is family-friendly and the organizers understand that sometimes it can be hard to stay out past midnight. Because of this, there will be a second ball dropping at 8 pm, so that the entire family can enjoy the spectacle and still be home for a good night’s sleep. Those that do stay until the midnight drop will cheer on with thousands of others as we say goodbye to this decade and party it up. As midnight approaches, many live bands will take the stage and electrify the atmosphere in anticipation of the countdown. This is not a party you’ll want to miss as you enjoy New Year’s Eve at the Shores of Panama.

It’s almost time for Halloween and like most people, you and your family probably have some routine or at least a favorite spot to get all of the best candy. This year, however, you’re traveling to beautiful Panama City and while you’ll be in paradise, finding Halloween activities for the whole family can be a challenge. That’s what we’re here for! Panama City transforms into just the right level of spooky and there are more than enough family activities and events to go around.

If you’re traveling the weekend before Halloween, then make sure to head down to The Market at St. Andrews on October 26 for the best pre-Halloween festival around. From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, join hundreds of others for some top-notch trick-or-treating, face painting, pumpkin decorating, mask making, and just about every other Halloween activity you can think of. Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without some costumed fun. There will be a children’s costume contest, an adult’s costume contest, and, you guessed it, a pet costume contest.

As much fun as the pre-Halloween weekend can be, there’s no denying that the main event will be Thursday night. For Halloween-night excitement, you will want to bring the family to Sharon Sheffield Park for Halloween Carnival. This event will run from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and include a giant trick-or-treat event with a large emphasis on the treat. Plenty of live music, performances, food, and drinks will be available so this is one event you won’t want to miss. 

Summertime is best enjoyed with community events that bring people together for some shared entertainment. Here in Panama City Beach, the Summer Concert Series has become a local summertime staple for residents and visitors alike. Every Thursday at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, there will be a free concert showcasing a different performance every time. 

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, food, coolers, and even pets! Each performer brings something unique to the table and the goal is to create a diverse mix of music so that everyone can find something they love. Seating can get crowded due to popularity so it’s advised to arrive early if you want the best seats in the house. The last performance will be August 22, so come on down to Aaron Bessant Park and catch some free tunes before the summer comes to an end. We hope to see you there!

Panama City, Florida is no stranger to going all out when celebrating our independence. The Florida Panhandle has a unique way of doing the Fourth of July and this year, there’s no better place for the full experience than the Panama City Beach.

The big firework celebration will take place at the M.B. Miller County Pier and begin around 9:00 pm. No matter where you are on the beach, your night will fill with light but make sure to find your spot early for the best possible experience! Make sure to download the Kickin 103.5 app for a custom made simulcast to go with the show! Enjoy the best drinks, food, and sights around with thousands of others as you celebrate the colorful night away.

Shores of Panama is a very short walk away from the County Pier so you will never be far from the party. Enjoy many firework displays right from the pool area or stroll around the beach for a personal view of the show.