If ‘closed for the season’ is music to your ears, check out Panama City Beach in the off-season. Tucked into Florida’s panhandle, PCB is known for its sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and family-fun kitsch. I love a coastal city and this one is just right — a little more quaint than Myrtle Beach, not as upscale as nearby Destin. It’s a spring break and summer hotspot, but I went for Thanksgiving a couple years ago when it was delightfully dead.
Oysters & More Oysters
We ate oysters both days. Our trip began with a stop at Shuckums Oyster Pub. Then the next day, my boyfriend learned his childhood friend was in town — a clear sign to go out for oysters AGAIN. This was Bayou on the Beach which had a cute photo stand-in.
- Shuckums Oyster Pub: 15614 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, FL 32413.
- Bayou on the Beach: 11115 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Closed Mini Golf
One of the few things capable of sparking patriotism in my heart is a colorful, mid-century mini golf course. Goofy Golf was created in 1959 and remains family owned with giant rainbow snakes, monkeys, and Egyptian temples. It was closed for the season when we stopped by but I had to peep around the course. I bet some of the animal eyes light up and this is a really cool course to play at sunset.
Oceanfront Stay
We stayed at the Radisson (affiliate link), with a beach-facing balcony and a whirlpool (cold weather, hot deals!). This was most of my trip — walking the empty beach, watching the birds and spotting stingrays in the waves. Perfect.
To be on the beach is a treat year-round, but to essentially have the beach to yourself in a tourist town feels rare and special. 🏝️
