My family is going on vacation to Panama City the week of June 10. Is there anything close by we shouldn't pass up? Are there any forum members from there?

 

I'll ask, Panama City, FL , Panama City, Panama?

 

Sorry, I wasn't thinking. Florida. My son just told someone Panama the other day, so I had to correct him. You would think I could have remembered that.

 

You could stop by Ft.Rucker AL here in South East Alabama and tour the Army Aviation Museum there.They have the largest collection of helicopters you are likely to find under one roof.Of course I am a little biased about the museum,being a member of the Museum Foundation.And if you take US Highway 98 about 40 miles East of Panama City you can enjoy a visit to a town called Apalachicola,which is a small piece of what "Old Florida" used to be like years ago.Really nice small town with antique shops and some really good seafood.By the way,they have a small museum there as well that pays respect to the man who invented airconditioning,Dr.John Gorrie. That would make a great day trip while you are on the Gulf Coast. Have a great vacation. Oh,I almost forgot...there is a real good place to eat in P.C. Beach down at the East end of Thomas Drive called Schooners...one of my favorite places when I am down there...I think you would enjoy it.Be sure to sit out on the patio over the beach around sunset...great view and great food...how can you lose with a combo like that? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gorrie http://www.armyavnmuseum.org/museum/visitor.html

 

Not sure how far you're willing to venture from PC, but some must sees in the Tallahassee area listed by order of importance :)

Wakulla Springs
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wakullasprings/

Florida Caverns
http://www.floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns/

As said above, Apalachicola is a really fun little town. If you venture there you have to eat at Boss Oyster. mmmm

If you want absolutely beautiful beaches only a short trek from PC check out St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Once you enter the park you definitely get a glimpe of what they refer to as "The Forgotten Coast"
http://www.floridastateparks.org/stjoseph/default.cfm

In case you can't tell, I've lived most of life in this area and really love it here. Hope you guys have fun! :twothumbs

 

I live in Panama City Beach. What kind of stuff are you interested in? A really cool Ripley's Museum just opened here. Also you should take a drive to the west along Scenic Highway 30-A in Walton County. Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Etc.

 

I'm 50 miles west of there in the Fort Walton/Destin area. When we first moved here money was tight so we spent vacations visiting local sites. I agree the museum at Ft Rucker is a great one to see. If you're coming down I-65 to 231 it's not far off your route. You definitely have to see Seaside, site of the filming of "The Truman Show" starring Jim Carey. They now have the F-22s at Tyndall AFB and test unmanned aerial vehicles there. You might see either of them flying around.

But, if you've never been down here before, the most beautiful site of all is the white beaches. They put most other Florida beaches to shame!

 

I lived in PC for 4 years, have never seen any beaches come close to those of the panhandle. Except for those in Tahiti and Bora Bora.

 

It's been a long time since we've been there. My wife loves the white beaches. I know we are going to one airplane museum (I don't know which one, she does all the planning) and maybe I can talk her into more than one if we can find them. I also like all the other suggestions so far. Thank you all.

 

We definitely want to go snorkeling, and Gulf World (our motel is just across the street)