America’s Finest Small Retirement City Has Pristine Seashores, Accessible Actions, and 320 Days of Sunshine a 12 months

With 320 days of sunshine, loads of parks, and no state earnings tax, Panama Metropolis Seaside (PCB) is an inexpensive small-town gem (inhabitants 19,393) on Florida’s Panhandle that’s more and more capturing the eye of retirees. I’ve known as this place dwelling for over three many years, and every morning I take a stroll alongside the mushy, powdery white sand earlier than becoming a member of water aerobics lessons at Frank Brown Park—an ideal mix of light train and neighborhood connection. This laid-back city affords pure magnificence alongside an lively life-style, the place you possibly can fish, paddleboard, hike scenic trails, and spot bottlenose dolphins within the emerald Gulf waters. The recent native seafood and new sights add to the attract. However it’s the neighborly spirit that Panama City Coffee Co. proprietor Daniel Pratt lauds. “Individuals cease and say, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’” he says. “There’s a neighborhood really feel right here you simply don’t discover in every single place.”

Why Panama Metropolis Seaside Is the Finest City for Retirees within the U.S. for 2025

“We moved down right here, and I simply fell in love with this place,” says artist and Beach Arts Group founder Helen Ferrell. “It’s an excellent place to reside, to lift youngsters—and folks deal with you properly. They embrace all people: the army, the vacationers, the locals.” In 2025, that welcoming spirit is mirrored in new 55+ communities and vital accessibility expansions, together with Bay County’s first absolutely ADA-compliant seashore boardwalk at Edward F. Hickey Jr. Park and accessible applications at Camp Helen State Park. These initiatives, mixed with partnerships with firms like Wheel the World, guarantee retirees of all talents take pleasure in entry to all Panama Metropolis Seaside has to supply. Pratt sums it up: “The daylight right here motivates you. It makes you more healthy and extra energized. You may’t beat the standard of life right here.”

The place to Keep

Margaritaville Seaside Cottage Resort

Designed with laid-back luxurious in thoughts, this newly opened resort delivers all the trimmings of a full-service seashore escape, from non-public Gulf-front villas to surf-inspired bungalows. Visitors take pleasure in entry to a sprawling two-acre heated pool, a 425-foot lazy river, and waterslides—although it’s simply as straightforward to seize a seashore lounger and do completely nothing in any respect. Every unit comes absolutely outfitted with fashionable kitchens, ethereal ground plans, and direct entry to the non-public seashore, whereas the Salty Rim Bar & Grill serves up frozen cocktails and breezy bites proper by the water. One of the best half? It’s all inside strolling distance of Panama Metropolis Seaside’s prime sights, although you could by no means need to go away the island mind-set.

Trip Leases

For longer stays or further house with an area really feel, Panama Metropolis Seaside affords a variety of upscale trip leases—many with panoramic Gulf views and resort-style facilities. Sterling Breeze is a favourite for its relaxed luxurious, providing one- to three-bedroom condos with full kitchens, sunset-ready balconies with non-public grills, and a beachfront pool that’s best for unwinding. There’s additionally a wine bar and fireplace pits, excellent for low-key evenings by the water. Close by, Splash Resort attracts households and retirees alike with spacious, beachfront models and kid-friendly perks like an indoor water park, a lazy river, and a dive-in movie show. With a number of on-site eating choices, seashore chair service, and even a mini market throughout the road, it is a one-stop coastal retreat.

Issues to Do

Get out on the water.

Simply off the coast of St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island affords seven miles of pristine, undeveloped seashore that appears like a non-public escape—no eating places or restrooms, simply you, the sand, and perhaps a pod of bottlenose dolphins (Panama Metropolis Seaside is dwelling to a big inhabitants). Accessible solely by boat, it’s a favourite amongst locals for snorkeling and shelling. You may hop aboard the Shell Island Shuttle, guide a dolphin cruise with Island Time Sailing (now providing accessible excursions by way of Wheel the World), or board a catamaran like Pratt suggests. “What’s enjoyable is I faux to be a vacationer—and it seems, the vacationers are onto one thing,” says Pratt. “Sundown cruises are at all times, at all times such an excellent time.”

Stroll, paddle, or play pickleball.

Retirement doesn’t imply slowing down, a minimum of not in Panama Metropolis Seaside. New pickleball courts pop up often, and affordable classes are at all times being added on the neighborhood facilities and parks, so it’s straightforward to remain lively in ways in which really feel restorative, not rigorous. St. Andrews and Camp Helen State Parks are native favorites for birding, kayaking, and low-key hikes—Camp Helen is even dwelling to a uncommon coastal dune lake. “Simply wandering Camp Helen? That’s considered one of my favourite issues to do,” says Ferrell.

