Upper Grand Lagoon

Travel Guide

Upper Grand Lagoon which includes a lake or waterhole and a sandy beach
Upper Grand Lagoon showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Upper Grand Lagoon
Upper Grand Lagoon which includes a beach, a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Upper Grand Lagoon which includes a lake or waterhole and a house

Aquatic pursuits, nature treks and gorgeous scenery are among the popular draws of this part of the Florida Panhandle.

Upper Grand Lagoon is a coastal playground of great natural beauty that sits between Panama CityOpens in a new window and Panama City BeachOpens in a new window. The area is known as the gateway to the gulf and is where you can pursue watersports, explore above and below the sea and relax on white-sand beaches.

Visit the docks and marinas that line Upper Grand Lagoon and choose from a range of water-based activities. Go on a deep-sea fishing trip and reel in snappers, groupers and scamp. Book a sightseeing tour of St. Andrew’s Bay and watch bottlenose dolphins skimming through the water. Head over to Shell Island, an uninhabited island known for its wild landscape and the large number of seashells that wash up on its shores. Enjoy wildlife spotting, swimming and shelling. You can also charter your own vessel and tour the bay at your leisure.

Take to the waves and get active on the water. Try Jet Skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Venture beneath the waters of the Emerald Coast on a scuba diving or snorkeling trip. There are numerous dive sites where you can investigate wrecks and artificial reefs. Among the old vessels lying on the seabed are a late 19th-century steamer and a tanker that was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. Novice divers can attend lessons and courses.

There are more opportunities for watersports over at St. Andrews State ParkOpens in a new window in nearby Lower Grand Lagoon. After your aquatic activities, go on a hike through the park’s pine forest.

At night, dine in one of the many waterfront bars or restaurants that can be found in Upper Grand Lagoon’s marinas.

Reach Upper Grand Lagoon by flying into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, approximately 24 miles (38.6 kilometers) away. Get around by taxi or rental car. During your stay, travel a few minutes west of the lagoon area to experience Panama City Beach. This Bay County city is home to long stretches of beach and a host of family attractions.

Where to stay in Upper Grand Lagoon

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Lagoon Estates

Lagoon Estates might not have many top sights, but Thomas Drive and Naval Support Activity Panama City are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lagoon Estates
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North Lagoon Oaks

When in North Lagoon Oaks, you can plan a visit to Thomas Drive and Naval Support Activity Panama City, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

North Lagoon Oaks
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Port Lagoon

While visiting Port Lagoon, you might make a stop by sights like St. Andrews Bay and Capt. Anderson's Marina.

Port Lagoon
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Treasure Cove

While there might not be top attractions in Treasure Cove, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Capt. Anderson's Marina and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Treasure Cove
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The Pines

While The Pines may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Ripley's Believe It or Not and Coconut Creek Family Fun Park.

The Pines
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Woodlawn

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Woodlawn and surrounding area, you can visit Publix Sports Park and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Woodlawn
Tru By Hilton Panama City Beach

Tru By Hilton Panama City Beach

2.5 out of 5
1585 North Urban Blu Drive, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is €65 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€65
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Thomas Drive and Shipwreck Island Waterpark are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (281 reviews)
"Great place to stay and the price was right… free breakfast and charging station in parking lot.."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Tru By Hilton Panama City Beach
Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Panama City Beach

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Panama City Beach

2.5 out of 5
7909 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is €62 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€62
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.4/10 Good! (682 reviews)
"Everything was just as expected. Nice and neat and good and easy breakfast."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Panama City Beach
La Quinta by Wyndham PCB Coastal Palms

La Quinta by Wyndham PCB Coastal Palms

3 out of 5
7115 Coastal Palms Blvd., Panama City Beach, FL
The price is €62 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€62
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,253 reviews)
"Very friendly staff specially fromdesk Dianece , she be the one who every company would like to have as their representative. The whole hotel was very clean, the breakfast was always attended. There is not a single thing that it could be said negatively about La Quinta Inn hotel at Costal Palm at ..."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham PCB Coastal Palms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Shores of Panama Beach Resort

Shores of Panama Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
9900 South Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Shipwreck Island ...
5.8/10 (854 reviews)
"Nice and spacious!! We had problems with the AC on our last day but it was fine. The room isn’t like the photos they give you, every room is different! Nice view of the pool and good for a family of 5. Everything is very walkable and has a nearby Walmart."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Shores of Panama Beach Resort
Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
15817 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Frank Brown Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (158 reviews)
"The rooms were fully furnished (kitchen could be update), clean, and comfortable. The property was great-fast elevators, nice pools, and food/drink options."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
16819 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Frank Brown Park ...
7.2/10 Good! (167 reviews)
Beautiful room.
"Room looked like the pictures which was a pleasant surprise! No false advertising. The bedroom was beautiful and the kids lived having their own room, and we loved having separate bathrooms. There was a drip coffee and a k-cup machine (so you know what kind of coffee to buy). The rocking chairs on ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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