Panama City Beach is one of the most popular destinations in northwestern Florida. This waterfront town is located on the Gulf of Mexico (now the Gulf of America) and offers a truly unique experience for travelers. Panama City Beach is also well-positioned due to its proximity to several nearby state parks. If you are visiting Panama City Beach soon, there are endless attractions that can make your visit unforgettable.
This area of Florida is brimming with untouched beauty, exciting outdoor adventures, and hidden gems that only locals know about. Let’s examine some of the most exciting things to do in Panama City Beach so you can plan the perfect vacation.
Must-See Panama City Beach Attractions
Panama City Beach has a slogan: “The world’s most beautiful beaches.” Although it is known for its white, sandy beaches, there is much more to enjoy at this waterfront destination. Simply put, you could be here for a week and still not see all the beaches in the area. Therefore, you should make time for a wide array of activities. Here are a few of the top Panama City Beach attractions that must be on your itinerary.
Walk the iconic Russell-Fields Pier
If you head to the waterfront anywhere in this town, you are likely to see piers jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico. One of the most popular fishing piers is the Russell-Fields Pier. It extends 1500 feet out into the Gulf, allowing you to take in views of the coastline. It is also a perfect spot to witness the breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf. Make an evening of your stroll along the pier by stopping at one of the nearby restaurants for a delicious dinner. Russell-Fields Pier is one of the most popular things to do in Panama City Beach, so make sure you do not leave this town without stopping at the pier.
Ride the SkyWheel at Pier Park
When you finish your stroll along Russell-Field Pier, make sure you check out the Pier Park as well. This area offers numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the famous SkyWheel. Take a ride on this Ferris wheel to get a bird’s eye view of Panama City Beach. Take the kids through the mirror maze or to the playground and splash pad if you need a break from running around. There is a wide array of things to do at Pier Park, so you can plan to spend an entire day there without running out of activities.
Tour WonderWorks and Ripley’s Believe It or Not
If you’re traveling with children, your next stop should be WonderWorks. This center combines science and fun to create an educational experience and lasting memories. You and your family can explore over 100 hands-on exhibits to satisfy your curiosity, or you can engage in more intense activities, such as laser tag or a ropes course.
Travelers who have an affinity for the odd things in life can visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not. This museum features oddities, interactive exhibits, and rare artifacts to thrill your sense of wonder (and confusion). You can even try out the multi-dimensional motion simulator ride for a more thrilling experience at Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Spot dolphins on a boat cruise
When you visit a waterfront town like Panama City Beach, you should plan on spending some time on a boat. Some boat tours will take you to spots along the Gulf Coast with high concentrations of dolphins. Relax on a boat cruise while admiring these incredible creatures as they leap out of the water. Seascreamer is one of the most well-known dolphin tour companies in the area, offering both daytime and sunset tours that you won’t want to miss.
Water Activities for All Ages
The crystal clear waters near Panama City Beach are begging to be explored. During your time in this town, there are endless water activities you can choose from to create lifelong memories. Here are a few of the most popular water activities you can engage in during your vacation.
Snorkel or paddleboard at Shell Island
Shell Island is a seven-mile-long barrier island located directly across the bay from Panama City, featuring untouched beauty throughout. There are several options for exploring the waters surrounding this island. If you prefer to stay above the surface, paddleboarding is an incredibly popular activity, and there are multiple locations where you can rent a paddleboard.
You can also dive down into the crystal clear waters for a snorkeling adventure to admire the biodiversity around Shell Island. No one can forget what it is like to witness the vast ecosystems that exist just below the surface in Saint Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Kayak or fish at St. Andrews State Park
Across from Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park is situated on the other side of the narrow entrance to the bay, just outside Panama City. If you visit this state park on a nice day, chances are you will witness people kayaking or fishing nearby. Perhaps you’ll catch a Spanish mackerel, flounder, or sea trout if you’re lucky. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can easily rent one from multiple locations in Panama City Beach.
These two activities offer a more relaxed atmosphere when you want to slow down and take in the sights of the Gulf Coast.
Try parasailing or jet skiing
Those hoping for a few extra thrills during their trip will not be disappointed with the options. Try parasailing for the first time, which involves flying through the air with a parachute as it is pulled by a boat, offering riders an excellent view from above. If you have the need for speed, jet-skiing in the Panama City Beach area can offer a more exciting thrill.
Whether you sail high in the sky while secured to a parachute or zoom along the surface on a jet ski, both experiences can be unforgettable and create lasting memories for your family.
