Upper Grand Lagoon, FL

Travel Guide

Upper Grand Lagoon showing a beach and a lake or waterhole
Upper Grand Lagoon showing a lake or waterhole and tranquil scenes
Florida Panhandle featuring a bay or harbor
Upper Grand Lagoon showing tranquil scenes, a beach and a lake or waterhole
Upper Grand Lagoon featuring a house and a lake or waterhole

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

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

Lagoon Estates
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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
Florida Panhandle featuring a bay or harbor

Port Lagoon

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Port Lagoon, St. Andrews Bay and Capt. Anderson's Marina are top sights worth seeing.

Port Lagoon
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North Lagoon Oaks

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in North Lagoon Oaks and surrounding area, you can visit Thomas Drive and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

North Lagoon Oaks
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The Pines

4/5(15 area reviews)

While The Pines might 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

While there might not be top attractions in Woodlawn, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Publix Sports Park and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Woodlawn
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 ¥9,634 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥9,634
¥10,791 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (694 reviews)
"La habiume pareció muy cómoda, amplia, limpia, lo que no me gustó es que afuera del hotel hay muchos fumadores y hace parecer el área peligrosa, el desayuno si es una estafa, todo es congelado y de mala calidad así que no lo recomiendo, y el staff es muy amable y colaborador, solo 1 persona del staff ..."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Panama City Beach
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 ¥9,884 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥9,884
¥11,070 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (295 reviews)
"Very good place"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Tru By Hilton 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 ¥9,140 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
¥9,140
¥10,238 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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)
"I have never had to leave a security deposit at a la Quinta before."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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 Shipwreck Island Waterpark and ...
5.8/10 (862 reviews)
"Beautiful property, the condo had items under the bed and behind the dressers from the previous guest. Upon leaving I pulled all of the linen and one of the beds had a huge blood stain on the mattress. The fire alarm went off and no one notified the guest of a false alarm until we took the stairs ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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! (162 reviews)
"Very nice overall"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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! (168 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 Jun 27, 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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