Panama City, Florida: Where Life Sets Sail

Recovery Mode

A couple escapes their day-to-day life to explore the character and beauty of Panama City.

Paddle through our vast greenery via kayak

By Maureen McWhorter

I emerged from my home office dressed in my daily garb of slippers, pajama pants and a button-down shirt. I shuffled into the kitchen to refill my coffee, stealing a quick smile from my husband Ken, who was dressed similarly. This morning was just like every other we’ve shared working from home over the past nine months and I. Was. Over. It.

With a spark of spontaneity and smidge of defiance, I threw my hands in the air and announced, “We have to get out of here!” My husband just laughed. He knows me well enough that when I say something, I mean it.

We had a weekend getaway to Panama City, Florida booked before our next Zoom meeting started.

Hilton Garden Inn Panama City

We’re Outta Here!

Like a kid on Christmas morning, I was giddy with delight to embark on a vacation for the first time in more than a year. We were aching to explore and soak in some sunshine.

After a few hour drive, Ken opened the door to our junior suite at the Hilton Garden Inn Panama City and I immediately flopped on the comfy king-sized bed. “Nice digs!” Ken boasted. Indeed it was; complete with a separate living area, sofa, modern amenities and all the comforts of home—but better.

When deciding where to vacation, we chose Panama City because it was a destination that seemed to have personality and history… a story to tell. We wanted to experience something real. As we drove through the city in search of dinner, I knew we’d come to the right place. 

A messy bacon-cheeseburger on a buttered roll sits on butcher paper next to a pile of sliced french fries from Jerry’s Burger Company  in Panama City, Florida.
Enjoy handmade burgers at Jerry’s Burger Company

We agreed on Jerry’s Burger Company simply because I had read about their all-you-can-eat french fry buffet that’s stocked with five types of fries and a giant selection of seasoning. I thought this was the kind of thing I could only dream about.

Then I saw their menu.

They offer 17 burger options (not to mention wings, hotdogs and more), ranging from the Average Joe—their spin on the classic hamburger—to the Doughnutty burger topped with bacon, swiss, cheddar cheese, grilled onions and special sauce all snuggled between a glazed donut!

Smothered and juicy, our meal was incredible. Of course, we ate more than we should have and wobbled back to our hotel, VERY happy.

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Fresh, handmade crepes from The Press

Out and About

We decided to spend the first day exploring the city. Just 10 minutes from our hotel, we stopped for coffee. The Press, we learned, is a fairly new addition to Harrison Avenue. The coffee shop opened in 2019 as many other businesses were reopening their doors after the destruction of Hurricane Michael. We ordered tall cups of hot local coffee and couldn’t resist including a couple of crêpes.

Fully caffeinated, we wandered the quaint, uncrowded streets of eclectic boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and local restaurants. The city is mixed with old and new and is spilling over with character. The locals are friendly and love to tell their story when asked.

Many spoke of the resurgence the city has made since Hurricane Michael in 2018. The city suffered tremendously; thousands of homes and businesses were wiped away. Remarkably, most of the city’s residents chose to remain in town and helped each other to rebuild and restore the city. Today, more than 3,200 businesses are open in the area; that’s 200 more than before the hurricane! There is a resilience in the locals unlike I’ve ever experienced; they have kind hearts, deep souls and a touch of fire in the belly.

A craftsman handles a hot, orange bulb of glass on a steel rod at Glassworks  in Panama City, Florida.
Watch live glass blowing at Panama City Hot Glass
Two pamphlets for Panama City, Florida’s walking tours lay on white painted brick.
Pick up free walking tour maps at the Visitors Office
The gold storefront sign for House of Henry against a black wall in Panama City, Florida.
Panama’s authentic Irish pub and eatery, House of Henry

While there’s plenty to explore by simply wandering, I longed to learn more about the area, so we embarked on a historic walking tour of downtown. I had downloaded the free map and audio tour from DestinationPanamaCity.com prior to leaving the hotel. There were 14 stops, less than a mile long and we could start and end anywhere along the way. It was an exciting way to take in the sights while absorbing interesting facets of the city’s life story.

We ended our walking tour at an old brick building that opened in 1910 as the Bank of Panama City. Today, it houses Panama City Hot Glass, a glass blowing studio and art gallery. The open door welcomed us in time to enjoy a live glass blowing demonstration. What talent they have! Ken and I gazed in awe of the process, craftsmanship and exquisite pieces created. I only wish we lived closer so I could take part in their glass blowing courses myself.

