Visit Shell Island, explore Panama City Beach, and enjoy a variety of other great activities as the cool, peaceful fall season rolls in.
Fall is a Great Time to Visit Panama City Beach
The summer season is winding down across the Florida panhandle region. Temperatures are cooling, humidity is dropping, the weather is beautiful, and the water is still warm. It’s the perfect time to find interesting things to do around Panama City Beach, so here are five fun suggestions to consider during your visit.
Visit Shell Island
Fall is a great time to spend a day on Shell Island. This 7-mile long barrier island has an untouched natural setting and and endless sugar sand beach facing the emerald Gulf of Mexico waters. The temperatures are moderate, but still warm enough for sunning, swimming, and snorkeling. Wander the beach to look for seashells or hike along the inland portion of the island to discover native plants, birds, and animals. Shell Island is just minutes away via the Shell Island Ferry.
Tour St. Andrews State Park
A visit to Saint Andrews State Park is a must during your stay in Panama City Beach. The crowds are gone and the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, but there is still a multitude of activities to enjoy within the park. It’s a nice time to walk the park trails and spend time on nearly empty beaches. Wildlife spotting is excellent this time of year as animals do not have to hide from the heat. Migratory birds are also starting to arrive.
Enjoy Some Fishing
There are two nice public fishing piers in Panama City Beach: The M.B. Miller County Pier and Russel-Fields Pier. It is much nicer to hang out on the pier and drop a line over the railing in the cool, breezy fall weather. Fish are also more active and closer to shore as the water cools, and many species are migrating along the beach. The fall sky and cloudscapes are beautiful, and the pier is also a great place for sea turtle spotting and amazing sunset views.
Explore Historic Panama City
You can have fun on a visit to historic downtown Panama City. Dramatic revitalization in recent years has brought fantastic improvements to the downtown area, and wandering through the classic Panama City downtown district makes for an entertaining evening. Shop cute boutiques, eclectic antique stores, and more. Find great dining and nightlife options as you experience the small-town ambiance that visitors encountered in decades past.
Look for Special Events
Check online for the schedule of interesting festivals and other seasonal events around Panama City. For example, the Oktoberfest held each fall in downtown Panama City offers plenty of fine German food and beer. If wine is more to your taste, the One Harrison Food and Wine Festival takes place in November, or maybe you will be in town to catch the annual Taste of Downtown food festival featuring many of our favorite local restaurants and taste treats. Special events are always a great way to enjoy the various specialties Panama City Beach has to offer.
Experience the Best of the Off-Season
The end of summer brings pleasant, low-humidity days and a still-brimming schedule of things to do around Panama City Beach. You will find it very easy to make the most of your stay and keep the family fully entertained both night and day. All while enjoying the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere of the quiet fall season. Make plans now for a Panama City Beach fall adventure!
