Insider tip Panama City Beach

© Shutterstock

One of the many reasons why you should definitely put the city on the Gulf of Mexico on your bucket list is that comparatively few travelers from Europe know about northwest Florida. This means that you can enjoy the sun, beach and sea away from the crowds. However, the temperatures are at least as great as further south and on the east coast. In summer, it's about 32 °C and there is of course endless sunshine. When it comes to accessibility, you simply have no excuse not to visit the city. A total of five airports serve the destination. The closest is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. It's just 20 kilometres from the city.

Sun, beach and sea

© Shutterstock

Besides the great climate, there are other great reasons for a trip to Panama City. There's good accessibility and tranquillity as well as all the beaches. The city has a total of 42 kilometers of them. Of course, this not only invites you to take long sunbaths but it's also a great place for water sports. Swimming, catamaran trips, paddling, kayaking, surfing, kitesurfing - and not to forget the glorious sunsets! The Pier Park with its Sky Wheel is also located directly on the beach. While the latter is a Ferris wheel, the former is packed with stores, restaurants, a cinema and entertainment options.

Culinary delights

© Shutterstock

The USA has long since ceased to be a culinary desert. On the contrary, culinary festivals are booming here too. You'll find three in Panama City Beach. One is the Wine Festival UNwineD at the end of March. In addition to wine, there's also craft beer and spirits, as well as a music program. In October, guests can then look forward to the Schooners Lobster Festival and Tournament. Local restaurants and beach clubs offer fresh lobster in all variations. For example, lobster macaroni. At the Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival in February, you should ideally be ready to eat and drink a lot.

Music festivals in Panama City Beach

© Shutterstock

Of course, there are also plenty opportunities in terms of entertainment. Fans of jazz music can look forward to the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in April. For five days, renowned jazz greats will transform Aaron Bassant Park into an atmospheric open-air stage. At the three-day Sand Jam Fest in October, well-known names from the alternative rock scene provide one of the best beach parties of the year. The musical finale - or highlight - is the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam . Country music and southern rock fans can be found at Frank Brown Park. Kid Rock has already performed here.

Self-care with yoga and wellness

© Shutterstock

Florida's Emerald Coast is also known as a popular destination for wellness fans. A variety of yoga offers invite you to practice your downward-facing dog on the beach or on a paddleboard in the Gulf of Mexico. Many spas, such as Serenity Spa at Bluegreen's Bayside Resort & Spa, invite you to unwind. And if you're also looking to relax with a game of golf, you'll find what you're looking for at Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort.

Read more: Why Florida is worth a trip