Panama City Beach, Florida is one of the sunniest spots in the US, boasting more than 320 sunny days a year. Its slogan claims that it has the world’s most beautiful beaches,which does a good job of explaining why it’s such a popular tourist area.
There are over 27 miles of coastline and 100 inlets in Panama City Beach, but it offers more than just a chance to relax on the sand. It also has water parks, natural havens, memorable tours, and restaurants with delicious food and learn about the best things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Pier Park
This spot is a popular shopping destination with chain restaurants and over 120 shops. What makes it unique is its on-site theme park, Pier Park Amusements. The park has a slide, roller coaster, free-falls, rides for the kids, and even an IMAX theater.
Gulf World Marine Park
This is one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida if you come hoping to see wildlife. Watch the dolphins and sea lions perform in live shows or attend a captivating feeding or training demonstration
There are plenty of interactive exhibits as well. Swimming with the dolphins is one of the most popular. You can also wade or swim in the 20,000 stingray pool.
The park is open seasonally but closed during the holidays from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Make sure to check the schedule to avoid missing out on everything it has to offer.
Dolphin Tours and Cruises
Panama City Beach has one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in the world. If you didn’t get to see enough of them at World Marine Park, try taking a dedicated tour.
Dolphin and Snorkel Tours offers some of the most intimate and up-close experiences. There are only 6 guests on each boat, and they guarantee that you’ll see a dolphin by the time you reach the Bay Point Marina. The tour is 3 hours long, and you can go snorkeling if you want to get a closer look.
Island Time Sailing tours go through the Grand Lagoon to the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll get a chance to see a dolphin and have a comfortable experience with drinks and snacks on board.
The Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkel Excursion in St. Andrews Bay begins with a dolphin-watching cruise. You’ll end up in Shell Island’s best snorkeling spots and get free gear to use to enjoy them.
Shell Island
Almost all of this barrier island’s 700 acres are covered with gorgeous sand. It’s undeveloped and untouched by human hands.
The good news is this means that you’ll find plenty of wildlife such as Choctawhatchee Beach Mice, plovers, and sea turtles. The bad news is that you won’t find any restrooms, concession stands, picnic tables, or trash cans.
Bring everything you need before setting out. Get to the island by using the Shell Island Shuttle that runs every half-hour in the summer or by renting a pontoon boat.
St. Andrews State Park
Florida’s most visited state park is one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach. Its 1,200 acres of protected wildlife such as alligators, water birds, and white-tailed deer.
The park’s other features include 1 ½ miles of beaches, 2 fishing piers, and plenty of nature trails. You can also visit the concession stand or rent water equipment such as boats, kayaks, or snorkeling gear. Visit during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.
Camp Helen State Park
This is the largest coastal dune lake in Florida at 180 acres. It’s full of wilderness to walk or cycle through. You can also swim, comb the beaches, look for wildlife, hike, or fish.
The park is only open during the day, so be sure to get there early. You could end up spending most of the day here and seeing the sunset before you know it.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
This home of oddities is designed to look like a ship. Its 4 main sections include the Odditorium, the 7D Moving Theater, the Impossible LaseRace, and the Marvelous Mirror Maze.
Some visitors feel that the ticket prices here are too steep, but the amount you’ll pay depends on how many attractions you want to see. If you want to see them all, get a combo ticket.
Shipwreck Island
If you want to get wet but are tired of the beach, try this 20-acre water park. Shipwreck Island has been in business since 1959 and continues to welcome visitors.
As the name suggests, the main attraction is a replica 17-century sailing ship. It features a zipline that drops you off in a lagoon pool. You can also stop by Skull Island for its slides and tipping bucket, enjoy Tadpole Hole with your children, or golf with the whole family at Goofy Golf.
Shipwreck Island is small enough that you won’t get lost but has enough attractions that you won’t get bored. It also offers free parking, short lines, low admission costs, and reasonably priced drinks.
