Every November, Panama City Beach sounds different. Big-block V8s idle along Front Beach Road, chrome catches the Gulf light, and a park across from Pier Park becomes one of the South's biggest open-air showrooms. Emerald Coast Cruizin' — billed as "The South's Best Blast from the Past" — returns Thursday through Saturday, November 12–14, 2026 — and By The Sea Resorts is proud to be a Preferred Lodging Partner of Emerald Coast Cruizin'.
Cruizin' week starts at Barefoot Hide-A-Way
On Wednesday, November 11, the cars roll into Barefoot Hide-A-Way Bar & Grill (15405 Front Beach Rd, 850-249-2031) to kick off Cruizin' week: a Beachside Car Show & Block Party from 10 AM–3 PM with a DJ from 11 AM–3 PM and food and drink specials, then a Sunset Cruise-In from 5–8 PM with karaoke and a Gulf sunset. Bring a ride or just come look.
A show with roots
Emerald Coast Cruizin' was founded in 2005 for automotive enthusiasts of every stripe: classics, hot rods, street rods, exotics and muscle cars. Twenty-plus years on, it runs twice a year — spring and fall — drawing thousands of show cars and trucks to the Emerald Coast.
The essentials
- Kickoff: Wed Nov 11, Barefoot Hide-A-Way (10 AM–3 PM block party; 5–8 PM Sunset Cruise-In)
- When: Nov 12–14, 2026, 8 AM–5 PM daily
- Where: Aaron Bessant Park, 500 W Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 — across from Pier Park, one block from the beach
- Spectators: $20 per day at the gate; kids under 12 free
- Highlights: rows of hot rods, customs, muscle cars and trucks; a live auction; live bands on the center stage; a vendor midway; cash and swag giveaways
Tips from your Gulf-front hosts
- Go early. Gates open at 8 AM; morning light is best for photos and the grounds are calmer.
- Pre-register if you're showing. The organizer says pre-registration qualifies you for express check-in.
- Pace your days. Three days means you can do the rows one day, the auction another, and leave room for the beach.
- Pair it with Pier Park. 125+ stores and restaurants sit right next door — an easy break for anyone in your group who has seen enough carburetors.
- Watch the evening cruise from the sand side. Front Beach Road comes alive when cars head out; please follow local traffic rules and posted signage.
- Bring sunscreen and water. November in PCB is mild, but 17 acres of grass is a lot of walking.
Where to stay
By The Sea Resorts' beachfront hotels give you a Gulf view to come home to after a day in the rows — with parking included in the resort fee. Choose from the Palmetto, Chateau, Sugar Sands, Beachcomber, and The Palm & Tide, fully renovated with all-new furnishings. If you're traveling with an oversized vehicle or trailer, call us before you arrive so we can help plan.
Book direct for the best rate: https://direct-book.com/properties/palmettobeachfronthotel or call 1-888-627-0625.
Frequently asked
Is Emerald Coast Cruizin' family friendly? Yes, the organizer describes it as family-friendly, and children under 12 get in free.
Can I buy tickets at the gate? Yes, spectator tickets are sold at the gate for $20 per day.
When is the next one? Spring 2027 runs March 11–13; fall 2027 runs November 11–13.
Sources: emeraldcoastcruizin.com, visitpanamacitybeach.com, 30a.com, organizer's Facebook posts.