In 90 years since its incorporation on May 2, 2026, Panama
City Beach has grown from a quiet Gulf-front community into one of Florida’s
favorite beach destinations.
Today, the beach town is still known for its combination of laid-back
charm, outdoor adventure, family attractions, year-round events, and its 27
miles of sugary white sand and turquoise waters.
“At 90 years, what makes us proud is that while the
destination has grown, it still feels the same in all the right ways—and that’s
what keeps visitors coming back year after year, generation after generation,”
said Griff Griffitts, President and Chief Executive Officer of Visit Panama
City Beach in a statement.
He added, “From local spots that know your name to the kind
of natural beauty you have to see to believe, that sense of place continues to
define who we are and where we’re heading.”
Vintage Panama City Beach (Photo Credit: Visit Panama Beach)
Landmarks Keeping the Classic Beach Experience Alive
Yes, Panama Beach has seen growth and modernization, but
some things remain the same, helping the destination maintain that throwback
feel.
- Goofy Golf, opened in 1959, has remained
virtually unchanged with hand-crafted concrete sculptures, from dinosaurs and
sphinxes to rocket ships, still lining Front Beach Road.
- At Pineapple Willy’s, visitors continue
to gather for casual beachfront dining and sunset views along a historic
1,000-foot pier first opened in 1936—one of the earliest landmarks in Panama
City Beach’s story.
- Capt. Anderson’s opened in 1967 as a
modest waterfront restaurant that’s grown into one of the Gulf Coast’s most
iconic seafood destinations. Still family-run, guests can dine early, watch the
boats unload their catch and experience fresh, Gulf-sourced seafood.
- Lines of sandy-footed patrons form early at retro-beach shack, Thomas Donut & Snack Shop, a Panama City Beach icon
since 1971. With more than 40 varieties made fresh daily and a loyal following,
it’s a must-do stop.
New Developments and Experiences
In with the new as Panama City celebrates the next chapter
of its milestone year.
- Recent additions like the Black Pearl, a
97-foot, pirate-themed artificial reef, continue to build on the destination’s
reputation as the “Wreck Diving Capital of the South,” home to more than 50
dive sites. A new library at Man in the Sea Museum will bring decades of diving
history and archival materials to the world’s oldest dive museum.
- New developments include the opening of Topgolf
Panama City Beach, the debut of Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner
& Show, and recent opening of Tootsies Orchid Lounge—the iconic
Nashville honky-tonk’s only location outside of Broadway.
- Annual, nationally recognized events, including UNwineD
Festival, Gulf Coast Jam, Real. Fun. Fourth. and the Beach Ball Drop on New
Year’s Eve, draws visitors throughout the year.
- Panama City Beach also continues to invest in
its unparalleled beaches through expanded accessibility initiatives like Fun.
For. All., with ADA-accessible beach access points, mobility mats and
inclusive experiences to ensure visitors of all abilities can enjoy the
destination.
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