Things to Do in Panama City

The recreational life in Panama City rivals the world�s most famous. Whether indoors or outdoors, there is always something unique and memorable to do. Hosted by local cultural societies such as the Bay Arts Alliance and the Panama City Music Association, one can experience various forms of artistic accomplishments. The Visual Arts Center showcases local and nationally-renowned artists. During the last two seasons, the Kaleidoscope Theater has produced dramatic works ranging from Neil Simon to Charles Dickens to William Shakespeare. Another theater house worth visiting is the Historic Martin Panama City Restaurant

Theatre. Constructed in 1936, this theatre house was once called "The Ritz." At that time, vaudeville and talent shows could be found on center stage. In the 1980�s, however, the Panama City Downtown Improvement Board proposed resurrecting the defunct theatre to a multi-functional performing arts center. Though small in size--seating is limited to 469, the Martin Theatre is a bustling center of cultural activity in Panama City.

Panama City Nightlife

If dining and dancing are on the itinerary, Panama City boasts some of the most celebrated restaurants and clubs in the world. Club Lavela, the largest nightclub in the world, is located here. With 150,000 square feet, 48 bars, seven dancefloors and Panama City Explorer

five bandstages, it is easy to see why this particular spot is so popular with Panama City�s increasing number of Spring Breakers. Also popular with the college set are The Brig, with its fishing fleet docked right outside the door, and Mescalito�s, featuring live alternative and acoustic bands at night. If seafood is what you�re craving, look no further. Panama City has award-winning restaurants that provide both local dishes and international specialties.

Panama City Outdoor Activities

The feature recreational attraction to Panama City, however, is its pristine beaches and gulf. There is an incredible variety of activities centering on the water, Panama City Volleyball

sun, and surf from which to choose. Standing out as the premier beach in the Bay County area is St. Andrews State Recreation Area. In this recreation playground, the gulf waters are absolutely clear. You can actually stand on one of the piers and look down to see a shell lying 75 feet below the water�s surface. St. Andrews stretches over 1063 acres of sandy beach dunes, bordered by both woodlands and the ocean. Nature trails are present to give close up views of native birds and even alligators. Also available are full-facility campgrounds, two fishing piers, and a boat ramp. Daily boat excursions leave for Shell Island, part of the St. Andrews Recreation Area. This absolutely unspoiled island is a Panama City Couple

naturalist�s paradise. Time here can be spent sunbathing, swimming, or looking for the treasure left behind by Spanish pirates.

Panama City Scuba Diving

If you are perhaps a little more adventurous, try one of the local favorite sports--Scuba Diving. Panama City Beach, coined "the wreck capital of the south," has long been hailed as the premier diving location in North Florida. Historical wrecksites merge with artificial reefs to give home to an abundance of marine life, including Dolphins, Manta Rays, and Sea Turtles. Or try your luck at one of the other local favorite water sports, such as parasailing, jetskiing, or windsurfing. With an average year-round temperature of 78 degrees and a friendly local atmosphere, it is easy to see why Panama City is rapidly becoming the vacation spot of choice on the Gulf.