Pirate themes go hand in hand with go carts, parasailing and horseback riding to beachcombing for shells and sand dollars, and soaking up the sun in a balmy breeze amidst the palms. The first time I went to Panama City for a visit while traveling and writing, I didn't want to leave. It's gravitational pull was hypnotic, the people as friendly as family and the plentiful sunshine and emerald waters of the Gulf were intoxicating.
White sandy beaches stretch nearly 30 miles, there is enough beach activity to keep a marooned pirate happy. If you're used to fishing for carp or crappie, it's time you took a sea cruise for some challenging deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous charters are available to test the stamina and sportsmanship of the ardent fisherman and woman. If you care to test your skills in a sea kayak, rentals are as abundant as the dolphins that play in the waters, and don't be surprised if they join you in your journey, up close and personal. Underwater sight-seeing is a must on this vacation as well and if you have never experienced deep see diving or snorkeling, this is your golden opportunity. Dive deep or in shallow waters with a stunning array of sea life and plants that perform a ballet of nature floating before you in perfect synconicity.
The seagulls winging overhead are enough to make anyone jealous of the birds-eye view they must enjoy of this pleasure playland. Feel free to join them by taking flight and parasailing over the emerald waters below with the tropical breeze in your hair, and the vast expanse of salt water below. There are many expert parasailing companies on hand to make sure your "flight" is safe and adventurous, and a real tropical memory maker. Let the experts drive? No problem, you can leave terra firma for heavenly helicopter tour of the area or the speed and thrill of blasting aboard an airboat for the ride of a lifetime.
If kayaking and parasailing are not on your activity menu for the day, why not enjoy a "banana boat" ride! Climb aboard your "boat" with friends or family, and enjoy the thrilling ride as you'r towed by professional guides on powerful jet skis into the Gulf for a one of a kind dolphin tour. Don't forget, you can also grab a good book and just lay about the beach relaxing and soaking up the sun or walking the beach in search of seashell treasures. Activity and relaxation are available in equal amounts, so you choose the itinerary to suit you mood. Either way, dress casual. No tuxedo's allowed. This is the beach!
Glass bottom boat tours will take you on a trip to Shell Island where you can disembark and spend time on the island, beach combing or just a quiet reflective walk away from the crowds, or hand in hand for a romantic afternoon. There are also wine and dinner cruises for the foodie and wine lover, along with an evening on the water under the stars for a sightseeing night cruise on placid waters as peace and quiet add to the ambiance of the gentle Gulf beneath your landlubber feet.
The kids and adults young at heart will enjoy the many water parks for splash and play along with a trip to Gulf World Marine Park. Other parks offer go-garts, giant slingshot rides and mini-golf, and for a touch of the bizarre, there is the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum with all sorts of oddities that would make PT Barnum jealous.
I know a lot of golfers, and believe me golfing on the Gulf is a sure fire hole-in-one experience for a relaxing 18 holes that lead up to an even more relaxing 19th hole. Cheers!
One of my favorite activities is horseback riding and camping, and in Panama City you can do both! Saddle up at Sunshine Trails and let the pioneer spirit flow for 1- 4 hours through 10,000 acres of forest and magnificent sand hills. at the end of the day, enjoy a night around the campfire at the campground, or take a moonlight ride. Never pitched a tent before? Never stated a campfire to cook a meal? Don't worry. When yo arrive at the campgrounds the tents are already set up and the whole excursion includes lunch, dinner and breakfast. Now, that's roughing it my way!
Hike and bike treks are available in Conservation Park. This extensive "green space" covers over 2,900 acres of the West Bay Ecosystem with a dozen hike and bike trails to choose from, and ample avian opportunities for the bird watcher and nature lover.
Sunshine and sandy beaches, the perfect compliment for a glass of wine to unwind. Yes, there is a local winery, Sea Breeze Winery in fact is the only winery in Panama City Beach and is well worth the tasting trip to visit them. Not only do they offer free wine tasting of their award winning wines, but wine experts will answer all your questions about the wines and the wine making process. Top it all off with a tour of the wine making facility and don't forget a stop in the extensive "wine oriented" gift shop for that unique item from corkscrews to wine racks.
You may not get wasted away again in Margaritaville, but you can certainly 'Unwined" in Panama City Beach! The Annual Panama City Beach Seafood and Music Festival UnwineD 2012 will take place at Captain Andersons Marina on Wednesday, October 24 of this year, and will run for five full days. It's a feasting festival of of seafood, wine, culinary arts, music, entertainment, arts and fun. Although Panama City Beach has pletny of fine dining establishments, party central for the UnwineD will be the Luxury Lounge located on the festival grounds, restaurants will participate for the area along with wine tastings. It is truly world class fun on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You don't have to tease your tastebuds and wait for the UnwinD festival to enjoy fine wining and dining. Panama City Beach bills itself as the "Seafood Capital of the World" and they even cater to steak eaters and the vegetarian as well..serving up everything from Sushi to Bean Sprouts and thick, juicy, delicious steaks cooked to absolutel perfection. Many of the restaurants specialize in island inspired dishes, along with rib shacks and oyster bars and pubs. Beachside dining is a near religious experience as you enjoy your dinner with a magnificent view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Lodging options vary from the simple chain motels to luxury fit for royalty and the beachfront resorts that line the harbor like so many romantic castles ready to spoil, pamper and cater to the visitor who came for romance, or the family that came to enjoy a fuel injected turbo charged fun filled Gulf Coast vacation.
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com