Looking for new, exciting reasons to visit the sunny shores of Panama City Beach? Below is an overview of what's new in 2014:
PCB to Host New Events in 2014
Many new events are coming to the beach, and you'll be able to find updated information on all of them at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events as it becomes available. If you enjoy music, you can choose from a variety of genres at new events like "Americana at the Lodge," hosted through winter and spring at the historic log cabin in Camp Helen State Park (free admission for shows). Also new for this year is the Great American Blues Festival on August 16 & 17, and a Trop-Rock themed festival on September 12, 13, & 14.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy this year's addition of Minor League Paintball from May 31 - June 1, the Cool Summer Series 5k every Wednesday from June 11 - August 6 (with the exception of 4th of July week, when a special run will be held on July 4th), and the Panama City Beach Lax Blast - a lacrosse tournament held on July 26 & 17.
New Options for Beachside Dining
Dining alfresco in Panama City Beach often comes with a view of the Gulf of Mexico, but never often enough! To help satisfy the craving, two new beachfront restaurants will open in Spring of 2014, both with indoor seating and large deck areas perfect for watching the waves roll in, or taking in the sunset as it seems to sink into the Gulf of Mexico. Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill is opening at 14521 Front Beach Road, while at 12627 Front Beach Road Harpoon Harry's (which closed in 2013) is being redesigned, expanded and rebuilt, doubling its previous beach frontage. That means more views, and more room for friends on the Real. Fun. Beach.
Pier Park North Celebrates Grand Opening
The opening of Pier Park North in 2014 adds 370,000 square feet of shopping space to Panama City Beach. DICK'S Sporting Goods was the first to open (in March), with other announced stores including Rooms to Go, Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael's, PetSmart, Shoe Carnival, Pier 1, Kirklands, Hibachi Café, Mattress Firm, Aspen Dental, Cato, Men's Warehouse, Jake's Wayback Burgers, Lee Nails & Spa, Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt, Great Clips, Sally Beauty, Max Fit Sports Nutrition, Maui Waves, World Market, Chan's Wine World, and Texas Roadhouse.
Pier Park Adds New Stores
Pier Park, with nearly 1-million square feet of retail space, is a Simon Mall property and lifestyle center that has quickly become the focus of shopping, and home to many events in Panama City Beach. New for 2014, visitors will find a Dave & Busters (opening in Spring/Summer); Chicken Salad Chick (now open); Charlotte Russe (now open), fab'rik (now open), Pink Narcissus by Lilly Pulitzer (now open), and French Fry Heaven (coming soon).
Panama City Beach's Conservation Parkadds John Muir Trail (Fall 2014)
The Panama City Beach Conservation Park 's "Gayle's Trails" continue to grow, with a little help from the Panhandle chapter of the Florida Trail Association. The new John Muir Trail, which is named for famed conservationist and "Father of the National Parks" John Muir and is set to open later this year. Wiregrass was chosen to line the mile-long trail because it is a fire-dependent species and blooms and sends out seeds after being burned. Controlled burns are necessary in the area to clear out pine needles and other underbrush.
Even More Thrills at Miracle Strip Amusement Park
Miracle Strip at Pier Park has moved several hundred yards into a bigger and better location, to accommodate new rides, rollercoasters, and eateries, along with the classic Ferris Wheel and carousel that have made the seaside amusement park famous for children of all ages!
Bud & Alley's in Panama City Beach (Opening April 2014)
Long a tradition in nearby Seaside, Bud & Alley's is branching out and opening a second location in Panama City Beach. Founded in 1986, Bud & Alley's has been one of the area's most popular gathering spots for locals and tourists looking for good food, and a place to enjoy great times while taking in a fantastic view. The menu will be similar at the Panama City Beach location with the addition of offering wood-fired pizza downstairs seven days a week.
Flyboard Panama City Beach (Now Open)
Emerging as an extreme sport recently, a Flyboard resembles a jet pack wakeboard that shoots out water and adventurous visitors can fly up to 50 feet over the water. Jeff Reylkins has created a special waterproof suit with LED lights offering a spectacular nighttime experience for participants and spectators alike. Flyboard Panama City Beach also offers Flyboard lessons during daylight hours.
Adventure Zone Adds New Splashes & Thrills
Edgewater guests who rent through The Resort Collection can enjoy more ways to get splashed, thanks to the newly expanded splash pad with 12 fountains and interactive water features that allow for easy parental supervision. The more adventurous can unleash their inner Indiana Jones on a 21-foot-tall obstacle course that allows you to test your balance and skill while fully harnessed to a safety lanyard that attaches to the tracking system above. Edgewater guests not renting through The Resort Collection can also purchase daily or weekly Adventure Zone passes.