- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach's story began long before its high-rise skyline. Incorporated in 1936, its real growth started after the Hathaway Bridge opened in 1929. Subtle hints of mid-century 'Googie' architecture in older motels tell a story of its classic roadside past.
Beyond the 27 miles of white-sand beaches lie two key nature preserves, St. Andrews and Camp Helen State Parks. One of the best reasons to visit Panama City Beach is exploring its rare coastal dune lakes, like Lake Powell, a unique ecosystem for kayaking.
A solid Panama City Beach travel guide must include our seafood. Skip the usual fried fare and ask for grilled Gulf Grouper or local Royal Red shrimp, a deep-water delicacy with a lobster-like taste. Find them at a dockside eatery for a genuine meal.
- Panama City BeachUnited States
- Panama City BeachUnited States
- Panama City BeachUnited States
- Panama City BeachUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Spring (Mar-May)Pleasant temperatures, moderate crowds
- Summer (Jun-Aug)Hot, peak tourist season, lively atmosphere
- Fall (Sep-Nov)Warm, fewer tourists, possible storms
- Winter (Dec-Feb)Mild temperatures, quiet beaches
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimwear
- #LightClothing
- #ComfortableShoes
- #BeachTowel
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with beaches & trips
- US Dollar ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #PierPark
- #GulfWorld
- #StAndrewsStatePark
- #ShellIsland
- #Ripley'sBelieveItOrNot
- #PanamaCityBeachBoardwalk
- Sunset at the beach
- Explore St. Andrews State Park
- Visit Shell Island
- Fishing off the pier
- Go parasailing
Recommended Hotels in Panama City Beach by Experience
Things to do in Panama City Beach
Discover
Explore the best places to visit in Panama City Beach, from the sugar-white sands of St. Andrews State Park to the vibrant Pier Park entertainment complex. Discover the untouched beauty of Shell Island or cast a line from the Russell-Fields Pier.
Experience
Dive into water sports like jet skiing and parasailing in the Gulf. Go deep-sea fishing for red snapper. Enjoy seasonal events like the Pirates of the High Seas Fest or savor fresh seafood at the PCB Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival.
St. Andrews State Park
State park with beaches, jetties, and nature trails.
Shell Island
Undeveloped barrier island for shelling and swimming.
Pier Park
Outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.
Gulf World Marine Park
Marine park with live dolphin and sea lion shows.
Russell-Fields Pier
One of the longest piers on the Gulf for fishing and views.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Tropical-themed water park with slides and a wave pool.
Dolphin & Snorkel Tours
Guided boat tours to see wild dolphins and snorkel spots.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). The trip from the Panama City Beach airport to city center is about 20 minutes via shuttle bus, taxi, or car rental. Note there is no direct train to Panama City Beach; driving is essential.
Getting Around
Use the Bay Town Trolley for public transport in Panama City Beach, with routes along the coast. A car rental offers the most freedom. For shorter trips, golf carts and scooters are a popular and fun way to get around Front Beach Road.
Local Essentials
When driving in Panama City Beach, expect heavy traffic during spring break and summer. Plan a trip to Panama City Beach with extra travel time. Parking can be limited; check for paid lots or 'No Parking' signs to avoid fines. Always lock your vehicle.
Where to Stay in Panama City Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Panama City Beach by tasting fresh Gulf grouper and Apalachicola oysters. Sunset dining is a cherished local ritual, a time for everyone to gather and eat by the water as the sun goes down, often celebrated with a cannon blast.
Enjoy
For a refined meal, visit the elegant Firefly, reservations essential. Schooners offers a laid-back vibe, catch the sunset cannon. For a sweet treat, hit the hectic Thomas Donut & Snack Shop, expect queues.
Firefly
Upscale dining under a lit tree. Reservations essential.
Capt. Anderson's Restaurant
Historic spot for upscale seafood. A local institution.
Schooners
Casual beachfront spot with live music. Stay for sunset.
Dusty's Oyster Bar & Dining
Famous for raw and baked oysters. Usually a long wait.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Panama City Beach's heritage through events like the Scottish Festival, with Highland games honoring early settlers, and the Blessing of the Fleet, a maritime tradition. The family-friendly Mardi Gras brings parades and local flair.
Enjoy
Discover must-see Panama City Beach attractions with a modern twist. The calendar is full of creative things to do, from the Seabreeze Jazz Festival to the massive Gulf Coast Jam country music event.
PCB Mardi Gras & Music Festival
Family-friendly Mardi Gras with parades and live music.
Seabreeze Jazz Festival
A top national smooth jazz festival held in April.
UNwineD
A garden party in March with wine, craft beer, and spirits.
Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam
A four-day country music festival in June with major headliners.
Pirates of the High Seas Fest
A free October festival with pirate invasions and fireworks.
New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop
Ring in the new year at Pier Park with music and fireworks.
Panama City Beach Scottish Festival
March event with Highland games and Celtic music.
Simply a great beach town
Panama City Beach has some of the prettiest beaches I've ever seen. The sand is powder-soft and the water is this amazing turquoise color. It was just the perfect place to unwind and forget about everything for a week.
So much for the kids to do
We thought it would just be beaches, but there's a ton for families to do. Pier Park was a huge hit with our teenagers for shopping and the SkyWheel. It made it easy to keep everyone entertained, even on a cloudy day.
More than just beaches
Panama City Beach offers so much more than the main strip. We spent a day at St. Andrews State Park and it was beautiful. The jetties are cool to walk on, and we even saw a pod of dolphins playing right off the shore!
Unbelievably relaxing trip
The sunsets here are just on another level. Every evening was a different display of colors over the Gulf. It was perfect for long walks on the beach and finding a quiet spot for dinner. A really peaceful and beautiful getaway.
Awesome casual spot
What a great, easygoing place. The whole feel is super casual. Found some amazing blackened grouper at a little place right on the sand. Everything is geared towards just chilling out and having a good time without any fuss.
Water lover's paradise
Getting a boat out to Shell Island was the highlight of our trip. The water is so clear and it feels a world away from the main beach crowds. It was so cool to find a place that was basically an untouched natural island.