Considered one of the world's most beautiful beaches for its sugar white sand and emerald blue-green waters, Panama City Beach has, until recently, remained one of Florida's undiscovered treasures. First documented by Spanish explorers in the 1500s and later by the English, the region remained unsettled because of its inaccessibility and marauding renegade inhabitants. At a time when property was valued according to the crops it could grow, the beach was dismissed as a "no man's land" unsuitable for habitation. The early 1930s and the Hathaway Bridge, connecting Panama City Beach to the mainland, marked its "discovery" and the beginning of area tourism.

Discover the haunted history of this Florida Gulf Coast city with tales of battles, murders, natural disasters and the restless spirits they left behind. Located on the coast of Florida’s panhandle, Panama City offers plenty of charm, fun and sun. But it also has a dramatic past that still lingers among its old buildings and historic landmarks. Staff at the City Center for the Arts can still hear the footsteps of inmates pacing the cells of the Old County Jail that once occupied the grounds, and a phantom known as Virginia still frequents the elevators of the historic Bay County Courthouse. Not all spirits bring doom and gloom, however—one local family learned how to befriend the resident ghost of their new home that was fond of whistling at night. Using extensive research and interviews, author Beverly Nield details the ghastly history of haunted Panama City.

Panama City began as three 640-acre homesteads in the late 1800s and was incorporated in 1909. The seat of Bay County, this thriving port city of nearly 156,000 is home to Tyndall Air Force Base and the Naval Coastal Systems Center. This volume contains more than 200 vintage postcard views of Panama City from its earliest years through the 1970s. Scenes of neighboring Panama City Beach include early beach institutions like the Hangout at Long Beach Resort, Jenkins Drive In, Mitties Tavern, and Little Birmingham. Those who remember the FoaCasle Grille at the Verde Mer Cottages in Laguna Beach deserve a gold star.

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, is a city where the past seamlessly blends with the future. Nestled on the Pacific Ocean and flanked by tropical rainforests, this city is a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and history. Its unique position as a gateway between two continents has shaped its identity, making it a melting pot of diverse influences and lifestyles. As you explore Panama City, you'll encounter a tapestry of architectural styles, from colonial buildings in the Casco Viejo district to modern skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. Each street tells a story, reflecting the city's evolution from a Spanish colonial outpost to a thriving metropolis known for its economic prowess and strategic importance. Beyond its economic significance, Panama City boasts a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its museums, galleries, and lively festivals. From the Panama Canal Museum, which chronicles the history of one of the world's greatest engineering feats, to the vibrant Panama Jazz Festival that attracts musicians from around the globe, the city pulsates with creativity and energy. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the city's proximity to natural wonders such as the Soberania National Park and the Amador Causeway, where stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Panama Canal await. These natural landscapes provide a tranquil contrast to the city's dynamic urban environment, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and leisurely strolls. Panama City is also a culinary destination, where you can savor a fusion of flavors influenced by indigenous traditions, Spanish cuisine, Afro-Caribbean spices, and international trends. From street food stalls serving empanadas to upscale restaurants offering innovative dishes, the city's gastronomic scene caters to every palate. Whether you're drawn to its historical landmarks, cultural festivities, natural beauty, or culinary delights, Panama City promises a memorable experience for travelers seeking to uncover the heart and soul of Central America. Join us as we delve deeper into this captivating city, where every corner reveals a new chapter in its storied past and promising future.

First platted as Park Resort and later Harrison, Panama City received its current designation in 1909. More than 100 years ago, men of vision recognized the attractiveness and potential of this land along the shores of St. Andrews Bay, and those visionaries established a city that is now anticipating its centennial year. A local newspaper once reported that such men "saw that nature had dealt kindly with that section of the country and that with properly directed effort a great future awaited it." Others claimed the area was "nothing but a wilderness." Today nature's kindness to those who reside on these shores is apparent. This volume pays tribute to the city by recognizing the places, events, and, most importantly, the individuals who have inspired its success.

# 1 best-selling guide to Panama* Lonely Planet Panama is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Sip coconuts on a Caribbean beach; lay eyes on the awe-inspiring Panama Canal; or hike through sublime cloud forests; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Panama and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Panama: Color maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - land & wildlife, music, cuisine, arts, politics, history Over 46 maps Covers Panama City, Panama Province, Cocle Province, Peninsula deAzuero, Veraguas Province, Chiriqui Province, Bocas del Toro Province, Colon Province, Comarca de Kuna Yala, Darien Province and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Panama, our most comprehensive guide to Panama, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet Central America on a Shoestring. Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveler community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travelers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. *Best-selling guide to Panama. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Australia, UK and USA Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.