Panama City Beach Florida A Vacation Insiders Guide
MEET VALERIYA GADALETA Contact Valeriya: +1.973.271.7932
This Insider Guide is brought to you by Valeriya Gadaleta, owner of 2 condos in Panama City Beach, Northwest Florida. The area is known as the "Panhandle", famed for being a white sand paradise!
Valeriya can be contacted via any of the above options for more information about the area, pricing, and availability.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR This part of Florida, the so called Panhandle, is one of my favorite family beach destinations in the world. I've been with my family to Fort Walton Beach and Rosemary Beach, but never to Panama City Beach. So, when Valeriya contacted me to talk about an insiders guide, I jumped at the opportunity! Florida is blessed with wonderful beaches but the Panhandle is another level. And, beaches aside, there are nature spots (Shell Island), shopping (Pier Park), kids activities, and great restaurants. It's this all round style that makes it the ideal family destination. You'll find snowbirds in the winter and families in the summer. March is usually a Spring Break crowd with 1 of those weeks being very busy.
E: andy@vacationinsiders.com W: www.vacationinsiders.com
Valeriya's 2 condos are located around 4-8 miles north of Panama City Beach, with Pier Park in between, making them ideal locations to explore the area. In this guide Valeriya gives us a feel for the area and introduces us to some of her "must do" activities and experiences. It's all rounded off with an overview of her 2 condos and the resort in which they sit. Enjoy!
THE REAL PANAMA CITY BEACH... We bought the first condo at Splash Resort, around 8 miles north of Panama City Beach, in 2008. We visited the area with our family for the first time and haven't looked back since! The stay was magical and we instantly fell in love with the Panhandle area. Who can resist the emerald green water, sugar white sands and the energetic beach town atmosphere? We certainly couldn't! As the area gained in popularity we bought our second condo, this time in Ocean Reef, around 4 miles north of Panama City Beach, with the aim of one day relocating to the area. Both of our condos overlook the beach and ocean, which means you sip your morning coffee watching joggers and walkers, or the birds feeding in the ocean. And then, in the evening, you can pour a glass of wine and watch the beach goers pack up whilst the sun sets. It's those sunsets which make this area so special for us. Whether you're watching it set whilst walking on the beach, relaxing on the balcony, or whether you're watching it from one of the many ocean view restaurants, the feeling is wonderful. A beautiful golden glow at the end of a relaxing day. It is truly amazing! Both of our condos are in resorts which offer a range of activities and amenities. In the places to stay section of this guide we've listed some of the resort features which will provide an overview of what to expect from your stay.
The Panhandle area is located in Northwest Florida. Click here for an orientation of Panama City Beach within the wider Panhandle and Florida area. The nearest international airport is in Panama City, served by Delta and Southwest. Panama City Beach truly caters to all crowds. Both of our condo resorts are family friendly and, in the summer months, our customers are obviously families. Throughout the off season they are a perfect retreat for couples or snowbirds as the average daily high temperature in the coldest months is still a warm 60F-65F (15C-18C). For us, the draw of calm waters and 27 miles of beautiful beaches are enough. But we know that some people look for more in a vacation. Fortunately the area has that covered, with something for everyone! Through this guide we'll introduce you to some of what's on offer. From the very natural feel of Shell Island to the more bustling Pier Park. From helicopter rides to fishing charters. And, for those with little ones, we offer some options if you'd like to take a break from the beach. We also give you a run-down of our favorite restaurants, tried and tested over the years! Since we're on the ocean fish, of course, features prominently. Finally, this guide is a snapshot of what a stay here could be like. If you would like more information please ask away!
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...
1
Shell Island...
2
Panama City Beach Sunsets...
3
Pier Park...
4
Fishing / Charter Trips...
5
Panhandle Helicopter Tour...
Shell Island is quite simply stunning. An escape, somewhere that honors nature, without any of the modern conveniences. Of course this level of nature does mean you need to plan your trip well, remembering to take provisions AND remembering to bring everything back with you. Located around 5 miles south of Panama City Beach (see this map), take the Shell Island Shuttle from St Andrews State Park. Please ask us if you need any further information.
We are blessed with some incredible sunsets. And, as sunset "gurus", we know some of the best places to watch the golden glow! Schooners is a fun place, great for all the family, and very close to Shell Island if you feel like an easy dinner en route back to the condo. We also like the Panama City Beach Pier which you could combine with a trip to Pier Park (see below). You'll get some great photos - just imagine a pier with local fisherman and sea birds flying overhead, with the sun setting behind!
Pier Park is your one stop shop for a full day of shopping, restaurants, an IMAX theater and cinema, a Mirror Maze, some fun rides, and a whole lot more! The huge Simon Mall is great for some retail therapy if you need a break from the sun. And the kids will love the Pier Park Amusements or Miracle Strip where they have some nostalgia with old school rides, particularly the Big Eli Wheel. At around 1 million square feet this is a huge place with something for everyone!
