Ready for a Spring ‘Thirst Trip’? Panama City Beach Ranks 9th in Top Destinations

Panama City Beach - Florida
Panama City Beach - Florida

Thirst trips are trending and Panama City Beach was recently ranked 9th by Pure Wow for being one of the top 13 thirst trip destinations in America. The desire for a vacation starts growing at the beginning of the year and, by Spring, reaches a crescendo. So, the thirst for relief is strong.

The Panama City area ranked No. 4 in the Expedia 2022 Travel Trends Report. And it ranked no. 18 in Trip Advisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best list of Top 25 Beaches in the United States. Continue reading and we’ll describe some great things to do on a thirst trip to Panama City Beach. 

What Makes Panama City Beach Such a Top-Ranking Thirst Trip Destination?

Thirst trips are long weekend trips and Panama City Beach is easily accessed from all over the South. But it’s only a short plane ride of less than an hour from as far North as Nashville making it an ideal thirst trip destination.

A trip to Panama City Beach will be one you’ll not soon forget. Not only does Panama City Beaches have some of the grandest beaches in Florida, but the entire country.

But beaches aren’t nearly the end of the list. There are two long piers that offer quite a pleasant experience with Russell Fields Pier in front of Pier Park and  MB Miller County Pier off Front Beach Road.

Panama City Beach - Florida

What are the Top Attractions in Panama City Beach?

Well, of course, Trip Advisor ranked beaches as Panama City Beach’s No. 1 top attraction but that’s only natural. Also ranked high is Gulf World Marine Park where you and your family will get what is for many, the chance of a lifetime: to swim with dolphins.

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Pier Park is one of the most highly rated destinations in PCB with a seemingly endless list of things to do. The park boasts over 1.1 million square feet of specialty shops, retailers, and restaurants.

It also features a 16-screen, state-of-the-art movie theatre – The Grand Theatre. With over 80 stores and 25 restaurants, it’s no wonder Pier Park ranks so high on the list of Top Attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida.

What’s the Top Food and Drink in Panama City Beach?

You don’t just go to the beach for sand and sun. You also want to be wowed by the food and the entertainment. Well, Panama City Beach has some excellent choices for meals and drinks.

Located in Pier Park, the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House is ranked highly. So, get some of the delectable fried pickles and some of the best Mahi Mahi you may have ever had.

A few miles from the beach off Hwy. 98 is Bayou Bill’s Crab House and they have some delicious ribs and grilled oysters to start with. There are some great chain dining establishments as well with Margaritaville, Senor Frogs, The Longhorn Steakhouse, and Texas Road House to name a few.

If you want classy dining in PCB, look no further than the Saltwater Grill. This favorite boasts a huge aquarium that provides the backdrop for this restaurant. The menu serves up steaks, seafood & piano bar music. Be sure and stay up to speed on all the hot spots and sweet destinations in Florida.

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