Panama City to Destin FL drive: Distance, time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Panama City to Destin drive are Laguna Beach, Deer Lake State Park and Grayton Beach. The distance from Panama City to Destin is 56 miles, with a 1h15m driving time.
Finding the best things to do between Panama City and Destin FL
The Panama City to Destin drive connects two of the most popular spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
There are military bases and industrial sites in Panama City, but for visitors it’s all about the beach.
Top things to do in Panama City include jetboat thrill rides, a sunset catamaran sail, and a dolphin and snorkelling cruise.
You can also swim with dolphins, try scuba diving for beginners and stand-up paddleboarding lessons.
Destin is a beach town on the Florida Panhandle, with white sand beaches and several golf courses. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk tends to be the centre of activity, and there is plenty of activity to be in the centre of.
Top Destin experiences include a sunset tiki cruise, a Crab Island sandbar adventure, a dolphin-watching speedboat cruise and parasailing.
You can also try jetski rentals, the Maximum Magic show, Hydrojet sunset tours and banana boat rides.
If looking for Destin accommodation, the Comfort Inn and Suites offers good value and the plush Henderson Beach Resort has private beach access.
Panama City to Destin distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Panama City to Destin is 56 miles. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 15 minutes. The quickest route is along the US-98.
The best road trip stops on the Panama City to Destin drive are Laguna Beach, Deer Lake State Park and Grayton Beach.
Panama City to Destin road trip attractions: Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach stands in striking contrast to neighboring Panama City. Long-standing court judgments have prevented development here, so there’s a feel of peacefulness and wilderness. Aside from the pier, it’s just the white sands and the gently lapping sea. If you want a dip in the sea and a bit of space, this is the spot.
Panama City to Destin drive: Deer Lake State Park
Deer Lake State Park shows off the rare phenomenon of coastal dune lakes. They’re only found along the Gulf Coast in the US. There’s a boardwalk leading to the beach if all you want to do is sunbathe and swim, but otherwise, explore the nature trails. The mile-long Orange Trail loop is all about the environment, taking in pines, deer moss and wildlife. The half mile Blue Trail, meanwhile, has the most impressive lookout.
Best stops between Panama City and Destin: Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is a strong contender for the title of Florida’s best beach. It gets a fraction of the visitors that those in the resort towns get, and the sand is a pristine white.
There are also coastal dune lakes for kayakers to enjoy, plus four miles of walking trails threading through the coastal forest. Sunset and sunrise are particularly spectacular in Grayton Beach State Park.
More Panama City road trips
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