Our guide to Florida's Panama City Beach

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"Look to my right, not too far from shore,” says pilot Mike Schaeffer as he loops the helicopter around to take a closer look at two black‑tipped sharks he’s spotted in the sea below.

 

Even though we’re 150 metres above the coastline, the turquoise water is so clear that we also see a fever of cownose rays and a pair of dolphins. The latter are putting on a playful show for boat-trippers: they dip below the vessel and emerge on the other side, their fins slicing through the water and their flicking tails providing a splashy finale.

 

On our way back to base, Mike casually points out ‘Gary the gator’ lounging in the sun next to a pond.

 

I’m in Panama City Beach, a resort on the Florida Panhandle, where life centres on the 27-mile stretch of powdery, white sand. Less familiar for Brits than other parts of Florida, it’s starting to get noticed by UK agents due to its varied accommodation, fun tourist attractions, food and drink scene, wildlife and, of course, its beaches.

 

Panama City Beach SkyWheel at sunset. Image credit: Visit Panama City Beach

 

Where to go in Panama City Beach

 

My sky-high sightseeing with Panhandle Helicopter is an ideal way to get an overview of this laid-back destination and its places to stay, eat and drink along main strip Front Beach Road. Here, guests can drink in ocean views and put their toes in fine, golden sand lapped by aquamarine waves.

 

Clients can choose their own holiday style along this beachfront stretch. If they like to be in the heart of the action, there’s the Pier Park outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment centre, with its combination of high-rise condos, big-brand beachfront hotels and pastel-coloured, two-storey beach houses.

 

In the east of the resort near County Pier, there are big resorts on the sand, including the picture-perfect Margaritaville Cottage Resort and plenty of attractions, plus great places to eat and drink. West of City Pier is a quieter affair with private rentals and the much-loved Thomas Donuts, where residents and holidaymakers queue up for glazed and filled treats.

 

Thomas Donuts. Image credit: Visit Panama City Beach

 

And those who like to immerse themselves in nature can try glamping in the serene St Andrews State Park.

 

What to do in Panama City Beach