Panama City Beach
Ahhhhh....it's what Spring Break dreams are made of. Sugar sand beaches. Luke Bryan concerts. Any kind of tropical drink you would like. And thousands of college students descend upon Panama City Beach ( or South Padre Island. Or Palm Springs. Or Fort Lauderdale) every year to have the time of their lives. But since we are of the over 50 age group we didn't need to worry about a fake id. And we were visiting in the off-off season of the beginning of November to watch a friend compete in the Florida Ironman Triathalon.
My older brother graduated from Florida State University so I had been to the Florida Panhandle once before but only to Tallahassee. So we started the long trek there and arrived after dark. Couldn't see any of those gorgeous white beaches until morning. And this is what we woke up to. Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.
Our friend who was competing in the Triathalon had rented a one-bedroom condo with bunk bed alcove so we were fortunately able to stay with him for the weekend. It was very chilly for the first weekend of November but we still took a walk on the beach first thing in the morning. Baby powder fine beaches. Very few people. If you don't like crowds, this is the time to visit these Florida beaches.
Our condo was right next to Wet Willy's on the beach so we decided that would be a good place for lunch. We met up with another friend from college who lives in the area and had a little jambalaya and some burgers.
We found out where everyone else was after lunch. At the Race Expo!
After visitng the expo, it was time for some beach and pool sitting. Even though it was too cool for swimming, it still felt delightful to feel the sun as we relaxed for the afternoon. (How about the color of that water?)
We enjoyed an incredible PCB sunset. Maybe one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. But then it was off to bed early as the next day would come around quickly to head out to the race.
To be continued....
I'm linking up with Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Weekend Travel Inspiration at Reflections Enroute and Friday Postcards at Walking On Travels. Go visit them for some travel inspiration!
My older brother graduated from Florida State University so I had been to the Florida Panhandle once before but only to Tallahassee. So we started the long trek there and arrived after dark. Couldn't see any of those gorgeous white beaches until morning. And this is what we woke up to. Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico.
Our friend who was competing in the Triathalon had rented a one-bedroom condo with bunk bed alcove so we were fortunately able to stay with him for the weekend. It was very chilly for the first weekend of November but we still took a walk on the beach first thing in the morning. Baby powder fine beaches. Very few people. If you don't like crowds, this is the time to visit these Florida beaches.
Our condo was right next to Wet Willy's on the beach so we decided that would be a good place for lunch. We met up with another friend from college who lives in the area and had a little jambalaya and some burgers.
We found out where everyone else was after lunch. At the Race Expo!
After visitng the expo, it was time for some beach and pool sitting. Even though it was too cool for swimming, it still felt delightful to feel the sun as we relaxed for the afternoon. (How about the color of that water?)
We enjoyed an incredible PCB sunset. Maybe one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. But then it was off to bed early as the next day would come around quickly to head out to the race.
To be continued....
I'm linking up with Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Weekend Travel Inspiration at Reflections Enroute and Friday Postcards at Walking On Travels. Go visit them for some travel inspiration!
i love visiting the beach in the off season. nothing like having all that sand and surf to yourself!
ReplyDeleteMe too! And this is a particularly beautiful beach to visit!
DeleteThese are some wonderful shot of the ocean. We do a lot of daytrips in the off-season, too. It's the best way to see places.
ReplyDeleteThanks! And thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI know this place is almost a synonym of Spring Break but it look beautiful in the off-season. I will stop here during a road trip.
ReplyDeleteI've never been during Spring Break - nor do I want to - but off-season was fantastic. I want to go back and explore more of the Panhandle now. Such beauty.
DeleteJill, I've always heard of Panama Beach, but I've never been. I might have to go just for that sunset with that shrimp! Gorgeous! Thanks for linking up with #wkendtravelinspiration!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for visiting Corinne! Hope you make it to see one of those beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunsets!
DeleteBeautiful, I can see why college kids want the head there for spring break. Like you, I would rather be there some other time. Thanks for sharing at Weekend Travel Inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThese are some spectacular views!
ReplyDeleteI must admit I went to PCB for my senior year spring break (and had a total blast)! but now that I'm a mama, off-season it is! I miss Florida and all its beachy glory!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for visiting and all your kind comments! I'm ready to go back!
ReplyDeletePanama City Beach looks so beautiful. I especially love your sunset photos. I can certainly see the appeal for the college crowd.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary!
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