Solo Travel Recap: Panama City Beach, Florida

June 16, 2015

Panama City Beach Holiday Inn Resort

Panama City Beach, Florida- have you ever been?  It’s a colorful beach city that’s got something for everyone. While it’s known for being family friendly- it’s fabulous for singles and solo travelers as well.  I headed down for a weekend respite, to try some piña coladas, work on my tan and see what the area had to offer.  Some of the highlights that I’d recommend-  Pier Park, Panama City Beach Winery, the Dolphin and Snorkel Tours with Captain Lorraine and the Panama City Beach Farmer’s Market…though trust me, there’s more to do than just that- but I had a blast exploring.

 I stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort in Panama City Beach, and while it’s great for families- with direct access to the beach and a water park area for the kids to play in, there was plenty of space for the adults to relax and lay out without kids crawling everywhere.  The bar made some delicious piña coladas, which you could carry out to the shore- where of course, the water was unreal.  The water was warm and crystal blue, and the white sand beaches were so fabulous.

Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach Florida

At night, you could even lay out and watch a movie by the pool- they provided free popcorn and it was so relaxing to dip in the jacuzzi before bed, and then maybe pop over for a few minutes of Frozen or whatever family friendly flick they had playing that night.  The whole pool area sang along to “Let It Go,” and it was a cool way to unwind when I flew in! Visiting Panama City Beach Florida

The Dolphin & Snorkel Tours were a highlight of the trip- honestly.  The Captain runs her own business, offering really fun and approachable tours.  You’ll explore Shell Island and get a chance to dive in with snorkels for everyone on board. Oh yes, and there’s snacks. I heart snacks.  We saw a ton of dolphins on this tour, and we even got to dive in for some exploration of the ecology.

Captain Lorraine on the Dolphin and Snorkel Tours The Dolphin and Snorkel Tour with Captain Lorraine Panama City Beach Florida

Captain Lorraine was great- and it’s really awesome to support locally owned and woman operated businesses, she was a kick-butt captain!  Everyone on board was given snacks, snorkels and a really fun and laid back tour.  I got to jump in the water and use her underwater camera, which was really cool and explore the manmade reefs at her secret and favorite snorkeling spot  We got to explore local ecology- seeing sea stars, urchins, crabs and of course, we saw a ton of dolphins.  Like, really…so, so, so many dolphins!

Dolphin and Snorkel Tours Panama City Beach Florida Dolphins on the dolphin and snorkel tour


The local farmer’s market takes place on the weekends and there are some great vendors.  I swung by en route to the Dolphin & Snorkel Tours, and grabbed some soap to take home, and some artisan crafts.  I wish I could have picked up some of the okra and cucumbers to munch on, they looked so fresh!

Panama City Beach Farmers Market

One thing that came highly (and I mean, highly) recommended on TripAdvisor was to check out Panama City Beach Winery– which doesn’t have your typical “wine.” All the wine here is made from fruits- so no grape wine with added extracts- the passionfruit wine is made from passionfruit.  The kiwi wine is made from kiwis.  The strawberry wine is actually made from vats of real strawberries.  I had one, that was a coffee orange blend and oh my goodness was it good. They even gave you little dessert samplers to pair with the wine and it was all free.

Yes, you read that right – the wine tasting was free and it was probably one of the most memorable I’ve had!

Panama City Beach Winery copy

This, coming from a girl who lived for 25+ years in California, the Panama City Beach Winery is a must see.  MUST.  I tell you, had I had a suitcase to bring some back, I would have picked up my fair share of wines, they were unique and so delightful.  I was floored at how vibrant the flavors were, and the variety they had- pretty much any fruit wine you could think of, they had.  Also, you know they’re good when they have hundreds of TripAdvisor.com reviews and they are the only winery invited to the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT for like, 14 or so years.  Please, try their wine, it will blow your mind!

The wall is lined with prize winning, heavily decorated and taste tested wines- and I can tell you why, they’re so unique and taste amazing!  I wish I could have stayed there all day!

Wine Tasting at Panama City Beach Winery Panama City Beach Winery in Florida- a Must see!

Pier Park is great for the shoppers out there who love southern charm and mid to upscale shopping. Here, you can scope out southern brands that I adore- Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines and Southern Style.  Charming, comfortable and cute- that’s Pier Park.

Panama City Beach Pier Park I picked up some italian ice and some ice cream while I was there.  You can also ride around on a scooter or hop on a carnival ride while you’re there, but I was just a happy participant and I enjoyed walking up and down the park with ice cream in hand and people watching. Of course, I had to stop in and peruse Lily Pulitzer and a few other spots… had I had more room in my luggage I might have gotten into some (fabulously styled) trouble! Lily Pulitzer Panama City Beach  

Panama City Beach is a great destination for families, but it also has wonderful spots that couples or singles can enjoy as well. I flew down solo- and I felt safe, comfortable and welcomed everywhere I went.  The beaches are absolutely stunning- honestly, some of the best in the gulf (and some would argue, the best all around!), and you will seriously enjoy a few amazing days and nights in Panama City Beach.   If you want a beach town with southern charm and some beaches that are guaranteed to make you unwind and get some deliciously relaxing vitamin D, you should consider a visit to Panama City Beach for your next vacation!

 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Panama City Beach via Rhythm One. The opinions and text are all mine.

10 comments so far.

10 responses to “Solo Travel Recap: Panama City Beach, Florida”

  1. Pia says:

    I love all the colours; you’re right, it seems like such a bright place! I’d love to visit.
    xx Pia

  2. Dana says:

    I have heard Florida is gorgeous! I’d love to visit Panama City Beach!

  3. Jenna says:

    Look at that sunshine! Love it!

  4. Michelle says:

    Ahh, Ilove the dolphins!

  5. Stephanie says:

    Just ran across your review on your PCB trip and I’m looking into heading down there solo next month. Would you say that the activities you mentioned such as the Dolphin and Snorkel Tours were within walking distance or did you have to hitch a cab? Were most activities affordable down there or did you feel as if you were paying an arm and a leg just because it’s a touristy area? Thanks!

    • Shannyn says:

      Hi Stephanie!
      I don’t think I mentioned this in the article, but for PCB I highly recommend renting a car. I got a car for $33 a day and used it to get around. The airport can be a $40 trip if you use a taxi, and then going to snorkel or explore the shopping/park, a rental car actually SAVED me money.

      Things in PCB are pretty spread out, so if you can snag a car for $33 a day (I used kayak I think to find the deal)..it’s a great value. Cabs would add up stupid fast, since it’s not a downtown area, things are pretty far apart.

      Otherwise, things are affordable and the beaches are gorgeous!

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