The eastern side of Panama City Beach is where the original pier and growth in the area started. This part of town is the older side where it was a hotspot for spring break and a tourist destination with touristy attractions such as Shipwreck Island Waterpark, the retro classic Goofy Golf, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and WonderWorks.
There is a mix of old and new in this area and the vibe here is a growing community vibe as the area re-builds and restores some of the older areas.
The beach on the east side of Panama City Beach is powder soft with a super wide shoreline and crystal-clear water that displays the beautiful emerald hue when the sun is bright. The beach between the County Pier and St Andrews State Park at the eastern end is lined with condos and hotels with lots of options for an amazing waterfront stay. If you are not staying directly on the beach, Panama City Beach provides lots of public access points so that everyone can enjoy the stunning shoreline.
Anywhere along Panama City Beach is perfect for a walk in the sand where kicking off your shoes and getting your feet in the sand and warm waters is almost a must!
The County Pier
The Panama City Beach County Pier, also known as the M.B. Miller County Pier, is a twin to the Pier Park pier. The old one was rebuilt and planned as a twin to a new pier in the up and coming Pier Park area.
Walking onto the County Pier is an experience in itself. Stretching 1,500 feet out into the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the pier provides panoramic views of the coastline that are simply breathtaking. Whether you’re an avid fisherman or just someone who enjoys a peaceful stroll, the pier gives you the feeling of being out on the water without leaving shore. Walking to the end of a pier and taking in the sound of the waves below and the breeze coming off the Gulf is one of my favorite experiences and these twin piers are spectacular with the distance they jet out into the Gulf.
For those who fish, the pier is a hotspot for catching a variety of fish, including Spanish mackerel, pompano, and king mackerel. Even if you’re not into fishing, it’s fascinating to watch anglers in action, and you might spot dolphins playing in the waves or pelicans swooping down to catch a meal.
The County Pier area is also a fantastic spot for beach sports. You’ll often see groups of people playing volleyball or throwing frisbees, and the beach here is wide enough that it never feels too crowded. For families, the gentle slope of the shore and the calm, shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable spot for kids to swim and build sandcastles.
At sunrise or sunset, this pier becomes a photographer’s dream, yep, mine too! The sky fills with vibrant colors, and the views seem endless. For me, this is one of the most peaceful spots on the beach, where I can relax, take in the beauty of the Gulf, and just breathe.
St Andrews State Park
At the eastern end of Panama City Beach lies one of my favorite state parks, St. Andrews State Park. There is another pier at the west end of this park that looks out on one side to Panama City Beach public beaches and the other side looks across the park with towering sand dunes and gorgeous natural beachfront.
