Panama City Beach, a cool beach town on the gulf shore of the Florida panhandle. The sand is blindingly white, the ocean is sea green in color and crystal clear, and the skies display a natural light show in the air as the sun sets through the clouds. Known for it’s spring break parties, it was fairly quiet when we went in August 2013.
We motorcycled from Hilton Head, SC, driving through the southern part of Georgia and into the northwest part of Florida for a total of 440 miles in about 8 hours. Kind of a boring ride as it was all flat land and farms but relaxing regardless. And HOT! As we got closer to Panama City Beach, you could smell the sea but you were still in farmland which was kind of a neat sensation.
We checked in at Laketown Wharf which was a perfect accommodation providing a 1 bedroom suite with living area, full kitchen, ocean view balcony, and washer/dryer (which was a must have for someone who can only pack 3 outfits to fit in a motorcycle saddlebag). It’s located across the street from the gorgeous beach, and has multiple pools to enjoy throughout the complex. It’s within walking distance of many restaurants and shopping and a short drive to nearby Destin Beach and Pensacola. Te hotel also provided free coffee and pastries and fruit every morning (covering our breakfast each day) as well as free parking and wifi. All of this and more for about $150/night! We stayed for 5 nights and it was the perfect amount of time to unwind and take in the loveliness of this town.
A few restaurants we dined at included Pompano’s, Waffle House, Dee’s Hangout, Pineapple Willy’s, Zaxby’s and Ketana Thai Restaurant. They were all fantastic and I would recommend visiting any of these if you are nearby. Pompano’s was the “classiest” out of all of them but even so, you would be fine wearing a cute sun dress or khaki’s and a polo.
All in all, as a travel lover who also likes to saves $, this is a great destination and hotel to enjoy a beach week on a budget. If you like the quiet “salt life” and a laid back atmosphere of just lounging in your swimsuit all day and throwing on a t-shirt and shorts for drinks and dinner at night, Panama City Beach is the place to go! We can’t wait to go again, maybe for good! Check out a few photos from our trip – have you been to Panama City Beach? What was your favorite part?
Click here to purchase select photo prints, canvases, and metal prints from this collection over on my gallery page! Add that beautiful art piece to that blank wall space in your home or office!
All images Copyright 2015 Diana Bellack Photography – All rights reserved
Of course we had to stop by the Harley Shop
I mean…who doesn’t stop at a Waffle House when on vacation?
These skies are just amazing!
The first storm we had in the 10 days we were on vacation
Does anyone else remember PoFolks? I remember going there with my grandparent’s when I was a weeee itty bitty Diana. Specifically the chicken and dumplings. 
Goodbye Panama City Beach! On our way to Gaitlinburg, TN!