Where sand meets the surf, Panama City Beach is a Gulf Coast destination with attractions that extend beyond the 27-mile stretch of sand, though you’ll want to spend your days hanging out on the beach too.
From catamaran adventures around Shell Island to shopping for beachside treasures, and enjoying the many diverse restaurants, there are plenty of things to do in Panama City Beach, home to the World's Most Beautiful Beaches.
Explore PCB Beaches & Shell Island
The Real. Fun. begins with our wide array of beach and water activities along our scenic coastline, stretching all the way to the picturesque Shell Island. Hit the sandy shore year-round and experience true Gulf Coast livin’ as you sunbathe or build sandcastles along the resort-lined coast. There are nearly 100 access points in Panama City Beach, plus secluded spots within state parks like St. Andrews and Camp Helen.
Try kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, or diving, and while you’re at it, you may come across local wildlife, like bottlenose dolphins. Explore the waterways on a charter boat and explore the untouched beauty of Shell Island, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Another way to enjoy the waterways is on a fishing trip. Whether you go out on a deep-sea fishing charter or find a spot on one of our state-of-the-art piers, there’s always something biting, like snapper and Spanish mackerel, year-round.
You may also like our family activities at the beach
Family Beach
Attractions
Beaches
Water Activities
Paddleboarding
Panama City Beach Attractions For Family Fun
Beyond the beautiful beaches and water activities, Panama City Beach offers a variety of attractions to cater to everyone in the family. You'll find indoor and outdoor amusem*nt centers, exciting events, and plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy together.
Play a round of mini-golf at Cobra Adventure Park or spend the day at Shipwreck Island Waterpark. For a bird’s-eye view of Panama City Beach, hop inside one of the SkyWheel gondolas, and afterward, hit up the ropes and mini-golf courses on-site.
Go hiking, biking, and wildlife watching at local and state parks, where you can also indulge in water activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. And depending on when you visit PCB, there may be an event to check out, like the Seabreeze Jazz Festival or the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam.
Pier Park Shopping & Local Nightlife
Day or night, there’s fun to be had in Panama City Beach.
During the day, hit the town for a shopping trip at Pier Park or follow along with the Decor By The Shore trail featuring 15 shops and boutiques. Be sure to grab a passport, which you can get stamped at participating stores for a free souvenir.
Beach bars and live music venues make up the nightlife scene. Happy hour and a sunset cannon ritual await at Schooners Last Local Beach Club. The nightlife scene isn’t just for adults. The whole family can enjoy day/night hotspots like Dave and Buster’s and The Grand Theatre with IMAX at Pier Park, home to restaurants, bars, and shops.
There’s always a deal or discount on Panama City Beach attractions. Check out our special offers, including beach rentals, resort credit, and more.
Beachfront Restaurants & Dinner Cruises
Panama City Beach boasts an array of beachfront restaurants and dinner cruises that promise unforgettable dining experiences.
Enjoy fresh seafood and Gulf views at popular spots like Runaway Island, where the food is as spectacular as the scenery. And when it comes to dinner cruises, the Champagne Lady stands out, offering gourmet meals while you sail along the picturesque waters, taking in breathtaking sunsets and the possibility of encountering playful dolphins. It's the perfect way to combine exquisite cuisine with the beauty of the Gulf, creating unforgettable moments in Panama City Beach.
With so many diverse things to do in Panama City Beach, it’s easy to let loose and have fun your way here.
Panama City Beach, featuring 27 miles of white sand beaches along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is home to two state parks (St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park), dozens of public beach access points, waterfront restaurants that serve up fresh local seafood, and legendary attractions.
The city is the political and administrative center of the country, as well as a hub for banking and commerce. The city of Panama was founded on 15 August 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. The city was the starting point for expeditions that conquered the Inca Empire of Peru.
The pink sands on Harbour Island are stunning, it really is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and so spacious and unspoilt, it takes your breath away when you walk over the small hill and see the first view of the crystal blue waters, truly amazing!
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Siesta Beach features miles of white quartz sand, crystal-clear water and a lively atmosphere, with nearby dining, shopping and nighttime entertainment.
Many students come to Panama City Beach for spring break, while families come during the school vacations in July and August. The best times to visit Panama City Beach are in March–April and September–November. They're when hotels usually offer great promotions and the weather is suitable for outdoor activities.
Its beautiful beaches, great nightlife, and countless theme parks and arcades make it a great place for a fun break in the sun. It's not just a destination for college kids, either. Attractions like Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Race City and a Ripley's Believe It or Not!
So, what's the difference? While Panama City, Panama is an ocean city and Panama City, Florida is technically inland (located on the Florida panhandle), Dunes of Panama Vacation Rentals is actually located in Panama City Beach across the bay on the Highway 98 bridge, just 10 miles from the center of Panama City.
With a median home price of $815,049 and a median rent of $1,462, Panama City Beach is the most expensive city on our list. Based on the growth in home prices in Panama City Beach over the last 3 years, it ranks No. 1 among all the cities in Bay County.
Plus, by avoiding a visit in March or April, you'll dodge the deluge of college students who descend on the area's ivory sands every year for spring break. You'll save on lodging prices during the area's low season (November to February), but it'll likely be too chilly to enjoy the ocean.
Panama City also has restaurants, shopping, and excellent hospitals and medical facilities. There are very safe areas in the city, such as El Cangrejo, Punta Pacifica, El Dorado, the Area Bancária, the Casco Viejo and Paitilla. In those spots you should feel secure going out at any time of day or night.
Panama is known as a transit country because of the Panama Canal. While the country is known for its famous canal, its natural attractions include birding, whitewater rafting, and snorkeling tours. Panama's biodiversity has been said to be three times higher than the United State, Canada and Europe combined.
Shell Island can only be accessed by boat. This ferry is the easiest, safest, quickest way to the island. See more information and make your reservations today. Tram ride to the marina starts at the Pier Store.
Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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