For extra structured motion, Frank Brown Park affords group water aerobics classes in a heated out of doors pool—excellent for low-impact train and neighborhood connection year-round.

Embrace seashore life.

With 100 seashore entry factors, it’s straightforward to spend a day on the sand. There are Jet Ski rentals, parasailing booths, paddleboards, and swathes of untouched sand ready for a towel and a guide. Between the 2 state parks that bookend the island, you’ll discover 27 miles of uninterrupted quartz sand and emerald waters, together with accessible websites like Beach Access 22, which affords Mobi-mats and wheelchair-friendly walkways. However earlier than you head to the shore, gas up at Panama Metropolis Espresso Co.; their iced vanilla honey cinnamon latte (ask for it spicy) and made-to-order guava empanadas are my go-to. Each Ferrell and Pratt cite the beautiful seashores as a cause they moved right here, and so they at all times embrace some sand time when out-of-town company arrive. Whether or not you’re casting a line with ideas from the professionals at Half Hitch Tackle, parasailing at sundown, or simply studying a novel beneath an umbrella, seashore days right here will make you need to keep lengthy after your trip ends.

Make (and admire) artwork.

Beach Art Group hosts non-public, guided portray classes at your rental, on the seashore, and even for a birthday celebration. “I carry all of the provides. You might have all of the enjoyable,” Ferrell says. From seahorses and sunsets to customized canvases, the objective is to create one thing significant—and perhaps study a bit about native artwork alongside the way in which. Public art trails, together with the town’s painted turtles and dolphins, add a whimsical contact, whereas artists like That Sandcastle Guy will educate you how you can craft sand into sculpture.

Go to the Man within the Sea Museum.

For a hands-on museum expertise that teaches you all concerning the earliest days of army diving and the newest underwater expertise, go to Man in the Sea Museum. The 5,000-square-foot house has treasures recovered from sunken ships relationship again to 1500, diving helmets and boots you could strive on, and Sealab 1, the primary underwater army habitat—climb in to see what it was prefer to reside on this distinctive vessel. The museum preserves Bay County’s distinctive contributions to open-water saturation diving and underwater exploration, and it’s the oldest diving museum on the planet—retired veterans will admire all of the preserved historical past on show.

The place to Store

Pier Park

This open-air retail and leisure complicated is the center of Panama Metropolis Seaside’s procuring scene—and a favourite for locals and guests alike. Anchored by Ron Jon Surf Store, Goal, and Dillard’s, Pier Park additionally hosts a mixture of small boutiques, eating places, and family-friendly sights. You may catch a film on the IMAX theater, journey the SkyWheel, or strive a ropes course earlier than stopping for seafood or burgers at eating places like The Again Porch. Alongside the boardwalk, pop into kiosks promoting saltwater taffy, henna tattoos, and handmade shell jewellery, then do because the locals do: seize a seat on the bar at Margaritaville, order a frosty drink, and watch the fiery solar descend into the Gulf.

Impartial Boutiques and Galleries

Past the big-box shops, Panama Metropolis Seaside has a community of independently owned outlets that make searching really feel like a treasure hunt. Ferrell recommends Sun Bear Gallery & Studio, an area gem. The Decor by the Shore Trail affords a curated path by way of one of the best mom-and-pop boutiques on the town. Choose up a passport at any collaborating store or the guests middle, and accumulate stamps as you go. Don’t miss Pieces on the Beach, a 5,500-square-foot collective of twenty-two distributors promoting antiques, shell artwork, and the whole lot in between. It’s the sort of place the place you’ll discover simply the fitting piece to carry just a little PCB magic again dwelling.

The place to Eat and Drink

Andy’s Flour Energy Cafe & Bakery

The French toast at Andy’s Flour Power is known—the crusty exterior, custardy inside, recent sliced strawberries, and dusting of powdered sugar make breakfast right here memorable, particularly when paired with one of many signature bloody marys. There are rolled omelets with quite a lot of fillings and a choice of Benedicts. In the event you occur to return on the weekend, the breakfast burrito ribboned with chipotle bitter cream is a should. And don’t overlook to swing by the bakery on the way in which out for a candy deal with to nosh on later.

Again Seaside Barbecue

The odor of smoking meat and the sight of a pitmaster basting and checking the 12-hour slow-cooked ribs, rooster, brisket, and pork will seemingly draw you into Back Beach Barbecue. Order by the pound, or seize a sandwich with any of their meats served on a bun with pickles and selfmade slaw. Creamy mac and cheese, purple potato salad, and brisket Brunswick stew are among the many aspect choices (together with pitmaster Shane Kirkland’s grandmother’s collard greens). You will get native beers to take pleasure in there or packaged to go. Simply do not go away and not using a pint of their banana pudding. In the event you’re up early and in search of some breakfast, Again Seaside Barbecue serves breakfast tacos, biscuits, and brisket hash burritos from 7 a.m. till 10 a.m. each day, or till they run out.

