Panama City, FL: March 7, 2025 — In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Panama City is proud to highlight its ongoing efforts to provide inclusive travel experiences for all visitors. With accessible attractions, dining options, and outdoor activities, Panama City is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can explore and enjoy the destination. Through a new partnership with Wheel the World, travelers with disabilities can now access verified information on accessible accommodations, restaurants, activities, and transportation, making it easier to plan a seamless and enjoyable visit.

Local Beach Options and Accessibility

Panama City offers accessible beach experiences, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the beauty of the waterfront. Two popular locations, St. Andrews State Park and Calhoun Beach Park, provide inclusive amenities designed for ease of access

St. Andrews State Park features wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, picnic areas, and scenic trails through coastal landscapes. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Jetty and Pier stores, allowing visitors to comfortably explore the shoreline. The park’s fishing piers and pavilions are also accessible, making it an excellent destination for a full day outdoors.

Calhoun Beach Park, located along St. Andrews Bay, offers a quiet retreat with shaded picnic areas and scenic water views. The park is equipped with a Mobi-Mat, a non-slip surface that provides easy access over the sand, allowing visitors to roll directly to the bayside beach. Accessible parking is also available, making this a convenient and relaxing spot to enjoy the waterfront.

Accessible Attractions and Outdoor Experiences

Panama City offers a variety of accessible attractions, ensuring visitors of all abilities can explore the city’s rich history, cultural sites, and scenic outdoor spaces. From museums to waterfront parks, there are numerous experiences designed with accessibility in mind.

Historic McKenzie Park, located in the heart of Downtown Panama City, provides a peaceful green space with large oak trees, accessible pathways, and picnic areas. This tree-lined park has step-free access and primarily flat pathways, making it an easy spot to navigate for wheelchair user. Oaks by the Bay Park in the Historic St. Andrews waterfront neighborhood features stunning views, a historic oak tree, and scenic boardwalks.

Papa Joe’s Bayside and Pontoon provides an accessible way to experience St. Andrews Bay. With accessible facilities and smooth walkways, visitors can enjoy the waterfront, dine at the on-site food trucks, or book an pontoon boat (may require assistance) for a day on the water.

For art lovers, the Panama City Mural Trail offers a unique way to explore the city. Many murals are located along wheelchair-accessible sidewalks in the Downtown and St. Andrews districts, offering an open-air gallery showcasing local creativity and culture.

Accessible Dining Options

Panama City’s culinary scene is as welcoming as it is diverse, with a variety of accessible dining options serving fresh seafood, casual bites, and local flavors. Uncle Ernie’s Bayside Grill, located along St. Andrews Bay, features wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and spacious outdoor dining with scenic water views. Captain’s Table Fish House Restaurant, known for its fresh Gulf seafood, also provides accessible seating and facilities. El Weirdo is a quirky and vibrant eatery serving up inventive tacos, bold flavors, and craft cocktails for the food lovers looking for something fun, casual, and unique.

Partnership with Wheel the World

Panama City’s collaboration with Wheel the World represents a significant step toward making travel more accessible for everyone. Wheel the World is a global platform that provides verified accessibility information, empowering people with disabilities to explore new destinations with confidence. Through this partnership, travelers can easily access detailed information about accessible accommodations, transportation options, and activities throughout Panama City.

By working together, Panama City and Wheel the World aim to inspire and enable all visitors to experience the city’s vibrant culture, scenic beauty, and unique attractions. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to removing barriers and ensuring that everyone can create unforgettable memories with family and friends.