Don’t believe me? Go down to the store, check out the Wall of Fame and see for yourself. Polaroid’s of patrons dating back to 1980 decorate the entire back wall. Even Tony, who sees the Wall of Fame every day, sometimes stares in amazement. “So many times we’ll get kids who come in to buy a board and see their fathers on the wall buying their first board. Mr. Surf’s isn’t me…it really is a beach landmark.”

What makes the store so awesome is its authenticity. Tony and Lib are surfers. Combined, they have 36 years of surfing experience, hitting the water every day. That energy follows them back to the store and show in the passion they have for their jobs. And by passion, I mean service. People, this isn’t just a retail store. Mr. Surfs offers surf lessons and programs, skate programs and eco tours. They even have board rentals, repairs, and a storage and delivery program where seasonal condo owners can leave their boards until they come back. This summer they’ll be adding a beach activity camp. The camp will combine all things beach and fun; surfing, skimming, snorkeling, beach music and games. On top of all that, Tony himself provides the most accurate & up-to-date Daily Surf Report for the Gulf Coast and the Panama City Beach area.

On your next visit, we encourage you to stop by Mr. Surf’s. If not for the sweet gear, the boards or the information, stop by and check out the Wall of Fame. You might see someone you know.

Mr. Surfs is located at 7220 Thomas Drive just two miles West of St. Andrews State Park. Store Hours: Monday – Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm
Currently closed Wednesdays .Hours are subject to change during the seasonal year.

[mappress address="7220 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 : Mr. Surf's Surf Shop" ]

Check out the website Here.

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One the outside, by name and exterior, one might think Flamingo Joe’s transplanted right out of Key West. But the second you bite into one of their signature Grouper sandwiches, you’ll know the flavor’s all Panama City Beach. Loved for great food, laid-back atmosphere and the tastiest salsa West of the Mississippi, Flamingo Joe’s is basically a residential right-of-passage for beach lovers.

Flamingo Joe’s is located at 2304 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-0600

9. Ms. Newby’s

Every city has a local bar to which locals, after a night of fun or dinner, just gravitate. No matter what new bar opens, or what spot becomes a summer trend, Newby’s, for lots of PCB locals, is like home. What began as a liquor store has, over the years, transformed into PCB’s #1 good-times tavern. Bikers, breakers and locals all hanging out under one roof, that’s Ms. Newby’s.

Ms. Newby’s is located at 711 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-0030

8. Half Hitch Tackle

Half Hitch is the local destination for all things fishing. Whether you’re a tournament-tested fisherman or a guy who just likes to throw a line every now and then, Half Hitch Tackle has had the beach covered for years. With the most knowledgeable staff practically anywhere, locals go to Half Hitch to get all the gear, the bait and information on what’s biting where.

Half Hitch Tackle is located at 2206 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-2621

7. RockIt Lanes

Few places on Panama City Beach have more than enough space to include the locals and the tourists, but one place does and does so with style: RockIt Lanes. 50,000 square ft worth of absolute fun, PCB locals love RockIt Lanes because of the rows of billard tables, the bowling, the arcades but mostly because of Thursday night Bar Wars where locals get well drinks and domestic beer for $1.50.

RockIt Lanes is located at 513 Beckrich Rd Panama City Bch, FL 32407. Call Ahead at (850) 249-2695

6. J. Micheal’s

If you walk into J. Micheal’s you’re likely to see city officials, hotel GMs and even restaurant owners hanging out in the same place they’ve been frequenting for years. Although the location has changed, the great food and chilled atmosphere has not. If you’re in PCB, you have to go to J. Micheal’s and order the red beans and rice; it’s a world famous dish that can tell you all you need to know about PCB in one bite.

J. Michael’s is located at 3210 Thomas Dr. Panama City Beach, FL. Call ahead at (850) 233-2055

5. S. Rick Seltzer Park

Locals have several secret beach spots where they get away from the crowds of tourists. I can’t give away all those locations, but one of the most popular of those locations is S. Rick Seltzer Park.This 4.7 acre cut of gulf is absolutely impeccable, one of the best places to get your “tan on”. With lots of restaurants and shopping nearby, and no high-rises on either side, you really feel like you have the whole beach to yourself. So grab a swimsuit, a bite to eat and just lounge like the locals do.

