Find Your Own Style of Fun at Panama City Beach

Looking for an idyllic year-round vacation with family, a celebratory weekend with friends, or a just-the-two-of-us romantic escape? No matter what’s on the itinerary, set your sights on Panama City Beach, Florida. 

With 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, two state parks, family-friendly attractions, fresh-catch waterfront restaurants, and year-round events, this Panhandle destination has something for everyone. From families and foodies to couples and nature lovers, travelers-in-the-know head to this northwest Florida gem along the stunning turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s how to discover your own style of fun at Panama City Beach.

Whether you’re searching for a new summer tradition or a spot to gather for a multi-generational reunion, you’ll create cherished memories at PCB on both land and water. With nearly 100 public access points to miles of pristine beachfront, activities for all ages include paddle boarding, snorkeling, fishing, or simply lounging in the famous Florida sun. Even the family pup has a place to frolic, with a slice of sand and surf at Pier Park dedicated just for dogs. 

Kids (and kids at heart) will love the 15-acre Shipwreck Island Waterpark, featuring flume rides, water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and even a Tadpole Hole for little ones. Or take to the open seas aboard The Sea Dragon, a pirate-themed cruise where you may even spot dolphins on your journey. 

Back on dry land, hit the links at Bay Point Golf Club, the only Nicklaus Design course in Northwest Florida; or, for a quick game that’s beginner-friendly, Legacy Golf Club offers a par-3 course, private lessons, and practice facilities.

You can also indulge in some friendly family competition at Cobra Adventure Park, a four-story go-kart racetrack, or get lost at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park’s Gran Maze, a football-field sized labyrinth that puts your navigational skills to the test.

With balmy breezes and sherbet-colored sunsets, PCB delivers the ideal backdrop for engagements, anniversaries, and romantic getaways. A plethora of accommodations will satisfy every budget and style, from quaint private cottages and breezy oceanfront condos to amenities-packed hotels and luxurious resorts. 

Unlike other area beaches, PCB offers multiple piers and vantage points for sunset strolls. Share a postcard-perfect moment on the SkyWheel for a birds-eye view of Pier Park and the glistening waters below. For toes-in-the-sand relaxation, head to tranquil Shell Island, a seven-mile slice of paradise that’s ideal for snorkeling, beachcombing, and spreading out with a picnic. 

Couples looking to amp things up can get airborne on a parasailing excursion or rent a jet ski from Adventures at Sea. And for date night, you can’t beat the ambiance at Firefly, serving artfully plated, award-winning cuisine and cocktails under the fanciful twinkling lights of a grand oak tree.

Those who venture beyond PCB’s beautiful beaches are rewarded with even more stunning natural attractions and wildlife. Head to the 180-acre Camp Helen State Park, home to one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida, where you can meander along the scenic Oak Canopy Trail, spot osprey and white-tailed deer, and cast your line on a freshwater or saltwater fishing adventure. 

Another option is the 2,900-acre Conservation Park, with 24 miles of unpaved trails and boardwalks winding through canopied wetlands — perfect for hiking, cycling, birding, and exploring with your (leashed) pup.

One of Florida’s top diving destinations, PCB offers a watery wonderland of artificial reefs and historic shipwrecks, plus the unforgettable chance to swim alongside goliath grouper and bottlenose dolphins. Paddle your way through emerald green waters on a kayaking excursion in St. Andrews State Park, where you can go glamping in an eco-tent and gather by the campfire for late-night stargazing. 

Here in the “The Seafood Capital of the South,” you’ll find no shortage of relaxed eateries serving up ultra-fresh, exquisitely prepared Florida delicacies like blackened snapper, blue crab, and mahi-mahi. Grab lunch at Schooners Last Local Beach Club, where highlights include the Loaded Shrimp & Bacon Bloody Mary, or head to The Grand Marlin, known for its shucked-to-order oyster bar. A local favorite for martinis and surf & turf, Saltwater Grill boasts a show-stopping 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. Another standout is the award-winning Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market, an institution for more than 50 years.

While laid-back seafood spots are the norm in PCB, you’ll find plenty of other dining options, too. Craving some BBQ? Head to Pineapple Willy’s. Need a to-go sando for your beach picnic? Pop into Liza’s Kitchen. For breakfast, grab something doughy and delicious at either Parlor Donuts or Thomas Donut & Snack Shop, a local mainstay since 1971. Feeling healthy? FINNS Barista Bar serves up housemade coffee, organic smoothie bowls, and kombucha on tap at their relaxed outdoor space.