Charter a deep-sea fishing boat
Fishing charters enable individuals to venture out into the open sea for a more intense fishing experience. With fishing charters, an experienced boat captain can take you to the most populated fishing grounds in this part of Florida to try your hand at catching local wildlife. Whether you want to discover the joys of deep-sea fishing or simply watch the professionals at work, this can be a rewarding experience for the whole family.
Take a sunset sailing cruise
Panama City Beach is also known for its breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf. If you want to get the best sunset views, you could take a sailing cruise. Riding in a sailboat offers a unique experience compared to many motorized vessels, providing a more authentic sea adventure. Plus, the pictures you get of the sky and sea will certainly be worthy of a desktop or phone background.
Multiple companies offer sunset boat tours in Panama City Beach. Paradise Adventures and Island Time Sailing can both accommodate your dream of seeing the sunset while on a sailboat. You should also check out some of the great dock and dine restaurants in PCB for waterfront dining with a killer view.
Family Fun in Panama City
Although adults can have plenty of exciting adventures in Panama City Beach, this town has leaned heavily into the family side of the tourism business. Many tourist attractions are designed to bring joy and wonder to children’s hearts. If you are with your kids on this vacation, there are numerous ways to discover lifelong memories as a family.
Splash at Shipwreck Island Waterpark
What kid doesn’t love a water park? Shipwreck Island Waterpark is widely regarded as one of the best water parks in Florida. A lazy river, exciting waterslides, multiple themed pools, and rides for all ages will ensure your entire day is packed with fun. Additionally, it’s a great way to tire out the kids if you want a relaxing evening in your Airbnb or hotel. Spending all day at a warm beach can be exhausting, and you may find sand everywhere once you get back to your rental. Shipwreck Island is a great alternative to enjoy water activities without the issue of sand getting everywhere.
Play mini golf at Coconut Creek
The kids will never forget an afternoon spent at the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. This park features two separate mini-golf courses, each with 18 holes. However, if your children love a fun adventure, you can take them through the incredible maze. The Gran Maze is roughly the size of a football field, so challenge your family to find all four checkpoints before reaching the exit. Together, you can test your problem-solving skills to escape the maze as fast as possible.
Watch a movie at The Grand Theatre (Pier Park)
Sometimes, taking in a movie is the best way to spend an evening during your vacation in Panama City Beach. Perhaps a family-friendly film is playing one night, and you’ve been running around all day to different attractions. Head back to Pier Park to visit The Grand Theater, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a family-friendly film. Some movies may even be showing in IMAX.
Many travelers believe that watching a movie while on vacation detracts from other experiences, but the unique setting of The Grand Theater ensures a memorable moviegoing experience.
Go go-kart racing or arcade gaming
Did you ever race in a go-kart when you were younger? You can provide that experience for your kids while joining them. If you want a fun, long track to try, the Hidden Lagoon Super Race Track is the place to try. Some go-kart places also feature arcade games that you can play with the kids, such as Race City Amusement Park. Let them have a supply of coins or tokens and watch them take off to explore the various games, some of which could be throwbacks to your own childhood.
Day Trips & Local Gems
Panama City Beach is located in an extremely convenient spot in Florida for traveling. Although the town itself has plenty to offer to fill out an itinerary, there are also some day trips you can take to explore the state further. Let’s look at some hidden gems and nearby attractions that are worth a visit during your stay in Panama City Beach.
Explore Seaside and Scenic Highway 30A
Seaside is an unincorporated resort community that is just a half-hour drive from Panama City Beach. It has a long sandy beach, pastel-colored houses, white picket fences, and access to Grayton Beach State Park. Within this state park is a coastal dune lake and numerous hiking trails.
On your way up to Seaside, you should take scenic highway 30A, which runs along the Gulf Coast between the two towns and beyond. This 24-mile route passes through numerous small beach towns along the shore. Although it may not be the fastest route between Seaside and Panama City Beach, it is by far the most scenic.
Visit historic Downtown Panama City
Downtown Panama City is also worth exploring. The whole family can enjoy the sights and sounds of this cultural hub, which is located right on St. Andrews Bay. Panama City is the perfect blend of southern hospitality, historic charm, and modern vibrancy. It is the largest city between Tallahassee and Pensacola. Visit unique shops, dine at local restaurants, walk along the brick-paved streets, and enjoy all the fun things to do in Panama City.
Stroll through Conservation Park
If you’re a family of nature lovers, Conservation Park is a must-see destination. 24 miles of nature trails and boardwalks will take you through a 2,900-acre nature area between Powell Lake and West Bay. You’ll have the opportunity to see local wildlife, including a variety of bird species and flora, so be sure to bring your binoculars to enjoy great views from the trails. You’ll be amazed at how quiet it can get away from all the traffic and noises of a busy waterfront town like Panama City Beach. Try to catch a glimpse of the osprey during mating season or spot an alligator while exploring the boardwalk.
