New Developments on the Horizon for Panama City Beach

Image: PHOTO: Pier Park will be home to the SkyWheel. (photo by Stacey Schottey)
Image: PHOTO: Pier Park will be home to the SkyWheel. (photo by Stacey Schottey)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 12:20 PM ET, Tue February 6, 2018

Panama City Beach, Florida, is coming off of a record-breaking year for tourism and its future looks even brighter.

With two new hotels are coming to the area and a series of upgrades and new attractions are also on the horizon, the region is sure to continue drawing visitors.

"We're excited for all of the development coming to our destination in 2018 and beyond," said Visit Panama City Beach president and CEO Dan Rowe. "The plans for these new properties and attractions prove that we are moving into a bright future as we celebrate our position as a year-round destination."

One of the most anticipated developments in the area is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott scheduled in 2018. The new beachfront property will have 200 guestrooms as well as a lazy-river pool, which is sure to be a hit for families.

Other property amenities such as SpringHill Suites' spacious rooms, mobile check-in, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi access will make the property popular for business travelers as well.

The popular shopping and entertainment district, Pier Park, is also getting a new hotel.

The St. Joe Company and InterMountain Management announced a joint venture to develop a new property. Current plans call for the new development to be branded a TownePlace Suites, another popular hotel brand for travelers with conveniences such as free Wi-Fi access, a well-equipped business center and spacious guestrooms.

Also coming this spring is the grand opening of the SkyWheel. The observation wheel will rise more than 200 feet above the Gulf of Mexico in Pier Park and give riders a 360-degree view of the area from a glass-enclosed gondola.

High-flyin' isn't all that will be new. Below the SkyWheel is a ropes course, a three-story-high zip line, a miniature golf course and refreshments.

In 2019, a world-class Sports Park will open in the area. The complex will feature a series of rectangular and multi-purpose sports fields, baseball diamonds, a vending row and a boardwalk where families can relax.


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