Unexpected Superlatives: Discover What Makes Panama City, Florida One-of-a-Kind Filled with Rare Natural Wonders in Florida

Some places claim to be hidden gems. Others actually are. Panama City, Florida, is filled with record-setters, last-of-their-kind landmarks, and rare natural wonders that make it unlike anywhere else on the map. From the fastest oyster shucker in the nation to the last working drawbridge in Northwest Florida, this waterfront city invites you to explore history, heritage, and nature in unforgettable ways.

Meet the Nation’s Fastest Oyster Shucker

The world of competitive oyster shucking may be unfamiliar to most, but in Panama City, the high-speed world of oyster shucking is a point of pride. Six-time National Oyster Shucking Champion Honor Allen calls Panama City home, and though he has traveled the globe shucking oysters from China to Ireland, it’s the taste of Gulf Coast oysters that always brings him back.

Oyster lovers know that no two oysters taste the same—each one carries the essence of the waters where it grew. Gulf oysters, with their signature briny sweetness, are a delicacy that Allen has championed on the world stage. He was the youngest U.S. National Oyster Shucking Champion, and his incredible speed and precision have made him a standout competitor internationally.

Now, his story is the subject of the documentary The Oyster Shucker, which takes viewers inside the high-speed, high-stakes world of oyster shucking competitions. This thrilling subculture pits the fastest hands in the industry against one another in a race to see who can shuck their allotted oysters in the shortest time without compromising quality or presentation. Visitors to Panama City can savor this legacy firsthand by exploring the Panama City Oyster Trail, featuring over a dozen local seafood spots that serve the freshest oysters just steps from where they are harvested.

The Last Working Drawbridge in Northwest Florida

For a glimpse into Panama City’s maritime past, visit the Tarpon Dock Bridge, the last working drawbridge in Northwest Florida. This historic crossing, first constructed in 1910, was originally called for by residents seeking easier access to the charming Cove neighborhood. By 1951, the current bridge was in place, continuing a long-standing tradition of connecting land and sea.

The bridge’s name pays tribute to the SS Tarpon, a 19th-century steamship that once made weekly runs between six Gulf Coast ports. Though it tragically capsized in a storm in 1922, the SS Tarpon now rests as one of Florida’s 12 Underwater Archaeological Preserves, teeming with marine life and attracting divers from around the world.

Today, visitors can witness the bridge in action as it rises and lowers for passing sailboats, a rare sight in modern Florida. Just beside the bridge, the Tarpon Dock Seafood Market offers the day’s freshest catch straight from its own boats. Whether browsing the market for fresh Gulf fish to take home and cook on their own or savoring a just-prepared seafood meal from the outdoor kitchen, diners can sit on the open-air patio and watch the rhythm of the waterway unfold before them.

Gateway to One of the Rarest Coastal Lakes on the Planet

Just a short trip from Panama City lies Lake Powell, the largest and deepest coastal dune lake in Florida and North America, covering nearly 800 acres. Coastal dune lakes are a rare natural phenomenon occurring in only a few places worldwide. Bay County, where Panama City is located, is one of just two counties in North America with these unique ecosystems.

Coastal dune lakes are dynamic, ever-changing bodies of water that blend freshwater and saltwater in a delicate natural balance. Fed by rainfall, groundwater, and streams, they periodically break through the beach to create outfalls, where fresh and saltwater mix. This unpredictable occurrence happens in just a handful of places across the globe, creating a habitat unlike any other. The lake is home to a unique combination of wildlife, from freshwater bass to saltwater redfish, and is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.

Visitors can experience the magic of Lake Powell at Camp Helen State Park, where kayak and paddleboard rentals offer a chance to glide across its tranquil waters. Birdwatchers can spot rare coastal species, while hikers explore the scenic trails surrounding the lake. With its mix of salt and freshwater species, the lake offers a one-of-a-kind fishing experience, where anglers might reel in something unexpected.

Plan a Trip That’s Anything But Ordinary

From world champions to record-setting waterways, Panama City, Florida, is full of surprises. Whether you’re diving into the culture of oyster shucking, walking across a bridge steeped in maritime history, or paddling through an ecological marvel, there’s no shortage of extraordinary things to experience.

So next time you’re planning a Florida getaway, come see the city that holds world records and protects natural wonders in Florida all in one place. Your next adventure is waiting, and it’s one for the books.

About Panama City

Embraced by beautiful St. Andrew Bay on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Panama City offers a myriad of water sports ranging from world-class sailing to some of the best year round in-shore and off-shore fishing in the U.S. Off the water, visitors to the Northwest Florida city delight in the sunny destination’s eclecticall