Navy Sea Shore Inn

Panama City Beach

May 20th, 2008

A couple of days ago Bonnie and I started our 25th Wedding Anniversary vacation odyssey - Camping Florida. I am lucky in this respect, most wives I imagine wouldn’t want to spend their 25th Anniversary camping out - mine suggested it!

Our first stop was in sunny Panama City Beach! (During this stop camping wasn’t actually on the agenda) The water was very clear - weather was perfect. Slight breeze kept the heat from becoming overbearing. I will say this about Panama City Beach - it has grown! High rise condos now line the beach for almost as far as the eye can see. Sand is as fine, clean and white as I remember it.

Panama City Beach (the town) is reminding me a little of how Atlantic City, NJ is. What I mean is if you go three blocks away from the coast in-land the buildings are starting to look in disrepair. You see mobile homes next to mansions - zoning appears to be an issue…

I do think in the end Panama City Beach will be the vacation spot it seems to be preparing itself for. What it lacks in fine dining restaurants it makes up for with moderately priced drinks that will kill the taste of any poorly made cuisine. The perfect stop for any college kid looking to “enjoy” spring break - drink until you throw up the food you didn’t really want in the first place.

As I mentioned we didn’t camp although camping was available near the beach. When we do make our way to this area we stay at the best “Gem” on the Emerald Coast, the “Seashore Inn”. The Navy Dive School and Experimental Diving Unit is located very close to the beaches and you cannot beat the price. For $30 you can get a 2 room suite at a Zumwalt 5 Star award winning lodge. Space “A” rooms seem to always be available and they allow you to make a reservation for up to 14 days in advance!

To make reservations at what must be one of the best kept secrets in Florida call (850)234-4217 (must be eligible to stay on a US military installation). Oh and BTW - the chow hall is located right next door and beats ANY restaurant on the beach for both quality and price