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PCB Conservation Park
This spot includes nearly 3,000 acres of protected uplands and wetlands. It has 12 trails to bike or walk along. They range from ½ a mile to 12 miles long. Many have boardwalks to make them easier to traverse, tall pine trees for shade, and picnic areas to eat at. Admission to the park is free.
Farmers’ Markets
The Grand Lagoon Market is near the Captain Anderson’s Restaurant. The Historic St. Andrew’s Market sits in the district it was named after. Both feature vendors that offer local produce or arts and crafts.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
This is another one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach if you have children. It has an outdoor maze, a mini-golf course with African animal statues, and more.
Water Planet
Water Planet offers a dolphin swim program unlike any other. You can spend the entire day swimming with them in their natural habitat while the staff educates you on them.
You can also set off on other excursions. Go snorkeling or gather shells in nearby waters.
ZooWorld
This attraction may not have the largest selection of animals, but it’s still one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach.
The zoo focuses on offering up close and personal encounters. You can feed a giraffe or alligator, cuddle a lemur or sloth, and see tropical birds flying above you. Many of them come with an extra fee but are worth the cost because they improve your experience.
WonderWorks
This unique attraction holds plenty of interactive exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. You can go on one of its physics-based rides, make a mural with backlit pegs, put your hand on a Tesla coil, go in the Army Blackhawk Simulator, or enter the replica Mercury capsule. There are also areas for young children such as the Bubble Lab and the Imagination Lab.
Firefly
This restaurant earned its #1 spot on TripAdvisor’s list of Panama City Beach Most Romantic Restaurant and Open Table’s list of Most Romantic Restaurants. Feel the love as you sit under an oak tree lit with fairy lights.
The menu includes creative drinks, delicious seafood, and tempting desserts. Everything comes in generous portions. Try the red snapper fish followed by a chocolate torte.
Club La Vela
Don’t pass up your chance to visit America’s largest nightclub. Enjoy its full bar with beach access and pool day or night. You won’t even have to pay a cover fee.
Fishing Charters
There are plenty of places to fish in Panama City Beach, but hiring a professional charter company helps you find the best spots to cast a line.
The Reel Contender Fishing Charters take 5 anglers on a ship for 5-10 hours. Jubilee Deep Sea Fishing is a party fishing boat. Captain Anderson’s Marina is somewhere in-between with a focus on finding fish but having fun at the same time.
Panhandle Helicopters
A ride above Panama City Beach only costs $40. It’s the best way to see everything the area offers while gazing down at its beautiful beaches and wildlife.
Panama City Beach Sky Wheel
This ride is another way to see Panama City Beach from the sky. It spins 200 feet in the air and gives you unforgettable views. It’s also a wonderful way to escape the heat because the pods you sit in are air-conditioned.
Panama City Beach Winery
All the wine here is made with 100% Florida fruit and no added preservatives. Come to one of the daily wine tastings and buy whatever you’d like to take home. The wine slush is a perfect beach treat.
Carillon Beach Resort Inn
If you have the money, you can rent a house here for as long as you like to stay next to the beach. If you want to shop, try visiting the downtown area. If you just want to relax for a moment, take a class at Yoga Elements or eat at the public picnic areas.
Thomas Donut and Snack Shop
This is the best place to get a delicious donut in Panama City Beach. You can also try its unique bagel creations, including a bacon and egg bagel with hot sauce.
Yard Milkshake Bar
Stop by here if you’re looking for even more indulgent treats. Its milkshakes are overflowing with toppings such as full cupcakes, waffles, whipped cream, and anything else you can dream of.
Oshi
Every sushi-lover who visits Panama City Beach needs to stop here. You’ll get huge servings adorned with charming mini-umbrellas.
Zen Garden
This spot has a cafe, coffee shop, and a gift shop. You’ll also hear a local band playing Christmas songs on various instruments. It’s a unique dining experience you won’t want to miss.
Liza’s Kitchen
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then this is the most important place to eat at in Panama City Beach. You’ll find juice, coffee, sandwiches, and more.
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