Panama City Beach “Fun. For. All.” accessible travel initiative continues

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLA. – Visit Panama City Beach announce the continued evolution of its “Fun. For. All.” accessible travel initiative with new offerings and developments including Bay County’s first fully accessible beach boardwalk at Edward F. Hickey, Jr. Park, located at Beach Access Point 22 on Surf Drive.

As part of its ongoing mission to ensure a welcoming and inclusive destination for all, Panama City Beach recently earned the Destination Verified Seal by inclusive online booking platform Wheel the World. As a verified destination, Wheel the World assesses accessibility for local destination partners while providing education and guidance to further enhance accessible resources for hotels, attractions and restaurants throughout Panama City Beach.

“We are proud to continue our focus on the “Fun. For. All.” initiative to ensure visitors and residents of all abilities feel welcome within our destination and community,” said Dan Rowe, Visit Panama City Beach president and CEO. “With Panama City Beach’s new ADA beach access point and partnership with Wheel the World, we are excited to continue our momentum as a top accessible destination.”

A sampling of new accessible developments in Panama City Beach:

• Edward F. Hickey, Jr. Park: In an effort to make the destination’s beautiful beaches accessible to everyone, Edward F. Hickey, Jr. Park at Beach Access 22 was recently converted into a new ADA beach access point. All features at Edward F. Hickey, Jr. Park are designed to accommodate those with mobility challenges, including handicapped parking spaces, an accessible beach ramp and over 100 feet of mobility mats that extend from the sand to the shoreline, allowing beachgoers using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes to enjoy the beach.
• Camp Helen State Park: An ecological gem situated on the western border of Panama City Beach, Camp Helen State Park offers pristine beaches, winding trails, a rare dune lake, and a variety of accessible amenities. An accessible ramp and pier ensure all visitors can explore its tranquil surroundings, and a beach wheelchair is available at the park’s visitor center. Service animals are welcome at Camp Helen State Park and in all areas of Florida State Parks.
• Wheel the World Partnership: An inclusive online booking platform for travelers with disabilities, Wheel the World allows travelers to find and book accessible travel experiences. Through the Destinations Verified Program, Wheel the World visits and assesses destinations to evaluate accessibility.

A preview of Panama City Beach’s accessible partners can be found below:

Activities & Attractions

• SkyWheel Panama City Beach
• Shipwreck Island Waterpark
• WonderWorks
• M.B. Miller County Pier
• Duplin Winery
• Panama City Beach Conservation Park
• Panhandle Helicopter
• Panama City Beach Visitor Information Center
• Publix Sports Park
• St. Andrew’s State Park

Accommodations

• Hyatt Place Panama City Beach
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach
• Springhill Suites Panama City Beach
• Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront

Dining

• Pineapple Willy’s
• The Wicked Wheel