S. Rick Seltzer Park is located at 7419 Thomas Drive

4. Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar

Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is the season/off-season locals hangout simple because you get great food, live music, awesome drinks and sports on 360 degrees worth of HDTV. While tourists spend their time in the adjacent Pineapple Willy’s restaurant, locals are kicking back with a Fat Tuesday drink, listening to a great band rip the stage all the while watching their favorite sports team kick some butt. It’s the life, and it’s why we’re locals.

Pineapple Willy’s Pier Bar is located at 9875 S Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408

3. Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop

If you were to go into Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop, you’ll know you’re in a PCB landmark the moment you see the wall of fame. Years of PCB residents and tourists are plastered on the wall, images of boys buying their first board only to, years later, take a photo with their son and his first board. Serving up the surf since 1980, Mr. Surf’s is the local stop for all things beach from surf and skim lessons to boards and bikinis. Surf’s is more than just a store.

Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop is located at 7220 Thomas DR Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at 850-235-2217

2. Spinnaker’s

When locals want to get out and party and don’t want to be mobbed by the crowds, they head to one spot and that’s Spinnaker’s Beach Club. During the day it’s an amazing restaurant, serving up treats at the Paradise Grill or the beachside Cantina taco & tequila bar. At night it transforms into one of the most exciting club experiences in NW Florida. The Groove Room, The VIP Lounge and the Rock Arena provide enough room to get your dance on all night long.

Spinnaker’s Beach Club is located at 8795 Thomas Dr Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 234-7882

1. Liza’s Kitchen

Over a relatively short period of time, Liza’s Kitchen has become Panama City Beach local’s favorite place. This eccentric gourmet sandwich spot on Panama City Beach makes  the most original and tasty sandwiches on the entire beach. Everything is homemade down to the mayonnaise and everyday the delicious foccacia bread is freshly made. Serving lunch all week long, breakfast and tapas on the weekend, Liza’s is without a doubt, the local’s number one place. Oh, and did I mention the magical wine machine? Visit Panama City Beach and go to Liza’s. Thank us later.

Liza’s Kitchen is located at 7328 Thomas Dr # L Panama City, FL 32408. Call ahead at (850) 233-9000

1. Kayak Fishing
What is it?
Lots of fathers love the thrill of fishing. Just as many fathers enjoy the freedom of kayaking. So what do you get when you put the two together? You get one of the coolest father’s day ideas of all time: Kayak Fishing. Kayak Fishing is exactly as the name implies, fishing from a kayak. Kayak fisherman fish from sea kayaks in to level the playing field with fish. Kayaks are stealthy and allow anglers to reach areas not fishable from land or by conventional boat, thus you get to go where all the fish are and no competition from other fishermen.

Why Father’s will love it?
Father’s get to hit the sea and catch mammoth redfish and snapper just along the coast of Panama City Beach. It’s quiet, relaxing and at the same time exciting. And what father doesn’t like quiet, relaxation and excitement all at once?

Where to find it?
On Panama City Beach, the best place to get your kayak fishing on is at Sunjammers Watersports, the one place that can hook you up with all the best gear, tell you where to catch the best fish, teach you how its done and, if you show some skill, even let you in on their special Kayak Fishing Club. You can call 1-866-SUN-JAMM ask for Brad or check out the website at http://www.sunjammers.com.

2. Deep Sea Fishing

What is it?
Has your father ever dreamed of catching a fish as big as he is tall? Well, he doesn’t have to dream, all he has to to is get on a charter headed out to the Gulf of Mexico for some deep sea fishing. Deep Sea Fishing charters offer a variety of big fishing opportunities. There are trolling trips available to catch spanish and king mackerel, cobia, bonita, wahoo, and billfish. Bottom fishing trips are available to catch several varieties of grouper, red snapper, trigger and amberJack.

