Panama City Beach
 

can anyone give me info on Panama City Beach? I'm reading reviews of different hotels (not on this site)and some of the reviews mention questionble people hanging around the hotels? Is this area unsafe? Thanks for any info.

What is your reason for picking Panama City Beach? I wouldn't say that PCB is unsafe, but it is definitely a tacky place (IMO).

We are looking for a place on the gulf to bring our Harley so we can ride 4th of July weekend.

Would Destin or Ft. Walton Beach be better choices?

No, I wouldn't pick Destin or FWB if you're going to be motorcycle riding as that is a very congested area. If you head east away from PCB the beaches aren't as developed. But, if you're just going to be riding around PCB, it is very congested as well. What kind of riding are you planning on doing and what time of the year?

4th of July weekend, which I know will be congested anywhere we go

Oops, sorry, I knew you were going Fourth of July weekend!

Parts of PCB are definitely tacky but if you stay on the west end you might be pleasantly surprised. It is becoming much more appealing with more upscale lodging, restaurants, and stores. It is also less congested than "the strip."

That said, I would still opt for Destin or the Beaches of South Walton. Wherever you stay be sure to inquire about the condition of the beach in front of the property. You want to make sure the beach is more than "one lawn chair" wide!!! Also, I understand the Destin beach renurishment program is up and running, so things should be good by July. But the last I heard it is only being done east of Henderson Park right now.

Ft. Walton is nice, not as congested, but also not as upscale as Destin. Generally speaking Destin and Ft. Walton are more family oriented whereas PCB attracts more partying singles.