There’s more than just sun on a beach in this panhandle gem. Snowbirding Panama City is an art form—from where you park, dine, and even dance.
By Marc Acton
Florida’s weather changes dramatically from summer to winter, going from hot to slightly less hot. But the Sunshine State’s sneaky secret, and what keeps millions migrating there, is that it’s also a great parking spot for winter. It might not be hot enough to get a leathery tan on the sand, but there are plenty of other awesome highlights to snowbirding Panama City.
Resort by the Beach
One of the best reasons to visit any beach along the Panhandle is the plethora of RV parks within walking distance (sometimes stone-throwing distance) from the Gulf. In the offseason, most parks will run between $50 and $110 per night, even with direct beach access.
For instance, if you visit Camper’s Inn Inc, their rates for November 1 through February 28 are $65 daily and $390 weekly, with discounts if you only need a 30-amp site, are a current Good Same Club member, active military, or AAA member. 
Eat Your Weight in Seafood
PCB (aka Panama City Beach) may not be the best for high-falutin foodies. It’s basic. Chain-driven. But the Gulf is a fantastic source for a huge variety of seafood. So just about any old joint is going to have something just off a fishing boat. What the locals know is that the right combination of a spot near water, the perfect evening glow, just-shucked oyster, warm-not-hot weather, and tasty beverage is never hard to find.
Try: Fresh oysters at Simply Seafood & Oyster Bar, cooking your own shrimp from Shrimp City, or Caribbean vibes right on the Gulf at FINNS Island Style Grub.
Visit the National Naval Aviation Museum
Nicknamed “The Spirit of Naval Aviation,” this museum is great for kids and kids at heart. It’s packed with all forms of flying vehicles. And from a virtual aircraft carrier flight deck to an Apollo 11 virtual reality experience, the displays are as impressive as they are delightful. Time it right and you can even catch a practice (at no extra charge!) of the Blue Angels.
Take Note: The museum is currently closed due to the federal government shutdown, and as a result, there are no scheduled Blue Angels practices. Before you go, be sure to check the museum’s website for the most current admission info as it does change.
Catch Ghost Crabs After Dark
Sure, the beach shines in the summer sun. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy it without sweating, like catching that last sliver of sun dipping under the horizon on a sunset walk. And there’s fun to be had after dark, too. Bring a flashlight (a cell phone will do in a pinch, but a headlamp is even better). Walk the sand just past the surf and look for tiny crabs darting around. When you come close, they’ll bury themselves just under the sand, where they’re easy to grab. Their teeny pinchers are harmless, and they’re easy to pick up by hand (wash your hands after). If you don’t want to risk it, a beach toy sand sifter makes for an easy pickup.
Tip: This is a great way to get the kids a little runaround exercise time before bed as crab chasing can be a mini cardio session. Get these crab-catching pointers from a kid!
Get Wacky at a Senior Prom
There’s no denying that when it’s at its vacation-y best, Florida is a bit of a spectacle. Panama City’s senior citizen center embraces that every year, putting on an annual “Senior Prom”—which is exactly what it sounds like. There’s evening wear, a dance floor, punch, and even a “winter resident prom king and queen.”
The Deets: This year’s event is on February 10 at the Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort. It’s $10 to attend and is worth every penny. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, it’s still worth checking out the Winter Residents Events—there’s something for everyone!
Snowbirding Panama City
Now that the winter months are closing in, mapping your way toward warmer destinations is only natural. And the Gulf Coast is an easy choice for many. The destination is all about reclaiming a simple life of leisure with a good dose of fun. In Panama City Beach, you can find unique RV parks that are within easy walking distance to the surf, fresh seafood, and unexpected after-dark beach adventures that are fun for all ages.
So, get ready to rig up, roll out, and stake your claim to your favorite slice of coastline for a few days, weeks, or even months.