Frommer'sFrommer's
    10 Activities

    Mobile, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida: a coastal exploration

    Mobile, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida: a coastal exploration
    Starts from

    Mobile

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    10

    Duration

    12 hrs 32 min

    Length

    189 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Mobile

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    12 hrs 32 min

    Length

    189 mi

    Map preview
    Road.Travel

    Road.Travel

    • See history through interactive exhibits.
    • Delight in fresh-caught oysters and shrimp.
    • Discover Pensacola, Florida on a scavenger hunt.
    • Walk a Civil War-era fort.
    • Visit a former film location.
    This trip through the coastal South unveils some of the best-kept secrets of the region. Contemplate each area’s unique history, glimpse the coastal waters, and enjoy the laid-back pace of beach life as you travel through Alabama and northwest Florida.
    This trip through the coastal South unveils some of the best-kept secrets of the region. Contemplate each area’s unique history, glimpse the coastal waters, and enjoy the laid-back pace of beach life as you travel through Alabama and northwest Florida.
    Road.Travel

    Road.Travel

    • See history through interactive exhibits.
    • Delight in fresh-caught oysters and shrimp.
    • Discover Pensacola, Florida on a scavenger hunt.
    • Walk a Civil War-era fort.
    • Visit a former film location.

    Day Itinerary

    10 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    189 mi

    Dig into history and seafood delicacies

    On today’s drive, travel to a port city, see scenes of Old Florida, and enjoy a taste of the bay. As you leave Pensacola, Florida, you will visit coastal cities rich in hospitality and enjoyable dining experiences. Then, escape to Panama City Beach, Florida for aquatic adventure and eats.
    08:451 min

    Mobile

    Mobile, Alabama, is one of the South’s oldest cities. The unique blend of French, Creole, and Spanish architecture and culture are reflected in your surroundings. History is around every corner as you travel through the streets and alleys of the city nicknamed the “Azalea City.” Azaleas bloom throughout and represent the city's characteristics: vibrancy, character, and down-home charm.
    59.6 mi
    1 hr
    10:001 hr

    Pensacola Museum of History, at the University of West Florida

    Within the former City Hall is the Pensacola Museum of History in Pensacola, Florida. Exhibits create a three-dimensional portrait of the city with artifacts, travel diaries, and a re-created trader shop. The permanent Finding 1821 exhibit mixes modern technology with voices from the past, as scannable QR codes offer a view into the city streets from days gone by.
    Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday: Closed
    1.6 mi
    10 min
    11:1045 min

    Captain Joey Patti's Seafood Restaurant & Deli

    Captain Joey Patti’s Seafood Restaurant and Deli is a friendly seafood haven. You can order platter after platter of fried seafood, plus some grilled dishes, all made with seafood caught in local waters. Begin your culinary exploration of Pensacola, Florida with a basket of grouper and a side of hush puppies, or enjoy other dishes featuring Grandma Patti’s family recipes.
    Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Sunday – Monday: Closed
    1.3 mi
    5 min
    12:001 hr 30 min

    Fun Scavenger Hunt in Pensacola

    Explore Pensacola, Florida on foot while you solve clues and riddles to unlock local sights. The Operation City Quest app will take you on a scavenger hunt through historic Pensacola Village and 19th-century buildings. You will see the best of downtown Pensacola as you virtually collect items in a quest for first place.
    Book Now
    18.2 mi
    40 min
    14:1030 min

    Fort Pickens

    The pentagonal Fort Pickens is entrenched in history and dates back to 1821. A coastal fort, it protected thousands of troops and citizens in Pensacola, Florida, and today is a National Park. At the park’s discovery centre, learn the construction history of the Civil War-era fort and how it was a stop on the Underground Railroad.
    Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – Sunset
    77.4 mi
    2 hrs 15 min
    16:5515 min

    Truman Show House

    Santa Rosa Beach, Florida's Seaside community appears as the setting of the 1998 film "The Truman Show." See the colourful, quaint cottage used as the home of actor Jim Carrey’s character, Truman. The Truman house is located at 31 Natchez Street, and as you stroll the community, you might spot other sites from the film.
    24.6 mi
    40 min
    17:5045 min

    Pier Park

    Pier Park is an outdoor complex with a mix of local stores and popular name-brand shops. Stroll the complex and discover an array of merchandise including apparel, candy, gifts, beach souvenirs, and home decor. You can embark on a shopping spree or participate in one of the many attractions, such as throwing an axe, exploring a laser maze, or playing classic arcade games.
    Opening hours: Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday – Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
    0.5 mi
    5 min
    18:401 hr

    Margaritaville Restaurant, Panama City Beach

    Margaritaville is a Caribbean-themed eatery created by singer Jimmy Buffett. Shrimp, jambalaya, the famous Cheeseburger in Paradise Buffett sings about, and — of course — multiple margaritas are on the island-inspired menu. Island chic decor includes a plane suspended over dining tables and walls full of palm trees. Grab a souvenir from the gift shop to commemorate your time in paradise.
    Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
    5.4 mi
    15 min
    20:001 hr 30 min

    AXE Throwing

    Searching for an unforgettable activity that will leave a lasting impression? Experience axe throwing. Coaches will guide participants of all ages, skill levels and physical ability through the exciting process of learning how to throw an axe masterfully, creating a fantastic experience for everyone involved. Instructors are certified, coaching sessions are tailor-made for you.
    Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
    Book Now
    1.1 mi
    5 min
    22:001 min

    Panama City Beach

    You’ve reached the end of this voyage through Mobile, Alabama to Panama City Beach, Florida. You can stay overnight at a variety of hotels and plan your next adventure.
    Book Now
    Map preview
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