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An average of 320 sunny days annually make Panama City Beach the ultimate seaside getaway year-round. Long a favorite with students on spring break, the area has plenty to offer visitors of all ages, not the least of which are 27 miles of white-sand beaches lapped by the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
For those who prefer action to lounging on the sand or dabbling in the surf, fishing, swimming, sailing, diving, snorkeling, and other water sports are popular diversions. And nearby Shell Island is one of the best spots in Florida for shelling. This unspoiled island, which can be reached only by boat and still looks much the way it did hundreds of years ago, is also a great place to go snorkeling.
Even if you’re really a landlubber at heart, you’ll find plenty to do at Panama City Beach. Shopping, golfing, and hiking the nature trails at St. Andrews State Park are all popular pastimes away from the water. Or, for an up-close look at the dolphins and other undersea wonders that doesn’t involve getting your feet wet, opt for a tour in a glass-bottom boat. Many tour operators also make stops at Shell Island.
The mild, sunny weather means that Panama City Beach is a popular venue for special events year-round, and the area hosts everything from seafood festivals to wine tastings, arts and crafts fairs to open-air concerts. Many visitors return every November for the prestigious Florida Ironman Triathlon. Other popular annual events include October’s Southeastern Barbecue Fest Cookoff, April’s Emerald Coast Triathlon, December’s Boat Parade of Lights, and the Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show and Music Festival, held in April.
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Where to stay
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From beach houses to town houses to high-rise condos, Panama City Beach offers accommodations to fit just about any need and budget. In fact, a recent construction boom has ensured that area visitors have more options than ever. To see photos, amenities, and other details on Panama City Beach vacation rentals, choose from our list of condos, hotels, and beach houses. Or use our custom search feature to find the Panama City Beach vacation rental that’s best for you.
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Panama City Beach restaurants
Panama City Beach restaurants offer all kinds of taste-bud-tickling choices, from fried oysters and crab claws to red beans and rice, prime rib and filet mignon to barbecue ribs and potato salad. Open-air dining is a popular option here, with some establishments having more tables outside than in. Some eateries on the waterfront encourage diners to come early to sip cocktails and watch the local fishermen unload the catch of the day.
Not surprisingly, menus at most establishments are planned around the bounty from the Gulf, with plenty of fresh local produce on the side when it’s in season. But if you’re in the mood for ethnic fare, you won’t be disappointed, whether you’re craving crawfish etouffee or veal scaloppini, fresh sushi or takeout pizza.
Discover the delicious side of Panama City Beach by choosing from our list of restaurants.
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Panama City Beach golf
Five challenging courses, as pretty as they are interesting to play, offer visiting golfers plenty of choices. In fact, Panama City Beach was named the third best golf town in the country by Golf Digest magazine. Amenities at area courses, among which is the only Nicklaus-designed course in Northwest Florida, include a top PGA school, practice ranges, pro shops, bars, and restaurants. Package deals, including accommodations and golf lessons, are available.
Our list of golf courses and resorts will help you plan your Panama City Beach golfing vacation.
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Panama City Beach fishing
While spring and fall usually yield the most impressive catches, salt-water fishing is a year-round sport at Panama City Beach.
In spring, anglers can expect to find Spanish mackerel and bluefish in the bay, and trout, redfish, and ladyfish in the surrounding grass flats. Close to shore, the catch of the day may include pompano, cobia, jack crevalle, and smoker king mackerel. Deep-sea fisherman will find snapper, grouper, triggerfish, amberjack, tuna, sailfish, barracuda, tarpon, wahoo, marlin, bonito, and dolphin (mahi mahi).
In fall, the pompano are close to shore. Also plentiful in the cooling Gulf are trout, redfish, flounder, mahi mahi, black-fin tuna, bonito, and cobia.
Summer fisherman will find trout and redfish in the bay. Anglers fishing the surf will find plenty of pompano, whiting, and ladyfish. Deeper water yields catches of king mackerel, mahi mahi, bonito, wahoo, yellow-fin tuna, sailfish, marlin, and tarpon.
Mild winter afternoons bring out trout and redfish in the bay, and whiting along the beach. The larger deep-water fish generally move close to shore during the winter, and bottom fishing can yield big catches on a good day.
Fresh-water fishing is good all year, as well, and the area’s lakes and rivers are home to dozens of edible species, including the Florida largemouth bass.
For more about Panama City Beach fishing, and to charter a boat, check out our list of Panama City fishing charters.
