Imagine over a million square feet of quality shopping, entertainment and terrific food all together in one convenient location in one of the favorite beach locales in the country. That image graciously comes to life at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida. Located between Front Beach Road and Back Beach Road (Panama City Beach Parkway) in the heart of this popular beach destination, it’s accessible from either road and is only about a mile east of Highway 79. With its extremely attractive and vibrant Caribbean architecture, Pier Park has become a prominent family entertainment complex for the Emerald Coast area.

Visitors to the area could easily spend an entire day and evening at Pier Park or choose to take it in a little at the time during multiple excursions. The outdoor atmosphere of the park allows shoppers to walk along the streets in the open air while traveling from shop to shop. This is a very nice alternative to a closed in mall. With close to 100 retail shops and many excellent dining options, the Park has much to offer.

Vacationers and locals alike will find some of their favorite stores in this large outdoor shopping mall that offers both upscale and affordable shopping. Some of the best known stores are Target, Dillard’s, Old Navy and of course, Ron Jon Surf shop. You’ll also find some great retailers like Borders, Victoria’s Secret, Game Stop, Lids, Aeropostale, Nike, Coldwater Creek and Zales Jewelers. Some of the specialty shops include Crocs, Beach Scene, Aqua Gallery, Ava Blue Boutique, Peace Frogs and Vice & Virtue. Shimmering Seas Jewelry is a favorite. That only touches the surface of the many shopping opportunities you’ll find at Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Many people go to Pier Park simply for the great restaurant choices. Among the favorites are Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Longhorn Steakhouse, Back Porch Seafood and Hofbrau Beer Garden with great German food. Guy Harvey’s Island Grill seems to be one of the top choices and is said to have terrific atmosphere with great food and service. You can purchase Guy Harvey art and clothing while you’re there. The art work hangs on the walls and the dining room is decked out with a large aquarium and sharks dangling from the ceiling. Another attention-getter, Five Guys Famous Hamburgers and Fries, is just what the name says and is said to have great food. Bootleg Barbeque, Red Robin and Raggae J’s are some other good choices. Some of the restaurants offer beautiful views of the ocean and the Russell-Fields pier to enjoy while dining. Russell-Fields is a great place to take a $2 per person after-dinner walk to help digest your meal with beautiful scenery.

And for dessert or a snack, Kilwin’s Chocolates & Ice Cream has some very tempting and refreshing treats to enjoy. There’s also Marble Slab Creamery that custom mixes ice cream as you watch. Coffee lovers will enjoy stopping for a jolting cup of java at Starbucks, while candy fans will be totally in their element at the Candy Maker Candy Store

For your movie entertainment, there is The Grand 16 Theatres, featuring all the latest and greatest movies in the comfort of stadium seating with digital sound. The movie theater also includes a game room and specialty cafe for fun and food. You can take advantage of the economical matinee prices at $6.50. Evening prices are $9 for adults and $7 for seniors, kids (ages 3-12) and college students with ID’s. Military ID’s will get you in for $7.50.

The Miracle Strip Amusement Park that shut its doors in 2004 is set to reopen in March of 2010 at Pier Park! Those that miss the old and classic Miracle Strip Carousel will be thrilled to once again be able to enjoy the nostalgia while watching their own kids take a ride. The carousel is already up and running since it found a welcome home in the Park in 2009. The new park will begin on a smaller scale with hopes to eventually expand.

Nighttime brings on a whole new atmosphere at Pier Park as the lights come up. They always have special events planned for those visiting Panama City Beach at the holiday times. You’ll find events such as parades, fireworks shows, summer concerts and other seasonal events. Buffalo Wild Wings invite their customers to watch their favorite sports teams play while enjoying a bite to eat among friends. For live country music bands and dancing, stop by Tootsies.

Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida offers hours and hours of enjoyment and entertainment for all ages and preferences. With so many choices, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy. Take your camera with you when you visit the Park, as there are many wonderful spots for that perfect vacation photo op. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for getting around. You’ll get in your exercise for the day while you have tons of fun!

If you have to Pier Park in Panama City Beach, FL then please share your review with others in the comments section below. If you’re looking for other fun attractions then take a look at our list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, FL. If you want to find great resorts and condos in Panama City Beach, then be sure to check out our list of the best Panama City Beach condos. Finally, save money on your vacation with our source of the best Panama City Beach coupons!