Enjoy your trip as well!
Driving Directions to Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is easy to reach. U.S. 231 and State Road 79 run directly north and south from Interstate 10 if you drive. Other highways feed into this area such as I-65, I-95, US 331, St. Hwy 77.
Coming to the Beach from the east, after you cross St. Andrews Bay on Hathaway Bridge. At the SECOND light you have an option. Turn left, and you're on Thomas Drive. Go straight, and you're on Front Beach Road.
Now here's the confusing part/panamacity. these roads, which are at right angles to each other here, will eventually meet and merge! So really, it depends on where you're going whether you turn left onto Thomas or stay on Front Beach Road.
If you go left onto Thomas Drive, the Naval Coastal Systems Station stays immediately on your left. You'll pass the access road to Bay Point and Bay Point Marriott on your left, and then you'll come upon two popular beach restaurants, Capt. Anderson and Hamilton's. As you pass them, you'll cross a small bridge.
As you come over the bridge you'll see The Treasure Ship looming on your left. A half mile or so past this, you'll come to "the curve." Turn left, and a quarter mile later you're in St. Andrews State Park. Turn right, and you'll continue on Thomas Drive.
This stretch continues past Schooners and other beach bars and restaurants, until it connects with Front Beach Road several miles further. Just before you come to the junction with Front Beach Road, off to the left, are Spinnaker Beach Club and Club La Vela.
After you merge with Front Beach Road you'll pass by Miracle Strip Amusement Park and Alvin's Magic Mountain, and continue down the "strip" past hotels, condos, nightclubs and bars, Gulf World and a whole range of other attractions until Front Beach Road once again meets up with Back Beach Road/Hwy 98 and leaves PCB over the bridge at Phillips Inlet.
If you have questions about getting to or around PCB, or know of a shortcut, then jump in our forums!
