Welcome to Bay County
Nestled along the stunning Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida, **Bay County** offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm, small-town hospitality. Whether you're relocating, retiring, investing, or just visiting, this Gulf Coast gem delivers a lifestyle that’s hard to match. With miles of sugar-white beaches, welcoming communities, exciting events, and growing economic opportunities, Bay County is more than just a vacation destination—it’s a place to call home.
What to Love About Bay County
- Breathtaking Beaches: Home to Panama City Beach and other serene coastal stretches, Bay County offers some of the most beautiful and uncrowded beaches in the country. Imagine soft, white sands, emerald-green waters, and over 320 days of sunshine each year.
- Affordable Coastal Living: Compared to other Florida beach markets, Bay County remains surprisingly affordable. You can still find luxury homes, condos, and new construction properties at prices well below neighboring beach communities.
- Welcoming Communities: From the coastal charm of Panama City Beach to the family-friendly vibe of Lynn Haven and the small-town appeal of Callaway, there's a neighborhood for every lifestyle.
- A Booming Market: As the area continues to grow, Bay County has become a hotspot for investors, builders, and buyers seeking opportunity in a thriving market. New schools, hospitals, and commercial projects make it a smart long-term choice.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: Whether you love fishing, paddleboarding, golfing, or exploring nature preserves, outdoor adventure is always just minutes away.
Discover the Local Lifestyle
Life in Bay County is all about balance. You get the laid-back vibe of coastal living, with a healthy dose of modern convenience and community spirit. Picture early morning paddleboard sessions in the calm Gulf waters, afternoons working remotely from a beachside café, and evenings spent enjoying local live music or a seafood boil with friends.
The pace here is just right—not too slow, not too fast. Families find safe neighborhoods and excellent schools. Retirees love the sunshine, low taxes, and friendly neighbors. Young professionals are drawn to the evolving tech, healthcare, and construction industries. Vacation homeowners appreciate the rental demand and year-round travel appeal.
Bay County also offers a low cost of living, no state income tax, and a tight-knit community feel, making it the ideal place for those seeking a fresh start with room to grow.
Dining, Events & Shopping
Dine Like a Local
Bay County’s culinary scene is an impressive mix of Southern tradition, fresh seafood, and international flavors. You’ll find everything from beachfront fish shacks to fine dining with Gulf views.
- The Grand Marlin – Known for upscale seafood and waterfront ambiance, this Panama City Beach favorite offers oysters, steaks, and sunset views.
- Hunt’s Oyster Bar – A Panama City institution, this no-frills gem is beloved for its raw bar, fried shrimp, and friendly service.
- Firefly – Located near the beach, this romantic restaurant offers creative American cuisine in a beautiful setting with string lights and soft jazz.
- Uncle Ernie’s – Set in a historic St. Andrews home, this waterside favorite features Key West-inspired dishes and a large outdoor deck.
- Finns Island Style Grub – A laid-back taco and smoothie bar with surf-inspired eats perfect after a day in the sun.
Whether you’re craving locally caught grouper, craft beer, or Southern-style BBQ, Bay County has a plate for every palate.
Annual Events That Bring the Community Together
Bay County comes alive with events that draw crowds from across the region—many of them with a strong sense of local pride, music, and coastal flair.
- Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April) – One of the nation’s top smooth jazz festivals, bringing world-class artists to the beach.
- Pirates of the High Seas Fest (October) – A family-friendly pirate-themed festival featuring parades, fireworks, and treasure hunts.
- New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop – Ring in the new year with fireworks, live music, and the drop of an 800-pound beach ball.
- Gulf Coast Jam (June) – This multi-day country music festival draws thousands with big-name acts and beachfront energy.
- Mardi Gras Parades in St. Andrews and Panama City Beach – Complete with beads, music, and festive flair, Florida-style.
From farmers markets and art walks to fishing tournaments and food festivals, Bay County knows how to celebrate year-round.
Local Shopping & Boutiques
You’ll find a refreshing blend of big-name retailers and independent shops throughout the county.
- Pier Park: The premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district in Panama City Beach. Think Dillard’s, Old Navy, Southern boutiques, candy stores, and more—all in a walkable, open-air plaza.
- Downtown Panama City: This historic area is undergoing revitalization with the addition of local coffee shops, antique stores, art galleries, and gift shops.
- St. Andrews: Quirky and charming, this neighborhood is filled with unique boutiques, local seafood markets, and vintage stores.
- Lynn Haven: A family-friendly zone with new shopping centers, salons, and bakeries popping up as this city continues to grow.
Things to Do in Bay County
Whether you're looking to relax, explore, or create unforgettable memories, Bay County offers no shortage of things to do on any given day.
1. Explore the Beaches
- Panama City Beach: With 27 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise this beach is ranked among the best in the U.S. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, jet skiing, or simply taking in the sunset.
- St. Andrews State Park: A nature lover’s dream. Kayak in the lagoon, hike scenic trails, or ferry to Shell Island for a day of solitude and wildlife sightings.
- Shell Island: Uninhabited and completely undeveloped, this barrier island is ideal for snorkeling, dolphin watching, or collecting shells.
2. Outdoor Adventures & Parks
- Conservation Park: Over 24 miles of trails through wetlands and pine forests make this spot a haven for hikers and bikers.
- Gayle’s Trails: Connecting neighborhoods and parks throughout Panama City Beach, this trail system is perfect for walking, running, or biking.
- Camp Helen State Park: A hidden gem with coastal dune lakes, quiet beaches, and rustic charm for those seeking a peaceful escape.
- Boating & Fishing: With deep-sea charters, bay fishing, and freshwater lakes, Bay County is a paradise for anglers and boaters.
3. Family-Friendly Fun
- ZooWorld Zoological Park: Get up close with exotic animals in a fun, interactive environment ideal for kids.
- Shipwreck Island Waterpark: A hit with families featuring wave pools, slides, and lazy rivers to cool off on warm days.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not & WonderWorks: Indoor fun for those occasional rainy afternoons.
- SkyWheel Panama City Beach: Take in sweeping views of the beach and skyline from this iconic Ferris wheel.
4. Arts, Culture & History
- Panama City Center for the Arts: Featuring local and regional artists, exhibits, and cultural events.
- Martin Theatre: Catch a performance or classic film at this restored 1936 theatre in downtown Panama City.
- Man in the Sea Museum: Dive into maritime history and learn about deep-sea exploration in a hands-on, family-friendly environment.
5. Water Sports & Eco Tours
Bay County is built for water lovers. Try paddleboarding in Grand Lagoon, jet skiing near the pier, or scuba diving off the county’s many artificial reefs. Dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and eco-tours are available year-round, offering a unique way to explore the natural side of the Gulf.
Ready to Make the Move?
Whether you're buying your dream beach house, seeking a profitable investment, or simply looking to relocate to a community with soul, Bay County is ready to welcome you.
We invite you to explore the homes, neighborhoods, and lifestyles that make Bay County, Florida, one of the most sought-after coastal destinations in the United States.
Let us be your guide to everything this exceptional Gulf Coast county has to offer.