Thomas’ Donut & Snack Store

Serving prospects since 1971, Thomas’ Donut & Snack Shop is a vital seashore cease. There are breakfast choices like biscuits bathed in gravy, bagel sandwiches piled excessive with applewood bacon, and creamy cheese grits. There’s additionally pizza and ice cream. However everybody strains up at 6 a.m. for the donuts and kolaches. The glazed at all times sells out; the seasonal pumpkin spice model tastes like fall, and the Key lime-filled selection is tart, mushy, and candy. As for the kolaches, the Thomas household places their very own spin on these doughy pastries that initially came visiting with Czech settlers within the 1800s. Get there early as they promote out quick.

Dat Cajun Place

For followers of Gulf seafood with just a little Louisiana aptitude, Dat Cajun Place hits the mark. This energetic spot is thought for its oyster bar, the place the shellfish come grilled and baked—although regulars like Ferrell choose them merely served on the half shell. You may even catch Honor Allen, the national oyster shucking champion, behind the uncooked bar, one of the best seat in the home. The menu options classics like po’boys, étouffée, and shrimp and grits, all in a welcoming house that appears like a neighborhood hangout.

The Grand Marlin

Perched over Grand Lagoon, The Grand Marlin brings a contact of coastal class to Panama Metropolis Seaside. Flooring-to-ceiling home windows body glowing water views, whereas the kitchen seems recent Gulf seafood—from expertly seared scallops to buttery lobster tails. Each our native specialists tout this spot because the place for dinner with a view. “It’s considered one of my actual favorites,” says Ferrell. “Nice view and scrumptious desserts.” For a celebratory dinner or a leisurely lunch with associates, this spot delivers on each setting and taste.

Finest Occasions to Go to

Although Panama Metropolis Seaside is usually related to summer season holidays, locals will let you know one of the best instances to go to are literally spring and fall. April brings near-perfect climate and some of the beloved occasions of the 12 months, UNwineD, a two-day competition crammed with chef demos, international wines, and an open-air artwork tent curated by native artists. “The wine competition might be my favourite,” says Pratt. “The climate is simply excellent.” Ferrell, who helped carry the native artwork tent to the occasion, provides, “It’s no strain—simply stroll by way of, take pleasure in, and if one thing speaks to you, you are taking it dwelling.”

Summer time is the excessive season, when the seashore buzzes with vitality and family-friendly occasions just like the Summer Concert Series and Gulf Coast Jam. “There’s loads of stuff to search out neighborhood,” says Pratt, who enjoys the way in which locals and guests alike get out and have interaction. However this stretch additionally marks the height of hurricane season, so these planning a summer season go to ought to keep watch over the forecast and take into account journey insurance coverage.

By September, the crowds start to skinny and the Gulf stays heat, making fall a favourite for a lot of. “October by way of November is one of the best time of 12 months to be right here,” says Ferrell. “The crowds are gone, the seashore remains to be there, the whole lot’s open—it’s simply a good time.” That season’s Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest is an area favourite, with sword fights, fireplace performers, and mermaids drawing households and fantasy lovers to the shore.

Even winter has its appeal, with sunny days within the 60s, calm seashores, and a surprisingly festive New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park—full with fireworks and a kid-friendly countdown at 8 p.m.

The best way to Get There

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport lies about quarter-hour from Panama Metropolis Seaside correct. Delta, American, United, and Southwest all fly nonstop into PCB from a number of hub cities throughout the U.S. From there, you possibly can seize a shuttle, Uber, or Lyft, or hire a automotive from any of the most important firms. In the event you’re driving, Freeway 98 runs straight by way of the seashore and likewise supplies entry factors to Highways 77, 331, 79, in addition to Interstate 10, permitting for plenty of flexibility on routes to the seashore.

You don’t have to hire a automotive in case you merely need to loosen up on the seashore; there are many eating places and outlets close by. Bike and golf cart rental outlets will be discovered all alongside the seashore. Guests may also hop on the Bayway. All buses are wheelchair lift-equipped and repair runs seven days per week all through Panama Metropolis Seaside for the cut price value of $1.50 per journey. Uber, Lyft, and taxis are choices, too. However if you wish to discover Historic Downtown Panama Metropolis or 30A, a rental automotive is a should.