This is the ocean, so deep sea fishing is a must. There are a number of good local charter companies so just let us know if you're interested and we'll suggest some options. However, if you don't have deep sea legs, then the pier is a great spot, as is St Andrew's Bay. This website is a great resource for those who want to fish from one of our piers. Remember that you can't just cast your reel, there is a license requirement. It's easy enough to obtain but please ask us if you're in any doubt.
Now this is a really cool way to gain a different (and breathtaking) perspective of the Panhandle. We like Panhandle Helicopter for some great tours - the pilot is usually very informative and makes the ride fun. The prices, whilst not cheap for a few minutes in the air, are worth it. If you can stretch to it, the Shark Run or Shell Island options are something special! Imagine seeing sharks down below? Or maybe you don't want to, we can understand that as well!
VALERIYA'S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS...
1
Pineapple Willy’s... My family loves the great atmosphere and good food at Pineapple Willy's. It's a fun place with outdoor seating overlooking the beach. The service is always friendly and fast, and the frozen drinks are popular with the local crowd. Check out the TripAdvisor reviews.
2
Liza’s Kitchen...
3 4
Liza's Kitchen is a great little place for lunch. These gourmet sandwiches are always bursting with flavor. Everything is freshly made, including some wonderful fresh breads. And the staff are a friendly bunch as well, making it a real pleasure. Check out the TripAdvisor reviews.
Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill... Right on the beach, Runaway Island has an awesome atmosphere and great sunset views while having dinner (remember we're sunset gurus!). This is mainly a seafood restaurant and I particularly love the fish tacos. Check out the TripAdvisor reviews.
Firefly... We were introduced to Firefly by our real estate agent in 2008 and we've been big fans ever since. It's a wonderful place. Casual fine dining, great service, and excellent food. Even our President Obama has eaten here! Check out the TripAdvisor reviews.
Keeping the kids entertained... Gulf World Marine Park...
Pirate Cruise...
Shipwreck Island Water Park...
They have daily live shows featuring dolphins and other marine life, and some great exhibits. Plus "meet and greets" where you can get up close and personal with a dolphin or sea lion. The park is located very close to either condo. For more information head over to their website via this link.
This is a really fun adventure for all the family, but mostly the kids will love it! It gets consistently great reviews on TripAdvisor so you'll know that a fun time awaits you! Music, dancing, pirate tales and more. Plus you'll also get to see some of the local ocean wildlife. And the 2 hour journey time means it's an easy half day.
Let's be honest, what kid out there doesn't love a fun waterpark experience? And it's a good one as these TripAdvisor reviews will confirm. All the usual favorites are there from wavepools to lazy rivers, to crazy thrill-seeker plunges! Best of all the park is located very close to either of our condos.
These are just a few suggestions. When you stay with us you'll have access to all our local tips and recommendations using our digital guest welcome book powered by Touch Stay
VALERIYA'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... Valeriya's condos are located in two different condo resorts: Ocean Reef and Splash Resort. Which means she can refer you to other owners in the resort who may have availability if her places are booked up. Simply ask Valeriya for a referral!
Splash Resort...
This is a 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom, oceanfront condo in the family oriented Splash Resort. Located 2 miles west of Pier Park, it's ideally located for those looking to combine a relaxing beach break with family fun. The condo benefits from a free beach service during the shoulder and peak seasons, as well as many other resort style amenities including 3 pools, kids aqua area, gym, WiFi, and more. For more information please refer to Valeriya's VRBO listing...
Ocean Reef...
This is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, oceanfront condo with a master suite that opens to a large balcony overlooking the ocean. Like splash resort, this condo also comes with an all included beach service. In addition there's high speed WiFi, a large 10x28 foot balcony, 3 smart TV's, and plenty more! And the 7th floor location means you get a great ocean view without feeling you're in the sky! For more information please refer to Valeriya's VRBO listing...
About the RESORTS...
Beach and Pool Fun...
Grill, Bar & Other Extras...
Location, location, location...
Both Splash Resort and Ocean Reef come with plenty of options for the beach and pool. Both include a $200 beach service for free during the March through October months. That includes 1 lounge set up which is 2 chaises with 3" cushions and 1 umbrella. Splash has a lazy river, adult heated pool and hot tub, and a kids water park. Ocean Reef has a swimming pool, extra-large hot tub and 330 feet of private beach.
With larger condo facilities you often benefit from added extra on-site amenities. Both have good grill facilities around the pool area making it simple to cook whilst your kids play in the water. In addition both offer fitness facilities with Ocean having the added touch of a sauna and steam room. Splash competes with more kid friendly options like the arcade and aqua play area, and poolside bar.
When it comes to location both resorts are ideally situated. This map gives you an idea with Ocean located at 14415 Front Beach Road, and Splash at 17698 Front Beach Road. They are 12 and 16 miles respectively from the airport and just a few miles north of Panama City Beach. Pier Park is nestled between the 2 locations and all the attractions and restaurants we've mentioned are within a short drive. Too easy!
For more information on the resorts feel free to visit either the Splash website or the Ocean website
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