There are many things to do at the Real. Fun. Beach. and enjoying a sunset full of vibrant colors is one of them. Along the beach at sundown, you can see both tourists and locals stopping to take a picture of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches as it transitions from day to night in a peaceful and melancholic manner. Anywhere throughout the 27 miles of white sand and turquoise waters is a perfect spot to watch the sun go down, but here are a few places visitors love to frequent to capture the most Instagram worthy eventide.
Runaway Island
Runaway Island offers unobstructed views of the sun sinking into a watercolor of sunset hues each afternoon from their deck bar, sunset deck and dining deck, as well as their flag room and ballyhoo bar on their upper level. Complete with a bell that rings right at sundown and perfect for those days when you feel like relaxing in a casual atmosphere and long to hear some live music on the deck while you dine on fresh, local fare and sip some killer cocktails or wicked frozen drinks, Runaway is the perfect escape — especially as the breeze rolls in.
Schooner's
An old-fashioned shack built on the beach back in the ’70s, Schooners has a locale right along the surf, putting your toes steps away from a good wiggle in the sand and the tide right at eye level as you breathe in the salt air and feast on some of the area’s best seafood. Enjoying this seaside shack’s “sunset-perfect perspective,” guests love to gather for the countdown before the sunset blast of the old Schooners cannon as the sun dips below the surface of the Gulf.
Harpoon Harry's
Located directly on the beautiful white sand beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Harpoon Harry’s 16-foot windows serve up a big old platter of “wow” with sweeping 180-degree views of the Gulf of Mexico. Opening out onto an outdoor dining area raised high above the sand, the sunset experience is made even more complete with one of their delicious frozen drinks. Salting the air with every breeze rolling in off the waves, the fantastic view here will stir up your appetite.
Barefoot on the Beach
You might have to leave the sands of the beach to come in and dine at Barefoot on the Beach, but their waterfront views will make you feel like you never left. One of a trio of Barefoot restaurants known throughout the area for their fresh, casual fare and fantastic drinks. This beachside eatery offers a fun open-air dining experience with the beach just a hop, skip and a jump down the dunes.
M.B. Miller Pier and Russell-Fields Pier
The two most prominent piers in Panama City Beach are the identical Russell-Fields Pier and M.B. Miller Pier, often referred to as the City Pier and the County Pier. These piers are used by both visitors and locals as a place to take a casual stroll, cast a line and catch a fish and of course, sit and watch the sun go down over the Gulf of Mexico.
Skywheel Panama City Beach
For a birds eye view of everything PCB, including the amazing sunsets, check out the Skywheel Panama City Beach at Pier Park, an observation wheel that rises more than 200 feet above the Gulf of Mexico. This Ferris wheel-style attraction gives riders 360-degree panoramic views of Panama City Beach from the safety of a climate controlled, glass enclosed gondola. These views of the vibrant turquoise waters and breathtaking sunsets will take your sunset experience to new heights.
St. Andrews State Park
With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other, you can catch the sunset beach side or bay side. Enjoy the mile-and-a-half of pristine beaches for fishing and swimming, stroll through the pines, along the dunes and coastal plant communities, or camp along the water. You're sure to find plenty of places to capture a picture-perfect sunset in St. Andrews State Park.
