Panama City, FL: June 30, 2025 — Along the salty shores of St. Andrews Bay, Panama City invites food lovers to take part in one of Florida’s most beloved coastal traditions—eating your first oyster. And one of the most iconic places to do so is Hunt’s Oyster Bar, a seafood staple in Historic St. Andrews serving fresh Gulf oysters for more than 55 years.

Every August, in celebration of National Oyster Day, Hunt’s and Destination Panama City offer a uniquely local culinary experience called “My First Oyster.” First-time tasters who enjoy their oyster—raw, fried, or baked with Hunt’s signature house butter and parmesan—receive a Golden Oyster keepsake to commemorate the moment. It is a simple, memorable way to honor a Florida tradition and share the joy of discovering a new flavor straight from the Gulf.

“Oysters take on the taste of their surroundings, and we’re lucky to be surrounded by some of the best waters in the world,” says Collins Abrams, co-owner of Hunt’s Oyster Bar. “We see it every day—someone walks in nervous and leaves hooked. The excitement behind eating that first oyster is something they’ll never forget.”

Now a two-story, bright yellow landmark in Historic St. Andrews, Hunt’s Oyster Bar has grown from its bungalow beginnings into a laid-back coastal restaurant that continues to serve as a cornerstone of Panama City’s seafood tradition. Each oyster served tells the story of the Gulf waters, local harvesters, and a community built on its relationship with the bay.

The My First Oyster experience is just one stop along Panama City’s growing Oyster Trail, a culinary route celebrating the region’s most iconic shellfish. From casual seafood joints to chef-driven kitchens, the trail highlights restaurants where Gulf oysters are front and center—fresh, flavorful, and deeply connected to local traditions. Participating stops include waterfront patios, historic gems, and specialty markets like Tarpon Dock Seafood, where you can even take home your own catch. For oyster lovers old and new, the trail connects visitors to the flavors and stories that make Panama City a true destination for oyster lovers.