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Panama City Beach shopping
Whether you’re a seasoned shopper, just want a break from sun and surf, or need to buy souvenirs for the folks back home, Panama City Beach has plenty of retail establishments to visit. You’ll find antiques, swimwear, resort wear, gifts, furniture, and more in the local shops. One standout store, owned by a pair of Panama City Beach natives, offers a line of original fashions. Another stocks more than 20,000 swimsuits. In nearby Panama City, Panama City Mall is home to major retailers offering everything from accessories and lingerie to children’s clothes.
Our list of stores, malls, and outlet centers will help you plan your Panama City Beach shopping excursion.
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Entertainment
The ceremonial blast of a cannon signals sunset at Panama City Beach – and the start of another night’s revelry. One pleasant way to start the evening is with a sunset sail to watch for dolphins, with sightings almost guaranteed. Then, depending on your mood, you can belly up to a sports bar for a cold one or go out on the town for dinner and dancing to the music of a live band. Various venues around the city offer everything from rock to country to jazz to blues in settings that range from open-air decks to elegant dining rooms.
Our list of Panama City Beach restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues can help you plan your nights on the town.
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Other things to do
The waters around Panama City Beach make up one of the most-explored dive destinations in Florida. Indeed, there are so many wrecks in the area that Skin Diver magazine named Panama City Beach the “wreck capital of the South.” The most famous wreck is the Empire Mica, a 465-foot ship sunk by a German U-Boat torpedo during World War II. Other wrecks in the area include a Naval mine sweeper, a tugboat, and a couple of large supply ships. In addition to the wrecks, which are home to a variety of marine life, a program of artificial reef building, initiated in the 1970s, has ensured that area waters hold a diverse selection of coral, fish, and other sea creatures.
Many local charter captains also offer scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that let visitors swim with the dolphins.
Hikers and birdwatchers will enjoy the trails at St. Andrews State Park, just a few minutes’ drive east of Panama City Beach. The park, which borders the beach and also encompasses a lake and marshland, has facilities for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Other park amenities include picnic pavilions, campsites, two fishing piers, and a concession stand selling snacks, souvenirs, and fishing supplies. Boats heading for Shell Island depart from St. Andrews several times daily during spring and summer.
About an hour and a half’s drive from the beaches is a rare natural wonder in a state where most caverns are under water. Florida Caverns State Park features one of the few dry caverns in the state that’s open to the public. The park offers regular guided tours of the caverns, nature trails, and swimming, camping, and fishing facilities.
For more options, and for diving/snorkeling and boat charter information, check out the following list of area businesses.
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Special events
The fact that the sun shines most days means that the fun never stops at Panama City Beach, and the area hosts special events just about every month of the year.
This year marks the 22nd celebration of the annual Boat Parade of Lights. Held in early December, the event is an extravagant procession of boats decorated for the holidays. They gather at St. Andrews Marina, then cruise along St. Andrews Bay and into the City Marina at the foot of Harrison Avenue, where the crowds watch as they gradually disperse.
Many visitors return every November for the Florida Ironman Triathlon, which has been held at Panama City Beach since 1999. Athletes come from all over the country to compete in this grueling swimming, biking, and running event.
Another popular annual event is the Southeastern Barbecue Fest Cookoff, One of only 18 competitions sanctioned by the Florida Barbeque Association. It’s held every October in Frank Brown Park.
Also popular with locals and visitors alike are April’s Emerald Coast Triathlon, and the Gulf Coast Charity Horse Show and Music Festival, another April event. Now in its 10th year, the horse show, featuring the Tennessee Walking Horse, raises money for Anchorage Children’s Home and other local charities. Held in Frank Brown Park, the festivities also include an art show, refreshments, children’s rides, and live entertainment.
And every month sees activities such as live concerts, food festivals, fishing tournaments, sporting events, and more. Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what’s going on while you’re in town.
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| Panama City Beach, Florida - the ultimate seaside getaway. |
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| Photos by Panama City Beach, Florida TDC |
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| Long a favorite with students on spring break, the area has plenty to offer visitors of all ages, not the least of which are 27 miles of white-sand beaches lapped by the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. |
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| For those who prefer action to lounging on the sand or dabbling in the surf, fishing, swimming, sailing, diving, snorkeling, and other water sports are popular diversions. |
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| Jet ski rentals are popular in Panama City Beach. |
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| Many local charter captains also offer scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that let visitors swim with the dolphins. |
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| St. Andrews Lagoon at Panama City Beach, FL |
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