Panama City Beach (PCB) Florida Travel Guide

Panama City Beach Florida

Panama City Beach (PCB), located along Florida's Emerald Coast, is a vibrant beach destination known for its sugar-white sand, emerald-green waters, and an incredible blend of family attractions and outdoor experiences. With over 27 miles of coastline, this Gulf Coast gem attracts visitors year-round with a mix of beachside fun, marine life encounters, and modern coastal charm. PCB strikes a balance between high-energy entertainment and laid-back natural escapes making it perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers alike. Relaxing, fun, adventurous, gastronomic, and sunset-filled activities will make your vacation extra special in this waterfront town. 

The main attracts include its public beach, local food, two state parks, and of course, the fantastic entrainment. Plus, Panama City Beach is settled near the Southern United States thus greeting many visitors from neighboring states. Panama City Beach is a well-loved by many travelers. The 27 miles of white sand beach and emerald waters welcome anyone who sets foot on these magnificence views. Hence, the coast is also often teeming with scuba divers near the artificial reeds offshore. So, where do you and Panama City Beach cross paths?

There is nothing to deny about the natural beauty and fun atmosphere of Panama City Beach. It has many beaches, natural parks, and various tourist attractions that will make your visit a thing to be remembered for the rest of your life. Experience the activities this waterfront town has to offer, including kayaking, surfing, sailing, scuba diving, fishing, nature hiking, and many more. Also, immerse yourself in the local culture and taste the delectable foods offered by authentic local restaurants. The things to do and the places you can experience in Panama City Beach are diverse and fascinating. Here are many of the attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida. 

 

---

Book Direct with a Panama City Beach Vacation Rental Manager to Save on Fees and Experience Better Service

 

 

Things To Do and Places to See in Panama City Beach Florida

Pier Park

Pier Park is the social and commercial hub of Panama City Beach. It boasts a mega outdoor shopping mall with 80 stores and 25 restaurants. You can also watch movies at its Grand Theater or stroll around and feel the happy vibes of the park. This open-air shopping and entertainment complex spans over 900,000 square feet and includes national retailers, local boutiques, a movie theater, and dozens of restaurants. It’s also home to events year-round and sits just across from the popular Russell-Fields Pier.

Do you want a bird’s eye view of Panama City Beach? If yes, take a ride in the SkyWheel, an observation wheel with fully enclosed gondolas towering almost 200 feet above the city. This attraction in Pier Park outdoor complex allows you to take a break from the water activities and gives you a new perspective on Panama City Beach. There is also a mini-golf course, where you can practice your swing. 

Russell-Fields City Pier

Located adjacent to Pier Park, this 1,500-foot pier offers some of the best fishing and Gulf views on the coast. Visitors can walk to the end for just a few dollars or rent fishing gear on-site.
Outdoor Adventures & Experiences

St. Andrews State Park

Located at the eastern edge of PCB, this state park includes over 1,200 acres of dunes, pine forests, and Gulf shoreline. Visitors can swim, snorkel, kayak, or hike nature trails. The park’s Jetty Beach is a local favorite for safe, shallow-water swimming and sea life spotting.

St. Andrew State Park is situated three miles east of Panama City Beach. It is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a state of calm and peace. The park has a 2.5-mile white-sand beach, a 2-mile biking trail, a campground, fishing piers, boat launches, walking trails, and picnic areas. 

Enjoy various water activities in the park, such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. You can also spot a variety of wildlife, particularly on the Gator Lake Trail and Overlook, where alligators, herons, ibis, white-tailed deer, and raccoons inhabit. 

 

 

Conservation Park

Conservation Park is an attempt by the city to protect the wetlands and cypress woods in the area. It has several hiking trails with a total length of 24 miles. The park also has various facilities, including picnic tables, public restrooms, and parking areas. 

Rick Seltzer Park

A go-to beach park by locals due to its soft white sand and relaxing atmosphere, Rick Seltzer Park is a must-visit in Panama City Beach. It has a public boardwalk, a shaded pavilion, park benches, and picnic facilities. Swim, bathe in the sun, and collect colorful seashells here! 

Shell Island

Accessible only by boat or shuttle, Shell Island is a 7-mile stretch of undeveloped paradise between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay. It’s perfect for shelling, dolphin watching, and experiencing the Gulf Coast as it once was, natural and untouched.Shell Island is an excellent spot to bathe in the sun and cool down in the clear, turquoise waters thereafter. You can go on guided excursions, snorkeling adventures, and sailing trips to this island. 

*Lagoon Pontoon is the company to contact if you want to visit Shell Island. It has jet skis and a fleet of boats for rent. 

 

WonderWorks Panama City Beach

This upside-down “edu-tainment” center features 35,000 square feet of hands-on science exhibits, laser tag, a ropes course, and a virtual reality zone. It’s a great indoor option when you need a break from the beach.

ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory

Bring your whole family to ZooWorld, where you can find a variety of rare and exotic animals. There are big cats, kangaroos, sloths, alligators, and other animals in this zoo. You can pet and feed some of them. Or, watch them do some fascinating live shows. 

Panama City Beach Winery

Are you a wine lover? Well, you must head to Panama City Beach Winery to taste some of the finest fruit wines in town. All the wines in this family-owned establishment are made from local produce. 

The award-winning wines in this winery are all-natural, pressed from fruits, berries, and citrus. You must try the popular beverages here, such as the Strawberry Cream Sherry and Chocolate Raspberry Port. 

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

This 20-acre waterpark is a perfect spot for families who want to play and enjoy the water. The park has winding lazy rivers, wave pools, and water slides. Make sure the kids try the Silly Sub and Tadpole Hole. Safety is a priority of the establishment, and there are professionally trained lifeguards on site in case of emergency. 

A favorite for families during warmer months, this water park features a wave pool, lazy river, tube slides, and a kiddie area. The park is clean, well-run, and never overwhelmingly large .. making it ideal for half-day fun with younger kids.

 

Activities

Dolphin & Snorkel Cruises

Several operators offer half-day excursions to Shell Island and surrounding waters. Tours often include dolphin encounters, paddleboards, and snorkeling in calm coves. Recommended companies include Island Time Sailing and Sea Screamer.

Jet Ski & Parasailing Adventures

For thrill-seekers, jet ski rentals and parasailing flights are available along the main beachfront. Parasailing offers sweeping aerial views of the coastline, while guided jet ski dolphin tours combine speed with wildlife encounters.

Fishing Charters

PCB is one of Florida’s top fishing destinations. Options include deep-sea charters, inshore bay fishing, and even nighttime trips. Local captains target red snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and more, depending on the season.

Skydive

If you are seeking for thrill and adrenaline rush, why not go skydiving? Visit Skydive Panama City Beach to assist you in checking off this item on your bucket list. It is the safest skydiving facility in PCB, complete with all the gear you need. 

Skydiving is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Florida Panhandle at 14,000 feet. The experience is so exciting that you will remember it for the rest of your life. 

 

Local Dining and Cuisine

Hunt’s Oyster Bar

A legendary local seafood shack just off the beach, Hunt’s is famous for raw and baked oysters, fried shrimp, and grouper sandwiches. No reservations, but the wait is worth it.

Dat Cajun Place

Serving up authentic Louisiana-style dishes, Dat Cajun Place features live music, boudin balls, crawfish étouffée, and some of the best po’boys outside of New Orleans. The festive patio is always buzzing.

Firefly

An award-winning fine dining option hidden inside a strip mall (seriously), Firefly is a romantic spot with an extensive wine list, sushi bar, and elevated coastal cuisine. The indoor tree-lit ambiance surprises first-timers.

Finns Island Style Grub

A casual, outdoor taco shack with a loyal following, Finns specializes in fresh, healthy eats like poke bowls, fish tacos, and acai bowls. Located near the beach with a surfer vibe.

The Grand Marlin of Panama City Beach

Known for upscale dining with a relaxed vibe, The Grand Marlin offers fresh-caught seafood, raw oysters, and sunset views over Grand Lagoon. Highlights include grouper piccata, lobster fingers, and craft cocktails.

 

Travel Tips & Getting Around

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are the best times to visit for warm weather, fewer crowds, and affordable rates. Summer is popular but busy, while winter offers mild temps and lower prices—especially attractive to snowbirds.

Getting There

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is just 20 minutes from most PCB lodging and offers nonstop service from major hubs. Driving is easy, with well-connected highways and scenic byways.

Transportation Tips

A car is highly recommended for exploring the area beyond the beach. Parking is usually free or metered. Many condo resorts have garages. Ride-share options are available, and public trolley service runs a limited route.

 

Local Events

Popular events include the Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April), Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (spring and fall), and New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop at Pier Park.

 

History

Before the Floribama Shores MTV show portrayed Panama City Beach as the vacation spot that it is today, the city was decked with motels and older homes. During the early mid-2000s, a construction boom pulled up high-rise condominiums and modern homes around every corner. Nevertheless, while this upcoming movement helped the city grow the housing prices rose. In fact, the worth of beachfront properties sometimes quadrupled. In 2006, Panama City Beach was named the No. 1 real estate market in America by CNN/Money for the next five years. Although the construction never stopped prices did correct but now demand for this great area has market back up. So much so that Panama City Beach continued to blossom and become now a Spring "Vacation Getaway" favorite.

Map of Panama City Beach Florida

Additional Florida Emerald Coast Articles

---