Why Father’s will love it?
Father’s can spend a whole day out on a charter with their entire families, a good crew and good times catching huge fish. Whether a fishing enthusiast, a lover of the open sea or entirely new to the idea, deep sea fishing is a great experience for dads and the whole family.

Where to find it?
Panama City Beach is lucky to have a high quality selection of Fishing Charters that offer competitive rates. A local favorite you might consider is Hook ‘Em Up Charters with Captain B.J. Burkett. His Hook’em Up is a 31ft. fast diesel-powered sport fishing boat with plenty of fishing room for up to 6 people. Capt. B.J. is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and has plenty of fishing experience to help you catch all the big ones. Call them up at 850-774-8333 or check out the website at Hook ‘Em.

3. Stand Up Paddle Boarding/Surfing Lessons

What is it?
Every dad, no matter the age or size, has imagined himself shredding waves like a pro surfer. Few men, however, own surf boards and hit the beach every time there is a minimal swell. Well, now is the time for you to make your dad’s dreams come true by giving him lessons on stand-up paddle boarding or surfing. Stand-up paddle boarding is actually an ancient form of surfing where you stand on along board and paddle out with outrigger paddles enjoying all the exhilaration of surfing without the need for huge waves.

Why Father’s will love it?
Stand up paddle boarding and surfing are radical ways to get out in the sun and the water with the family. It’s truly a can’t miss great time and father’s won’t forget the experience.

Where to find it?
The best place on Panama City Beach to get lessons on surfing or stand up paddle boarding is through Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop. Located on Thomas Drive, Mr. Surf’s offers a combination of lessons, eco-tours and rentals. For more information call (850) 235-2702 or got to the website http://www.mrsurfs.com.

4. Helicopter Tour

What is it?
Most father’s who’ve lived in Panama City Beach or are frequent visitors may believe they’ve seen every angle of PCB from end to end. While, that may be partly true, we’re willing to bet they haven’t seen it from a few hundred feet up, hovering in a helicopter over the shoreline. If they haven’t, now is the perfect time. Helicopter Tours over Panama City Beach offer amazing views of the “World’s Most Beautiful Beach.” Perfect for taking pictures, romantic adventures or fun for the whole family, helicopter tours make for an awesome father’s day gift idea.

Why Father’s will love it?
Helicopter Tours are totally unique ways to see Panama City Beach. The views are spectacular and you hover just high enough to see it all without feeling detached. I could tell you its a lot of fun, but that would be an understatement. Try it.

Where to find it?
Panhandle Helicopter, just off Front Beach Road, provides air tours over Panama City Beach, Florida. Tours vary depending on the amount of time you’d like to spend in the air, but, either 5 minutes or 20 minutes, you’ll have the absolute best seat on the beach. For more information on tours you can call Panhandle Helicopter at 850-230-2080 or go to the website at http://www.panhandlehelicopter.com

5. Dive Lessons

What is it?
You may not know this, but Panama City Beach is actually North Florida’s most popular place for diving  and it is second only to the Florida Keys as the most visited dive destination in the state. Why is it such an amazing dive spot you ask? Well, throughout Panama City Beach there are over 50 artificial reefs, including ships, barges, bridge spans and hundreds of natural limestone reefs, ranging in depths of 18’ to 110’. PCB also has easy access to Morrison and Vortex Springs, two of the most impressive cave and cavern diving locations in the state. All this plus the amazing Empire Mica, a 465ft wrecked ship in the Gulf of Mexico.

Why Father’s will love it?
Because there are just some experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Besides, how cool would it be to say in conversation, “Yeah, I’m a diver. Just last week we hit the S.S. Tarpon, a 220-ft. World War II tug. I do it in my free time.” Every dad wants to be that cool.

Where to find it?
There is no better place for all your diving lessons than the Dive Locker on Panama City Beach. They offer the full range of all-things dive related and can have your dad underwater in no time. Three day Basic Open Water Diver courses are every Friday morning. All the equipment necessary to complete the course, all books and materials, dives and Certification Card are included in the price. For more information call them at 1-888-612-7968 or go to the website http://www.divelocker.net

All you fathers out there have a happy father’s day.