There’s no better method to get away the winter season blues than with bucketfuls of sea, sun and sand. Panama City Beach provides just that. This 27-mile stretch of white, sandy beaches and blue-green blue waters is the summer location dreams are made from.
Following my mummy-daughter holiday, I’ve got lots of pointers and insights on the very best things to do in Panama City Beach. So, let’s dive right in.
Disclosure: This journey was in cooperation with Panama City Beach and Icelolly.com. However, all views and opinions are my own. This post consists of affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no additional expense to you. This aids with the costs of running my site, so I can keep my content totally free for you. Thanks as always for your assistance! See my disclosure policy here.
Where is Panama City Beach?
If you have actually never ever heard of Panama City Beach, you would not be the first. Not to be puzzled with Panama, a country in Central America, Panama City Beach rests on the Gulf of Mexico.
This waterfront town in northwest Florida is especially popular with locals in the southern states. However many individuals have no concept that this gem of a beach exists. There’s absolutely nothing quite like getting out of your hotel directly onto miles of golden beaches. So let’s explore why PCB deserves the visit.
Pointer:Take a look at my travel resources to help you prepare the ultimate family trip.
Panama City Beach: Things to Do with the Household
Get your sun block, kids and beach buckets. Here are a few of the very best things to do in Panama City Beach for the entire family. Savour Fresh Doughnuts on the Beach Doughnuts for breakfast, anyone? Start your day with a PCB staple. Thomas Donuts has actually been a favourite with locals since 1971 and is highly sought after by tourists.
Situated on the beachfront, this family-owned facility serves fresh delights, including timeless doughnuts and coffee. There are also pizzas, chilli cheese french fries and subs on the menu, making this spot a fantastic lunch area too. While there is a shaded deck neglecting the shore, you might also sit on the sandy beach. The views are unbeatable.
Tip: The line outside Thomas Donut Store can get rather long. Skip the line by going within! It’s much quicker.
Take a Catamaran Cruise to Shell Island
Among the most enjoyable activities in Panama City Beach involves a catamaran and a snorkel. We went on a three-hour snorkel and cruise experience to popular Shell Island with Island Time Cruising. This natural 700-acre barrier island is home to one of the largest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins on the planet. Other wildlife you may find include starfish, ghost crabs, stingrays and turtles. On land, whitetail deer, armadillos and rabbits roam about.
Idea: Looking to avoid the crowds? Shell Island sees fewer visitors than PCB’s primary beaches. So load some treats and get on the Shell Island Shuttle bus to loosen up on this tranquil island.
See PCB from the Sky
Panama City Beach has actually consistently been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. And there’s no much better method to confirm this than with a helicopter ride.
We took a tour with Panhandle Helicopter and enjoyed epic views of the shoreline. The pilots enjoy to point out crucial attractions and wildlife like dolphins and stingrays on the ride.
There are several tours varying from short intro trips to longer journeys. We took the Shell Island tour, which covered St. Andrews State Park, the shipping channel, Grand Lagoon and popular Shell Island.
Ride on the Sky Wheel in Pier Park
If helicopter flights aren’t your thing, or you can’t get enough of the views, get on the SkyWheel. Towering 200 feet high, this observation wheel boasts air-conditioned gondolas and stunning views. Time your trip around sundown for extraordinary vistas.
Go Kayaking at Camp Helen State Park
Trying to find things to do near Panama City Beach, Florida? Take a break from the sandy beaches with a check out to Camp Helen State Park in neighboring Laguna Beach. About a 15-minute drive from PCB, this 180-acre park is ideal for bird-watching, treking, kayaking and picnicking year-round.
Lease a kayak or paddleboard and take to the waters of Lake Powell– Florida’s largest dune lake. The river has actually made the Impressive Florida Waters classification, so you can trust that the waters are pristine. As soon as you’ve developed an appetite, plop down for a picnic in the shade.
See Panama City Beach Preservation Park
Explore Panama City Beach on 2 wheels! Rather of visiting Camp Helen State Park, we selected something a bit more detailed to PCB. The Panama City Beach Preservation Park is perfect for leaving the holiday buzz, providing relaxing routes through wetlands and pine trees.
Lease a bicycle or e-bike for the day at Bike The Beach PCB and navigate a tranquil experience. The park has over 24 miles of well-maintained dirt tracks and boardwalks to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife. You might identify butterflies, dragonflies, birds and the periodic white-tailed deer or alligator.
