Upper Grand Lagoon

Travel Guide
Upper Grand Lagoon featuring a lake or waterhole and a beach
Aquatic pursuits, nature treks and gorgeous scenery are among the popular draws of this part of the Florida Panhandle.

Upper Grand Lagoon is a coastal playground of great natural beauty that sits between Panama City and Panama City Beach. The area is known as the gateway to the gulf and is where you can pursue watersports, explore above and below the sea and relax on white-sand beaches.

Visit the docks and marinas that line Upper Grand Lagoon and choose from a range of water-based activities. Go on a deep-sea fishing trip and reel in snappers, groupers and scamp. Book a sightseeing tour of St. Andrew’s Bay and watch bottlenose dolphins skimming through the water. Head over to Shell Island, an uninhabited island known for its wild landscape and the large number of seashells that wash up on its shores. Enjoy wildlife spotting, swimming and shelling. You can also charter your own vessel and tour the bay at your leisure.

Take to the waves and get active on the water. Try Jet Skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Venture beneath the waters of the Emerald Coast on a scuba diving or snorkeling trip. There are numerous dive sites where you can investigate wrecks and artificial reefs. Among the old vessels lying on the seabed are a late 19th-century steamer and a tanker that was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. Novice divers can attend lessons and courses.

There are more opportunities for watersports over at St. Andrews State Park in nearby Lower Grand Lagoon. After your aquatic activities, go on a hike through the park’s pine forest.

At night, dine in one of the many waterfront bars or restaurants that can be found in Upper Grand Lagoon’s marinas.

Reach Upper Grand Lagoon by flying into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, approximately 24 miles (38.6 kilometers) away. Get around by taxi or rental car. During your stay, travel a few minutes west of the lagoon area to experience Panama City Beach. This Bay County city is home to long stretches of beach and a host of family attractions.

Where to stay in Upper Grand Lagoon

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The Pines

While The Pines might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Coconut Creek Family Fun Park and Ripley's Believe It or Not.

The Pines
Florida Panhandle featuring a bay or harbor

Port Lagoon

If you're spending some time in Port Lagoon, St. Andrews Bay and Capt. Anderson's Marina are top sights worth seeing.

Port Lagoon
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Treasure Cove

While there might not be top attractions in Treasure Cove, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Capt. Anderson's Marina and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Treasure Cove
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Woodlawn

While there might not be top attractions in Woodlawn, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Panama City Beach Sports Complex and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Woodlawn
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North Lagoon Oaks

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in North Lagoon Oaks and surrounding area, you can visit Thomas Drive and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

North Lagoon Oaks
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Lagoon Estates

When in Lagoon Estates, you can plan a visit to Thomas Drive and Naval Support Activity Panama City, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Lagoon Estates
La Quinta by Wyndham PCB Coastal Palms
La Quinta by Wyndham PCB Coastal Palms
2.5 out of 5
7115 Coastal Palms Blvd., Panama City Beach, FL
The price is CA $74 per night from Nov. 10 to Nov. 11
CA $74
CA $83 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,228 reviews)
Good place to stay
"The room and restroom were clean, bed neatly made, vwry comfortable and it was a nice size room. We very much enjoyed our stay. Breakfast area was good, we liked it."

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 2024

La Quinta by Wyndham PCB Coastal Palms
Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Panama City Beach
Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Panama City Beach
2.5 out of 5
7909 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $87 per night from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14
CA $87
CA $98 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 13 - Nov 14
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.6/10 Good! (474 reviews)
"The property was quiet and safe. We had a lot of parking options and the property was well lit. The room was comfortable and had all that we needed for our stay. The carpet outside the rooms was very dirty but you can tell they are making changes to change from carpets. The walkways were clean everyday ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2024

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Panama City Beach
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach
2.5 out of 5
7718 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is CA $110 per night from Nov. 10 to Nov. 11
CA $110
CA $123 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (629 reviews)
"The hotel was very clean great staff and close to everything very pet friendly."

Reviewed on Oct. 12, 2024

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Origin at Seahaven
Origin at Seahaven
4 out of 5
15100 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Pier Park and Panama City Beaches ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (44 reviews)
"We have extended our stay we love it so much and the staff is amazing ."

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2024

Origin at Seahaven
"Seahorse" Large Family Beachfront Home w/ Private Pool & Game Room
"Seahorse" Large Family Beachfront Home w/ Private Pool & Game Room
Panama City Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Carillon Beach and Rosemary ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
Perfect Beach Home
"We had a fantastic stay at this beautiful home. It was perfect for our needs. It is situated on a quieter stretch of beach, and the beach itself is wonderful. The kitchen was well appointed. The views from the large windows are spectacular. The master suite is especially lovely. The property managers ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2024

"Seahorse" Large Family Beachfront Home w/ Private Pool & Game Room
Shores of Panama Beach Resort
Shores of Panama Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
9900 South Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Shipwreck Island Waterpark and ...
5.8/10 (817 reviews)
"The room needs to be updated. Carpet and couch are not acceptable. The resort was fine and the beach was amazing"

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2024

Shores of Panama Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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