Pier Park, located in the heart of Panama City Beach across from the City Pier, completed its second phase of construction during the first quarter of 2008. At roughly 1 million square feet, the open-air complex is the largest shopping/dining/entertainment venue in Northwest Florida.

Newly opened restaurants and stores are a mix of popular national chains and local favorites. They include: Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Candymaker Candy Stores, Massage Envy, Guglielmo’s Italian Restaurant, Southern Waters Outfitters, ULTA Beauty, The Back Porch restaurant and Hofbrau Beer Garden. They join an impressive lineup that includes: Starbucks; Target; Panera Bread; specialty shops; and Grand 16 Theatre, a 16-screen, 3,000-seat movie theater complex. Later in 2008, Pier Park will add to its roster of eateries with the opening of Olive Garden, Baja Grill and Guy Harvey’s Island Grill. Pier Park is being developed by Simon Property Group, the country’s largest owner, developer and manager of high quality retail real estate. Visitors here enjoy a park-like setting and spectacular Gulf views. Perfect for family fun and sun, the complex hosts outdoor entertainment and recreation. An on-site lake will be stocked for fishing derbies, while the adjacent Aaron Bessant Amphitheater offers an ideal venue for Pier Park’s 2008 summer concert series.

There's also art for the casual lifestyle and a large selection of swimwear, sportswear, tee shirts, and gifts at area shops in the region.

Upscale shops are filled with nautical and beach-themed gifts and accessories. Outlets dot the entire region, to include one that was begun by some of our "native daughters", and these local entrepreneurs have made a huge splash on the fashion scene. Another store boasts 25,000 swimsuits under one roof and there are furniture stores and decorators to make your home look spectacular. There's actually a Magic Mountain in one store surrounded by waterfalls and filled with wild animals and wild fashions. One market is reminiscent of the New Orleans French Quarter with private courtyards and street-level retail stores. Golf enthusiasts will like taking advantage of deep discounts at the various golf equipment outlets in the area. We've given you some hints about where to go, so shop till you drop…and take home a memory.

Just a few miles away in Panama City, you'll find Panama City Mall.