The Top Spot in Panama City, Shell Island: A Great Labor Day Picnic

When in Panama City or Panama City Beach Florida during the Labor Day weekend, pack a picnic basket and make your way to Shell Island. Accessible only by boat; but, worth the trouble to get there. Beautiful pristine beaches of sugar white sand and emerald seas. This barrier island is fairly long providing many places to go ashore and narrow providing an easy walk from the bay side to the Gulf side. Go to just sun, swim, and eat your picnic or search for the large variety of shells found there. If you like to surf fish this is the place to wet your lines, the fishing is good. However, beware there are no facilities on the island, no food court, restaurants, bars, or lifeguards. You are on your own, so pack what you need and take a little extra if in doubt. No pets and no glass products.

Shell Island is mostly part of the St. Andrews park system; but, some private land is owned with no structures. There is a docking area for local charter boats, one of which is Capt. Anderson marina chartering to shell island. They can be contacted at 850-234-5940. Capt. Anderson also provides deep sea fishing trips, contact number 1-800-874-2415. Your best bet for a great relaxing day, rent a Pontoon Boat or Personal Water Craft (PWC) from one of the numerous companies specializing in these rentals.  The Panama City area has many of these companies.They'll all be equipped with all legally required equipment, no gassing up, filling single cycle oil, or launching - board and go!