Tour a local winery or craft brewery
Enjoying a drink can make your vacation that much more relaxing. In Panama City Beach and the surrounding area, there are numerous local wineries and breweries. Try some samples of local beverages, all while learning more about the processes behind these drinks. Some of these breweries and wineries are located on beautiful tracts of land, so you can still admire the stunning scenery of northwestern Florida.
Catch seasonal festivals and farmers’ markets
If the timing of your vacation aligns, you may be able to participate in local events in Panama City Beach. Farmers’ markets occur regularly throughout the year, so you can purchase some local souvenirs, baked goods, or fresh produce. There are also seasonal festivals that take place in Panama City Beach, such as the Gulf Coast Jam, the Pirates of the High Seas and Renaissance Fest, or the Summer Concert series. Whether you enjoy live music, exciting parades, or unique performances, the whole family can find something to enjoy when local events are on the itinerary.
Laid-Back Fun Near the Beach
There are so many things to do in Panama City Beach and the surrounding area. Even if you are here for an entire month, you won’t run out of new experiences to try. However, a busy vacation can be exhausting. Chances are, you want to cram as much in as possible in case you never make it back to this charming waterfront town. After you have enjoyed an exciting day exploring all the Panama City Beach attractions, some time to relax can be the perfect way to spend the evening. Let’s explore some ideas for a more relaxed experience near the beach.
Lounge by the community pool at Pineapple Paradise
If you are staying at Pineapple Paradise at Pier Park, you may decide that you aren’t interested in the sand that can get everywhere when you visit the beach. Instead, you can check out the community pool at this beachfront retreat. Lay back in one of the comfy lounge chairs and soak up the sun for a while to recover your energy. If you brought the kids along, they can splash around and enjoy the water without bringing sand back into the room.
Enjoy beachfront walks on Front Beach Road
A peaceful walk can let you visit other places in Panama City Beach without relying on a rental car or Uber. One of the best beachfront walks in the area is along Front Beach Road. The street is aptly named because it runs right along the shore near Russell-Fields Pier. A brief walk can take you to numerous restaurants and white sandy beaches. There are also shopping centers nearby in case you need to stock up on supplies for the rest of your trip.
Watch the sunset from your private balcony
At Pineapple Paradise, you’ll find the perfect retreat location to experience the beautiful beaches and attractions in Panama City Beach at your leisure. Many of the units include balconies from which you can enjoy peaceful views of the area. The best time to recline on a seat on your balcony is when the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. You will never forget the gorgeous spectrum of color you will witness as the sun touches the distant horizon over the sea. It is also the perfect way to end a busy day with dinner on your balcony as the sun disappears for the night.
Grab breakfast at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop
One of the hidden gems of Panama City Beach is the Thomas Donut and Snack Shop. It is just a few miles northwest along Front Beach Road, so you could take a bike ride or a long walk to get there. This small shop is renowned for its delectable donuts, friendly window service, and inviting outdoor seating area. Thomas Donut and Snack Shop also offers classic American fare, including pizza, chili dogs, burgers, and flaky biscuits. There are few better ways to start your day in Panama City Beach than with breakfast at Thomas Donut and Snack Shop.
Unwind with coffee and quiet mornings at the rental
A vacation should not force you to leave your rental from sun rise to sunset. Sometimes, relaxing in your accommodations is the best way to recoup your energy after a busy day. A quiet morning with a cup of coffee can also give you the revitalization you need to go out and explore the waterfront town later in the day. You can make your own cup with the coffeemaker in the kitchen or pick up an order to go in town and bring it back to the rental. Either way, nothing beats a delicious cup of coffee to start your day in Panama City Beach.
Start Your Panama City Beach Adventure at Pineapple Paradise
As one of the top vacation destinations in Florida, Panama City Beach must hold a spot on your bucket list. There are so many fun things to do in Panama City Beach, and what better way to enjoy them than staying at Pineapple Paradise. This beachfront retreat has everything, from private rooms to pool access to luxurious amenities.
Wake up each morning ready to explore Panama City Beach attractions, including water activities, fishing charters, mini golf, white sand beaches, St. Andrews State Park, and fabulous local restaurants. Pineapple Paradise is conveniently located, allowing you to easily access all the best spots in town with minimal delays.
With the perfect blend of comfort and location, Pineapple Paradise can be the solution to your housing needs in Panama City Beach. Book your stay today as you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
