Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach boasts so much more than incredible beaches and emerald waters. With year-round recreation, family-friendly attractions, and a steady calendar of annual events, it’s a popular vacation destination for short getaways, extended vacations, and seasonal visits. Plus, with the communities of 30A just minutes away, the possibilities for non-stop family fun are practically endless!
Book your Panama City Beach vacation today.
Where is Panama City Beach?
Located in Florida’s panhandle along U.S. Highway 98, Panama City Beach is nestled between 30A to the east and Port St. Joe to the west. Getting to Panama City Beach is a breeze, whether you’re driving or flying in.
Visitors traveling by car from nearby cities like New Orleans, Mobile, or Jacksonville can follow the 1-10 corridor to nearby coastal highways for a direct route to the beach.
Air travel is convenient via the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, located right here in Panama City. Other options include the Pensacola International Airport, about 2 hours away; the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, about 1.5 hours away; or the Destin Executive Airport, available for chartered flights.
Things to do in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach offers endless family-friendly activities, from relaxing on our beautiful beaches to swimming, boating, parasailing, and more!
Water Activities in Panama City Beach
Dozens of public beach access points make spending time in, on, or above the water easy! Plus, you can join guided excursions or rent equipment from local operators who are happy to provide instruction and support. Join the locals and try everything from fishing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding to kayaking and scuba diving!
Family-Friendly Activities in Panama City Beach
Beyond the sun and sand, you’ll find other activities that are hugely popular, sure to delight everyone in your crew!
Parks and Nature Attractions
Panama City Beach is home to a diverse coastal ecosystem of dune lakes, salt marshes, cypress swamps, and pine forests, offering countless recreational opportunities. Most state parks are open from 8 AM to sunset, with day-use fees or annual passes available.
Camp Helen State Park boasts one of Florida’s largest coastal dune lakes, and is a fun place for swimming and paddleboarding, while kayaking and beachcombing are popular activities at nearby Lake Powell. St. Andrews State Park offers hiking trails, picnic pavilions, excellent fishing, and glimpses of migrating birds and butterflies.
Take a shuttle to Shell Island for an epic day trip and kayak, swim, or snorkel miles of the undeveloped sanctuary, brimming with sea turtles, shorebirds, and crabs. And hikers, bikers, and joggers can take their pick from loops ranging from a half mile to 12 miles at Conservation Park, then enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the gorgeous scenery!
Shipwreck Island Water Park
With acres of water activities for family members of all ages, Shipwreck Island Water Park is another fun way to beat the heat, with a lazy river, a wave pool, raging rapids, and more.
Swampy Jack’s
Swampy Jack’s delivers midway games, electric go-karts, mini golf, a spin coaster, and a tower swing. Funnel cake and Hawaiian shaved ice are the cherry on top!
Wonder Works
With interactive exhibits blending education and entertainment, WonderWorks offers hands-on experiences for all ages. Explore the Space Discovery Zone, the Imagination Lab, and the Wonder Art Gallery, or book a laser tag birthday party.
Pier Park
With a mix of shops, dining, and entertainment, Pier Park is a fun entertainment district with miniature golf, laser tag, a ropes course, and a mirror maze. Enjoy hundreds of arcade games at Dave and Busters, or enjoy the view from above on the SkyWheel.
Where to Eat in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach offers a diverse dining scene with a host of casual eateries and waterfront restaurants, many featuring live music. Here are a few popular choices:
- Runaway Island - for a hearty appetizer menu, delicious fish tacos, and fresh seafood on a gorgeous beachfront property.
- Captain Anderson’s - for hearty seafood platters, Florida lobster, an extensive wine list, and gorgeous water views.
- Pineapple Willy’s - for refreshing frozen daiquiris, smoked tuna dip, coconut shrimp, and some of the best po’ boys around.
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville - offering a varied menu, including seafood, steak, pasta, and ribs, and the margaritas are a must-try. After all, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?
- Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar - for live music nightly, specialty drinks, and a wildly popular menu that caters to every palate.
- Schooners Last Local Beach Club - come straight from the beach, enjoy a Mahi Mahi sandwich with an ice-cold craft beer while watching the sun set over the Gulf.
- Barefoot Hide-A-Way - featuring three squares a day, it’s easy to find a time to enjoy fish and chips and a Bushwacker while gazing at the sparkling turquoise waters.
- The Grand Marlin - featuring scratch-made dishes showcasing fresh, local seafood prepared in delightfully surprising ways. You’ll no doubt be back time and time again.
Panama City Beach Events
The Panama City Beach lifestyle begins outdoors, and each season brings fun and exciting events your whole family will enjoy! Why not plan your trip around one of our signature events?
The annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival at Aaron Bessant Park features an impressive lineup of jazz artists appearing each year at this four-day event.
The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam at Frank Brown Park brings country music and Southern rock to the beach for an incredible four-day festival experience.
Join in a celebration of craft beer, spirits, wine, and delicious cuisine prepared by local chefs at UNwineD, featuring a kick-off party, afternoon tasting, and more.
With over 30 food trucks, 50 craft beers, and fun lawn games, everyone can agree that the Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is an event you won’t want to miss.
Enjoy a weekend of live music, food, entertainment, and access to hot rods, muscle cars, classics, and more at the Emerald Coast Cruizin Car Show.
The Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show celebrates the popular Panama City Beach outdoor lifestyle with paddleboards, fishing, kayaks, and all the accessories needed to enjoy long days on the water.
Highlights of the Mardi Gras and Music Festival? An incredible parade with over 30 floats, a 5K fun run, fireworks, and a kids' fun zone.
Face painting, bounce houses, and a photo booth make it fun for the kids, but German beer, stein hoisting, and horn blowing make the annual Oktoberfest a hit with adults.
Ring in the new year at the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, a fun street festival that sees 10,000 beach balls descend during the Kid’s Ball Drop. Enjoy games, fireworks, plenty of kid-friendly activities, and an adult ball drop before calling it a night.
Panama City Beach Weather
Panama City Beach enjoys warm, sunny conditions year-round, with warm summers and short, mild winters. Daytime temperatures typically range from the 60s to mid-80s, rarely dropping below the 40s. Water play is prevalent year-round, with water temperatures averaging above 80°F from late spring through early fall. Popular for so many reasons, Panama City Beach is a destination you won’t want to miss!
