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Panama City Beach, home of the gatorade water

Sophia Simonsen, Journalist • May 16, 2025

In Panama City Beach, the sun is always shinning!

Panama City Beach Background ♥

Panama City Beach is a town located on the panhandle of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. PCB is very common place for tourists and the population has grown over 6,000 since 2010 based on a 2020 census. Panama City Beach has the slogan of “The World’s Most Beautiful Beaches” because of its gorgeous white sand and clear waters. The waters may be pretty, but they can be dangerous. Panama City Beach has very strong rip currents, being a common reason for drownings. Lifeguards will often put up double red flags on the beach meaning the water is unsafe to swim in.

Sunset walks on the beach was the perfect way to end the day. (Sophia Simonsen)

«Things to do»

Collecting Seashells

Hunting for shells is fun, free and pretty! Panama City beach has stunning shells all over the beach and in the water. There is so many different types of shells in all shapes, sizes and colors. when collecting shells, always make sure there isn’t a living organism in the shell before taking it into possession.

Shells may have wildlife in them, make sure to check before taking it out the water! (Sophia Simonsen )

Kaya and Sophia love to find shells while snorkeling. (Sophia Simonsen)

Pier Park

You could say Pier Park is the heart of the town. Pier Park is a beautiful strip of stores and restaurants located right on the beach. There is around 124 stores of all kinds, you will surely find what you are looking for. If you are hungry there is restaurants of all kinds. From American to Seafood and even many dessert opinions, your belly will be satisfied.

Visiting pier park is a must stop when in Panama City Beach. (Sophia Simonsen )

State Parks

Florida may have pretty beaches, but there is also pretty state parks! Eden Gardens State Park is a beautiful state park with 163 acres of beautiful historic land. The state park includes a beautiful mansion that is the center of the park. Besides just walking, the state park offers weddings, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. if your looking for a thrilling and beautiful trail, check out the Conservation Park. This trail offers beautiful bridge trails that wind through wetlands. If you keep your eyes peeled, you could see some cool creatures such as snakes and alligators.

The Eden Gardens warn hikers about black bears. (Sophia Simonsen)

The alligators were nowhere to be seen in the wetlands (Sophia Simonsen )

〈Honorable Mention 〉

The Slingshot

The Slingshot at Indy speedway is perfect for adrenaline junkies. This ride launches you 365 feet in the air at 100 MPH. The ride even rotates at 70 MPH. When launched up, you get an amazing view of Panama City Beach from above. If you love to thrill seek, then this attraction is for you.

One of the most relaxing parts of a trip is enjoying the view and soaking up the beautiful weather. I enjoyed eating my breakfast on the balcony while listening to the waves crash and enjoying the beautiful blues of the beach. My favorite breakfast was a strawberry danish with fruit. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Breakfast starts your day off right giving you energy and fueling you.

I loved being able to wake up to a gorgeous view. (Sophia Simonsen)

Sweet Treats ♥

Thomas Donut and Snack Shop

Thomas Donut and Snack Shop has tons of sweet treats to satisfy your cravings. Thomas’s has lunch foods like burgers and fries, but then tons of pastry items like bagels and donuts. The parlor part of the shop has tons of yummy ice cream flavors such as blueberry cheesecake and mint Oreo.

Sophia and Kaya stop for ice cream before going shopping. (Sophia Simonsen)

Auntie Annes on the pier

Auntie Annes recently came out with a new Oreo topped nuggets that are definitely worth the try. These soft pretzels are topped with crushed Oreos and drizzled with Oreo vanilla cream. The pier has lots of sweet treat options, but this one is for sure one you should consider.

The Oreo topped Nuggets cost $9.99 at the pier. (Sophia Simonsen)

♦ Shopping ♦

Moby Dicks

Moby Dicks is a must stop when staying in Panama City Beach; it is by far my favorite. They are known for their entire store being $10 or less. Moby Dicks has hundreds of hoodies, crewnecks T-shirts, souvenirs and so much more, all for only $10. This is a great store to get a fun hoodie from your trip without spending a lot.

There was so many options for hoodies, it was hard to pick just one. (Sophia Simonsen)

Alvin's Island

Alvin’s Island can not be missed. It’s eye catching bright colors will surely draw you in. This beach store has something for every one. This is a very large store with tons of different sections. The aisles seem like they go on for miles. The store offers name brands such as Birkenstocks, Oakley, Simply Southern and lots of other brands.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Located on the Pier, you can find Ron Jon. Ron Jon has a pretty big name and many are probably familiar with it. This store is a surf store with a cool backstory. Ron Jon started in 1959 by Ron DiMenna. The store started in New Jersey and started to open up more stores after that. Cocoa Beach even has a museum highlighting surfing in East Coast.

Ron Jon has more than just surf gear, they have souvenirs too. (Sophia Simonsen)

Yellow and green flags make perfect swimming days. (Sophia Simonsen)

Before getting in the water, its important to check the flags. (Sophia Simonsen)

You should definitely consider Panama City Beach as your next vacation. With its beautiful beaches, shopping, state parks and so much more you will never be bored. Feeling stressed, sad or mad? Panama City Beach will fix that! Whether you go alone or with friends and family, Panama City Beach will be a very fun memory.

Sophia and Kaya take sunset pictures in their matching dresses. (Sophia Simonsen)

You should add a digital camera to your vacation. (Sophia Simonsen)

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About the Contributor

Sophia Simonsen, Senior Journalist

Grade: Senior Favorite Food: Pasta Car Name:Fi-fi Hobbies: Tennis, Night drives w/ music, hanging with friends. Dream job: Child Psychologist

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Panama City Beach, home of the gatorade water

Panama City Beach Background ♥

«Things to do»

〈Honorable Mention 〉

Sweet Treats ♥

♦ Shopping ♦