Deciding it was time for dinner, we continued up Harrison Avenue to House of Henry, an authentic Irish pub and eatery. A robust, polished bar, dark woods and barrel-bottomed high-tops mimicked my expectation of what a bona fide Irish pub would be. Add-in the live music, homemade shepards pie, bangers and mash and stout beers, and we were in hog-heaven.

The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial. We laughed as our toes tapped to the music and decided it was time for a second round. It had been quite some time since we had a carefree evening out like this. It wasn’t until it was over that I realized just how badly we needed it.

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The restaurant on a dock, Bayou Joe’s

A Dose of Nature

Day three was all about being outdoors and soaking up some of the sunlight we had missed the last several months.

Before hitting the road, Ken insisted on picking up breakfast at The Bagel Maker, which we had walked past on our first evening out. We were pleased by their impressive selection, so pleased that we grabbed smoothies for breakfast and ordered a couple of bagel sandwiches to go for lunch. Two meals at one stop? Yes, please!

We drove about 35 minutes north for our day at Pitt and Sylvan Springs. Parked and loaded with water and snacks, we were ready to explore. Just a few minutes down the trail, we were enveloped by hues of gorgeous native greenery. Crossing a wooden boardwalk, the trail opened up to a set of stairs leading directly into the crystal-clear natural Sylvan spring. Small families waded in the shallow waters while others giggled, plunking themselves into large inner tubes to enjoy the day adrift. We continued along the trail, occasionally stopping to inhale the fresh air and enjoy the sights—including Pitt Springs—which shines a beautiful shade of blue.

An up-close image of a toasted sesame seed bagel with a side of cream cheese from The Bagel Maker  in Panama City, Florida.
The Bagel Maker cooks fresh bagels daily
 A neon sign reads Bayou Joe’s on the outside of the pink restaurant  in Panama City, Florida.
You can’t miss this hot pink restaurant, Bayou Joe’s
Two sailboats docked on the water of Messalina Bay in Panama City, Florida.
Messalina Bay boat dock
An iron trellis, dock floorboards, teal building and a beach view mural frame the entrance to Bayou Joe’s restaurant in Panama City, Florida.
Step onto the dock for dinner at Bayou Joe’s

We enjoyed our packed lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas and decided it would be absurd to leave without at least sticking our toes in the refreshing water. Best. Decision. Ever.

This day was everything I wanted and just what we needed.

We returned to the hotel to freshen up for our last evening out.

Bayou Joe’s hot pink building caught my eye. Sitting atop a dock that juts into the inlet, the restaurant has a 180-degree view of Massalina bay and majestic sunset views. We devoured the Sailor’s Seafood Combo with grilled shrimp and crab cakes, the Pecan Encrusted Filet O’Fish and then wrapped up the evening with two slices of Key lime pie. All the while, enjoying the friendly conversations and laid-back atmosphere. If I could pack this place up and haul it home with me, I would.

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The Panama City Center for the Arts includes four galleries

Just A Few More Hours

Sensing my dismay for having to leave this gem of a city, Ken suggested we spend a few more hours browsing the city’s offerings. Goodness, that man has moments of brilliance!

Having learned about the city’s love of the arts and rich culture, we opted to explore the Panama City Center for the Arts. Housed in the city’s first city hall, the center is made up of four galleries, each displaying new exhibits monthly. As we learned, the exhibits are robust in their subjects and they display collections by local artists whenever possible.

There is simply
too much
to enjoy
in just one trip.

Just around the corner, we discovered Baywitch, an eclectic little gift shop partnered with One Heart Yoga. They carry books, crystals, tarot cards, jewelry and so much more. I could lose hours thumbing through all they had to explore. Eventually I purchased some loose organic tea and a beginners yoga book to take home with me. Yoga in my living room was no match to the sunrise yoga classes they offered, but it would have to do—at least until we made our way back to Panama City.

I succumb to the fact that it was finally time to head home. What a wonderful experience this had been. I loved the tight-knit neighborly feel that embodied Panama City. There was new mixed with old and a contagious respect for the area’s history.

I smiled, appreciative of the time to explore, learn and relax in this vibrant city. We will be back, undoubtedly. There is simply too much to enjoy in just one trip.

A table and four shelves hold large jars of a variety of loose tea leaves at Baywitch in Panama City, Florida.
Explore the selection of loose tea at Baywitch
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Learn more ways to
enjoy Panama City