How To Get A Panama Passport

Shot of Panama Urban center, Florida. Photo Courtesy: iStock.com/Bauhaus1000

Florida is easily one of the nigh popular tourist spots in the Us, specially thanks to big-proper noun destinations similar Orlando, Miami, Due west Palm Beach and Fort Myers. We've already mentioned that Pine Island is a must-try getaway, simply Panama City is another spot to add to that growing list.

While Panama City, Florida is a prime location for leap breakers, the city still offers a lot for other types of vacationers, too. Located right on the water, this Sunshine State must-see is known for its lazy beach days, swell shopping spots, fun nightlife and delicious food scene. So, whether you lot're looking for a refreshing long weekend getaway or an extended family vacation, Panama Metropolis has something for everyone.

Where Is Panama City and How Practise You lot Get In that location?

Located in northwest Florida, Panama Metropolis is on the state'south "Panhandle", approximately 100 miles west of Tallahassee, Florida'southward capital letter. Since it's a embankment resort-filled area, Panama City is nearly popular during spring break and throughout the summer months. Each year, information technology welcomes about iv.5 million visitors, making tourism a huge component of the urban center'due south economic system.

Panama Metropolis Beach and skyline. Photo Courtesy: iStock.com/Rob Hainer

If you're flying into Panama City, the closest airport is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airdrome. Depending on how far abroad you live from the Sunshine Country, yous tin also take a road trip — and it might exist worth the gas prices. At some point, y'all'll turn onto Highway 98, which is known equally Panama City Beach Parkway, and runs right along the city'south famous shoreline.

With tons of beachfront properties — and even some spread-out resorts — to cull from, you really can't become wrong when it comes to lodging. Some of the virtually popular hotels in the expanse include the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort, Carillon Embankment Resort Inn and Calypso Resort & Towers.

Dwelling house of the popular Panama Metropolis Beach, this Florida hotspot boasts 27 miles of white-sand beaches. As you might imagine, millions of vacationers travel to the waterfront each twelvemonth to swim in the h2o and relish in the sun. But that's not all that'due south on offering. From competitive beach volleyball games to kids building sand castles to springtime college parties, there's always something going on.

Photograph Courtesy: iStock.com/Teila Day

If yous're feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of heady water activities to savor. This prime beach destination is also known for its diving and snorkeling experiences, but there are also opportunities to jet ski, paddle board and parasail. Y'all can fifty-fifty book an excursion to the nearby Gulf of Mexico to swim with dolphins or collect sand dollars. Plus, seasoned fishermen can enjoy angling on the various piers or off of rental boats.

The Nightlife Is Another Highlight

Panama City has a pretty infamous nightlife scene, making it bonny to higher students and other immature adults who venture to Florida for bound break. If yous're looking to trip the light fantastic and enjoy some good drinks, there are plenty of places to try. Some highlights include Patches Pub and Grill, Schooners Last Local Beach Club, Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill, and, finally, Dat Cajun Place Cafe. Some other fun fact? The city fifty-fifty has bars on the beach, which are perfect for getting late-night drinks and snacks.

You lot'll also find some incredible music venues that characteristic predominantly local bands. Feeling brave? Some clubs and confined offer karaoke nights; both Ms. Newby'southward and Newby'southward Likewise are great places for a taste of Panama Urban center's karaoke and live music scenes. Of form, there are also clubs with DJs, then, if you're stepping out for a night or two, be sure to habiliment your dancing shoes.

Does Panama City Take a Boardwalk?

Looking for a boardwalk area in Panama City? A walk around Pier Park is a must. It's too the premier shopping and entertainment spot for those looking to spend some cash and come abode with some fun souvenirs. This outdoor shopping district is located within walking altitude of Panama City Beach and houses over 120 stores, including Target, JCPenney and Dillard's.

Photograph Courtesy: iStock.com/JenTakesPictures

Pier Park also offers excellent dining and entertainment options, including its Grand IMAX theater and Dave & Buster'southward. You'll also find all the tourist town usuals, like a Margaritaville, Longhorn Steakhouse, Starbucks, Auntie Anne's and the Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. The shopping district is so popular, in fact, that it's been expanded to two other locations — the nearby Pier Park Due north and Pier Park West.

Is Panama City Better than Destin, Florida?

Destin, Florida, is a little over an hour abroad from Panama Metropolis. Famous for its white-sand beaches, Destin attracts flocks of tourists, likewise. Because Panama Urban center and Destin are and then shut to ane another, folks often compare them. And so, which is the better vacation spot? It all boils down to what you're looking for in a trip to the Sunshine Land.

Aerial view of Destin, Florida'south white-sand beaches. Photo Courtesy: iStock.com/Kruck20

Both areas offer nice beaches, but tourists say that Destin is more upscale with better shopping and restaurants. Non to mention, Destin might be a better spot for an adults-merely vacation as Panama Urban center has more to offer kids, teens and college-age travelers.

On the other hand, at that place's just more to exercise in Panama Metropolis. With amusement parks and water activities galore, it'due south a better fit for both families and the more adventurous vacationer who doesn't want to spend all their time on the beach. It might also be a bit easier on your wallet. Still, the cities are then close together that experiencing the best of both worlds on a single trip is a definite possibility.