Talk Like a PCB Local

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a part-timer, there are a few words and phrases you need to be aware of living in Panama City Beach. Here are a few tips to help you talk like a PCB Local.

Where Am I?

  • FYI: Panama City Beach and Panama City are two different cities. 
  • “I live on the beach” does not mean I live beachfront.  It simply means I live in Panama City Beach. 
  • “I live in town” means I live in Panama City. 
  • “I am going over the bridge today” means you are leaving Panama City Beach to go to Panama City. “The bridge” usually refers to the Hathaway Bridge.
Google map image of Panama City Beach aka "The Beach" and Panama City aka "Town"
Panama City Beach vs Panama City
  • West End is the area of Panama City Beach that is west of Hwy 79. 
  • East End is the area of Panama City Beach that is east of Pier Park
  • “Are you going to the Island this weekend?” refers to Shell Island
  • Pier Park is a very popular outdoor mall and epicenter of all cultural activity that includes plenty of options for food, fun, and shopping. 
  • 30A is a stretch of approximately 20 miles of coastal road along the shoreline between Destin and Panama City Beach. 
Google map image of Front Beach Road and Back Beach Road.

How do I get there?

  • Back Beach Road is Hwy 98.
  • Middle Beach Road is Hutchinson Blvd.
  • Front Beach Road is the road that runs along the Gulf.

What is happening?

  • Turn day is the day that the condos have renters coming in and leaving, usually on Saturday.  This is often the only time to view condos, especially during the busy seasons of spring and summer. 
  • Bike Week – Twice a year, our motorcycle-loving friends visit for a week to enjoy special events catered just for them. 
  • Spring Break visitors (mainly families) appear from late February to early April. There are several rules in place during the month of March including no drinking on the sand. More info here.
  • Gulf Coast Jam is the biggest country music festival on the coast in June. Tons of fun for all ages!
  • Summer Concert Series is a FREE concert every Tuesday night. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. Enjoy!
  • There is always fun to be had! HERE is more information on more events.

What Else?

  • Red Flag Day means there are double red flags on the beach, and the water is closed to swimmers. Pay attention to the flags and know what they mean. More info here.
  • Snowbirds are our friends that live in the area during the winter months.  Usually, they venture here from northern states and Canada around Thanksgiving to Easter.
  • No-see-ums are annoying little bugs that like to hang out on the beach, but they’re so tiny, you can’t see them. Keep some bug repellent in your beach bag, and you will be fine.

We hope you found these tips to help you talk like a PCB Local helpful. Did we miss any? Let us know!

If you would like to live like a local, please contact The Got Beach Team at Beachy Beach Real Estate.

Renata Murphree & Kelli Sullivan 

The Got Beach Team at Beachy Beach Real Estate

Kelli: (850) 819-8246 | [email protected]

Renata: (850) 527-3923 | [email protected]

Lacey Maxwell #RealEstatePrincess

(334) 429-0878 | [email protected]