U.S. 98 from Panama City Beach to Port St. Joe
One road, four towns and a coastline that gets quieter with every mile. Here’s how to drive it in a day.
U.S. 98 runs along the Gulf through every town on this stretch of coast. Start early in Panama City Beach, end with sunset in Gulf County, and you’ll see the full range of the coast in one day.
Stop 1: Panama City Beach
Grab breakfast at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop, a Front Beach Road tradition since 1971. If you have the morning, catch the shuttle to Shell Island from St. Andrews State Park. Otherwise, take a quick walk on the Russell-Fields Pier before you head east.
Stop 2: Panama City and historic St. Andrews
Cross the bridge over St. Andrew Bay into Panama City. Stroll the bayfront in historic St. Andrews, pop into the shops, and stop for oysters if it’s lunchtime. If you’d rather see art and architecture, drive through downtown to see the murals and the art deco Martin Theatre on Harrison Avenue.
Stop 3: Mexico Beach
East of Panama City, the road runs past Tyndall Air Force Base before reaching Mexico Beach. Pull off at a beach access, put your feet in the water and enjoy how quiet it is. This small town has rebuilt after Hurricane Michael and is worth a slow lap.
Stop 4: Port St. Joe
Start at the Gulf County Welcome Center, the big green building on stilts off U.S. 98, for maps and bay views. Then walk Reid Avenue downtown and climb the 131 steps of the Cape San Blas Lighthouse in George Core Park. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday.
Finish: Cape San Blas and Indian Pass
Drive out onto the cape for a late-afternoon walk at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Then end the day at the Indian Pass Raw Bar for oysters and live music. Gulf County’s beaches face west, so sunset here sinks right into the Gulf.
Make it a long weekend
Better yet, don’t do it in a day. Book a stay at each end of the coast, or pick a home base in the middle, and take it slow.
Join our Facebook Group to swap tips with other Gulf Coast fans, see new stays first and ask locals anything.