Pointer: These wetlands are the ideal breeding place for mosquitoes. Bring a lot of bug spray to ward off any pesky critters.
Check Out St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre coastal marvel with over a mile of pristine white sands. This year-round tourist attraction is ideal for hiking, cycling, snorkelling, shelling and kayaking.
Boasting sugar-white sands and emerald green waters, this park is perfect for a picture-perfect day in the sun. There are even glamping sites offered if you ‘d like to remain on the beach overnight.
Glide Along on an Airboat Trip
One of the most unique things to do in Panama City Beach is a thrilling, one-hour airboat trip in West Bay. The business, Wild Thang Airboat Tours, made certain we were safe, supplying ear security and life vest. We sped through the maze of needle rush yards with our eyes peeled. While we didn’t identify any gators, a couple of dolphins concerned state hello!
Tip: If you have your heart set on seeing alligators up close, you may have more luck on their Night Trip trip.
Where to Consume in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is understood for its seafood dining establishments. Fuel up before or after your Panama Beach activities with these incredible choices.
Breakfast
Kick your day off at these breakfast areas.
Andy’s Flower Power Cafe & Pastry Shop
Stop at Andy’s Flowers Power Cafe to grab a bite before heading to St. Andrew’s State Park or Shell Island close by. Treat yourself to some French toast or heartier choices like eggs benedict.
The Pour Coffee shop
Stop by The Pour for coffee delights in a cosy, laid-back setting. As a non-profit organisation, all revenues go to uplifting communities. Consumer favourites consist of the cinnamon rolls and breakfast sandwiches. We attempted a coffee, white chocolate and cream concoction!
Lunch Refuel before checking out more of PCB with these dining establishment options. Lotus Coffee Shop & Juice Bar at Zen Garden
This captivating cafe offers the most relaxing setting among trees and art. There are a lot of healthy vegetable and vegan choices on the menu, served in generous portions.
Finns Island Style Grub
Get some street food classics like fish tacos, burritos or nachos for a midday pick-me-up. I had the tastiest veggie burrito bowl. There are also veggie tacos and other veggie-friendly choices.
Supper
End a daring day with a gratifying meal and sunset in Panama City Beach.
Panama Pizzeria
< img alt ="Panama Pizzeria in Panama City Beach" src= "https://i0.wp.com/thecuriouspixie.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/panama_pizzeria-1440x2160.webp?ssl=1"/ > This no-fuss dining establishment uses fresh pizzas, pastas and seafood made to warm the soul. I had my first pizza pie here– basically just a pizza, but a darn tasty one at that.
Schooners
Head to Schooners for hot margs and excellent grub with awesome beach views. This laid-back waterside bar and seafood area is open all week and provides nighttime home entertainment.
Harpoon Harry’s Beachfront Restaurant
“Eat. Drink. Be Harry.” at Harpoon Harry’s Beachfront Restaurant. With deck seating overlooking the beach and a frozen margarita in hand, you’ll be well set up for an unforgettable sundown. You’ll find all the conventional favourites here, including fresh seafood and burgers.
Pineapple Willy’s Restaurant
Take pleasure in more impeccable views and frozen drinks at Pineapple Willy’s. The menu consists of various seafood choices like mahi mahi, shrimp and grits and seafood plates to share.
Tip: You can see what Panama City Beach is like right now. Many seafront dining establishments have live cameras of the beach on their site.
FAQs About Visiting PCB
Have some questions while planning your journey? Read my responses to some commonly asked questions listed below. The length of time should I go to Panama City Beach?
The ideal quantity of time to invest in Panama City Beach ranges in between 3 days to a week. You can definitely make a vacation of it. However with all that PCB needs to provide, you might wish to remain a bit longer.
What is the best time to go to Panama City Beach?
The very best time of year to visit Panama City Beach is in between May and October. Boasting approximately around 320 days of sunshine a year, PCB is popular year-round. If you ‘d like to avoid the peak season crowds, decide to visit in between February to April or September to November.
Wrapping Up: What to Do in Panama City Beach
PCB is genuinely the ideal background for some trouble-free experience and family bonding time. This trip to Panama City Beach allowed me to spend some one-on-one time with my daughter. With beautiful helicopter rides, airboat journeys and biking adventures, we got to share some genuinely memorable minutes we will not quickly forget.
If you’re aiming to plan the supreme household location, you can’t fail with Panama City Beach. Looking to develop an extended Florida vacation? Why not add a detour to the Kennedy Space Center or Disney Land, Florida?