New Beaches to Explore-Tale of Two Panama Cities
New beaches to explore: When I was a child living in Georgia, we had a multitude of cousins living in the Florida Panhandle. Each summer we would make our way driving through South Alabama to spend time in Panama City and Fort Walton Beach. Many years later the Florida Panhandle has been “discovered” by tourists. It has prices that are much less than South Beach and smaller crowds. However, even sun worshipers who prefer the summer time may find Panama City’s average winter temperatures of 65 degrees Fahrenheit a welcome relief from frigid snow storms.
New Beaches to Explore: Destin, Florida:
The “Florida Panhandle” is the northwestern region of the state. This two hundred mile long strip of beaches is nestled along the Gulf of Mexico. Alabama and Georgia are the states bordering the Florida Panhandle on the north. In past decades the region was best known for Panama City and the Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola, FL. However, along with Panama City, Destin, adjacent to Fort Walton Beach, has become a top destination for tourists. Known as a great spot for fishing, it is part of the sought after Emerald Coast. As in most of Florida, beachcombing, water sports and boating take the lead for most tourists. However, there are many other options/events:
- Wine and food festivals held annually in April
- Annual Hops for Hounds in Sept.
- Barktoberfest
- Yoga Beach Day
- Sailing and dolphin cruises
- Fishing/deep sea fishing
- Parasailing
- Golf
- Eco adventures
- Exploring Crab Island and
New Beaches to Explore: Panama City, Florida:
Things to Do in Panama City, Florida:
- Snorkel and swim
- Sail to see dolphins in their natural habitat
- Take a sunset cruise on a catamaran
- Test your skills in popular “escape rooms”
- Rent a bike for a good workout while sightseeing
- Join a fishing charter
- Relax with yoga by the bay
Places to Stay in Panama City, Florida:
Carillon Beach Resort Inn:
Enjoy four-star luxury for less before the summer season. The Carillon has its own private beach access to the Gulf of Mexico. If you are not much for braving the waves, you can relax in one of the hotel’s four swimming pools and its two hot tubs. If you are looking to escape the noon day sun, there are a variety of shops and galleries on Market Street to browse as well as on-site restaurants for full meals or quick snacks and drinks. Fashionistas who are looking for more boutiques can shop at Pier Park is 12 minutes’ drive from the Resort. For a change of pace, there is a free shuttle to Rosemary Beach.
Carillon Beach guest rooms provide a view of the Gulf or Lake Carillon. If you would like to eat-in during your stay, they include a kitchenette and dining area. Flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations are also offered.
Carillon Beach has a modern fitness center that overlooks Lake Carillon. Its Salon Baliage & Spa features a variety of relaxing massages and beauty treatments. The resort’s Market Street is home to shops, restaurants, and galleries.
If you are looking to hike or just stroll, Camp Helen State Park is less than ten minutes from the Resort Inn. Golfers can take advantage of the Holiday Golf Club just under nine miles from the Resort.
New Beaches to Explore: Panama City, Panama:
A Quick View of Panama:
In much of the world Panama is best known since the Canal was opened in 1914. It now connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and thereby boosts international trade. Panama is set at the southernmost part of the Central American isthmus. It is bordered on the north by Costa Rica and by Colombia on its southern border.
Here are some quick facts about Panama:
- European explorers arrived from Spain in the fifteenth century. For more details of the country’s early history, click here. Panama’s true independence was a long time in coming covering a period of five centuries. While Panama achieved independence from Spain in 1821, it was not completely free as a single sovereign nation. As a part of the Republic of Gran Colombia, Panama became a nation-state along with Colombia, Venezuela, and the majority of what today is Ecuador.
- In 1903, Panama achieved its independence from Colombia. While Panama was then a separate nation, it was not yet free. In 1977, Panama gain full independence from the United States by the Panama Canal Treaty which gave the country complete control of the Panama Canal by the year 2000.
- Like many countries of the world, Panama is a young country. Fifty percent of its population is twenty-nine years old or younger. Panama is easy to reach by plane, ships or via the Pan-American Highway.
- Like Costa Rica, it has a diverse eco system ranging from pristine beaches to dense rain forests.
Things to Do in Panama City, Panama:
- Hike through the Soberania National Park or the Waterfall Volcano.
- Get a workout when you rappel and then relax in a hot spring.
- Capture local wildlife on selfies at Monkey Island or the Punta Culebra Nature Center.
- Try your hand at multiple water sports.
- Take a day cruise on a catamaran.
- Have an adventure in a zip-line.
- Explore the Old City of Casco Viejo.
- Visit the Panama Canal.
Places to Stay in Panama City, Panama:
Prices are really great! There are five-star hotels for just over $100 and some slightly below.
For example, the Westin in Panama City, Panama starts in late May at $136. Westin Hotels are known for their world-class service. While this hotel is not on the beach, it is filled with amenities:
- Roof-top garden with sun terrace and swimming pool
- Guest rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen cable TV, coffee maker and city views.
- Suites with a minibar, sofa, bath and seating area.
- On-site international cuisine, and there is a coffee shop and room service as well.
- Gym and spa treatments also on-site
An alternative: Your own bungalow over the water!
- Sea views
- Private Cabin Over the Water
- Meals included with an American breakfast
- Day Tour – San Blas Islands
- Also: Restaurant, a bar, a private beach area, barbecue facilities and a terrace.
(For other information on solo travel with no single supplements and solo-priced lodging, go to our free search tool, the SoloTravelPricingTracker.net, and for our complimentary “Updated 2020-2021 Solo Travel Guidebook”, be sure to register while there.)
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