Things to Do In PCB

Top Things to Do at Pier Park, Panama City Beach

Pier Park is one of the hottest vacation hubs in Panama City Beach. Travelers of all ages head to this destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. If you are visiting Panama City Beach, FL, you can spend an entire day at this resort-esque spot and still not experience everything it has to offer.

In this guide, we will explore all the things you can do in Pier Park. Whether you’re staying in a nearby rental or driving in from elsewhere, this list will help you craft the perfect itinerary.

Stay Just Steps Away at Pineapple Paradise

The best way to access all of Pier Park’s attractions is by staying in a Panama City Beach house rental nearby. Pineapple Paradise at Pier Park is in the perfect location for your beachfront vacation. Stay in a luxurious rental just steps away from Pier Park and the Russell-Fields Pier.

Pineapple Paradise is ideal for families and couples who want access to Pier Park without the hassle of driving. Its location on Front Beach Road also ensures proximity to sugar-white sand beaches and other Panama City Beach adventures.

Go Shopping at Pier Park

While you are visiting Northwest Florida for the beaches, water sports, and tourist attractions, there are plenty of reasons to go shopping during your stay. Pier Park Mall is the premier shopping destination in Panama City Beach, offering a diverse range of retail shopping.

Several national retailers make it easy to shop in a familiar store, including Target, H&M, and Old Navy. You can choose from local boutique shops to purchase some beachwear, souvenirs, and local goods. Pop-up vendors and kiosks will be featured throughout the park, depending on the season.

Dine at Local Favorites and National Chains

At some point, all your shopping and Pier Park adventures may leave you craving a delicious bite to eat. Fortunately, you can take the whole family to one of the dining spots in Pier Park for varied culinary experiences.

Once again, there are several recognizable chains with restaurants in this dining hub, such as Margaritaville and Dave & Buster’s. Another great sit-down option is Dick’s Last Resort, which is geared more toward adults. If you want to eat delicious seafood, consider The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House or the Local Steamer Seafood Market, which offers stunning views of the beautiful beaches.

Rides and Amusements at Pier Park

A little bit of adventure is always a good thing during a vacation in Panama City Beach, Florida. At Pier Park, there are multiple rides and thrilling attractions to entertain guests in a more exciting way.

First, we must highlight the most visible attraction in Pier Park, the SkyWheel. This 200-foot Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the Emerald Coast. If you enjoy video games and 4D theater experiences, the XD Darkride Experience is a fully interactive adventure that combines DBOX MFX motion seats and laser guns.

Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure is one of the best water & amusement parks in Panama City Beach, with unique storytelling involved in every ride. For a different adventure vibe, you can try out the Emerald Coast Mirror Maze or the arcade.

Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages

Some of the top attractions are geared toward specific ages, but there is plenty to do for the whole family at Pier Park. Other entertainment options are more accessible, ensuring that every member of your travel group can create lifelong memories.

Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf is one of the most popular activities for families. If your kids are a little older, they will love the laser tag adventure at Pirate’s Quest Laser Tag. You can also play indoor games at Dave & Buster’s or interact with the hands-on exhibits at WonderWorks.

Nightlife and Live Entertainment at Pier Park

Come during the day, but stay for the nightlife and live entertainment options. Many of the restaurants stay open late and feature live music performances, such as The Brass Tap and Margaritaville. Enjoy a full bar and patio scene at Ford’s Garage Pier Park. Relax with a glass of wine from Wine World. You also won’t want to miss the SkyWheel when it lights up at night.

A newer live performance that combines dinner and a show is Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage. This incredible live performance takes you on a pirate’s journey as you enjoy a delicious meal at night directly adjacent to Pier Park. This area of Panama City Beach, Florida, is very family-friendly, but Pier Park remains lively well after sunset.

Events and Seasonal Celebrations

When planning your visit to Panama City Beach, be sure to consider the seasonal events and celebrations that take place in Pier Park. For example, there is a breathtaking beach ball drop on New Year’s Eve when the clock strikes midnight. Summer fireworks shows are a common sight if you spend the evening in this vacation hub, especially on the 4th of July.

On the second Saturday of every December, there is a Christmas parade along Pier Park Drive. The parade features marching bands, decorated floats, firetrucks, and custom automobiles. If you are in Panama City Beach, Florida, in early March, you can experience a spectacular Mardi Gras festival and parade.

Grab a Sweet Treat or Coffee Break

If you love sugar and need to satisfy that sweet tooth, you have multiple options in Pier Park. Kilwin’s Ice Cream and Marble Slab Creamery are must-visit places for dessert lovers. The Yard Milkshake Bar is also the perfect spot for a delicious frozen specialty, as its name suggests.

Need a little boost to start your day or refuel your energy? A trip to Starbucks in the morning can provide a familiar setting for a cup of coffee. Cafe de Pearl and PJ’s Coffee are also some good spots for a Gulf Coast cup of joe. If you’re interested in a healthier drink option, Smoothie King is the ideal spot.

Take a Photo, Make a Memory

As a top entertainment destination in Panama City Beach, FL, Pier Park provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Photos offer the opportunity to capture a snapshot of each memory, allowing you to reminisce about your vacation in the future.

If you need Instagrammable moments, you can take plenty of scenic photos of the Gulf Coast from the SkyWheel, both during the day and at night. Many of the storefronts in Pier Park feature vibrant colors and designs. Live concerts and street performers can become your next profile picture or phone background.

If you are visiting during spring break or the holiday season, the decor will reflect the time of year and enhance your favorite pictures. Locals and visitors alike will happily take a photo for your group to remember the trip.

Why Pier Park Is Worth a Full Day

Although Pier Park is not huge, visitors can easily spend a full day here and still not hit all the best attractions. Whether you take in the latest blockbuster at The Grand Theater or hit the shopping outlets for souvenirs, you won’t have enough time in the day to do everything.

Pier Park is easily walkable from one end to the other, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment, a diverse food selection, and appeal for all ages. Having your own nearby rental at Pineapple Paradise will make it easier to maximize your time in Pier Park.

Rather than rushing through everything in a short afternoon, you can enjoy the attractions at a leisurely pace from morning til night.

Conclusion

Every activity mentioned in this guide is within Pier Park of Panama City Beach. It is one of the easiest ways to meet all your entertainment, dining, and shopping needs in one conveniently located destination. Taste the delicious food at various restaurants, try out the neon mini-golf course, take a walk along Pier Park Drive, or take in a live performance with stadium seating in Panama City Beach.

If you are ready to visit Pier Park Mall and explore everything this hotspot has to offer, book a vacation rental near Pier Park today.

Pineapple Paradise at Pier Park