Panama City Beach Vacation Information

An average of 320 sunny days annually make Panama City Beach, Florida, the ultimate seaside getaway year-round. 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. Start planning your best Panama City Beach getaway today!


62 Complexes available at Panama City Beach

Upcoming Events

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Holiday by the Bay

Conducted by Maestro Sergey Bogza, the Panama City Symphony is collaborating with the Bay Area Choral Society for a festive and unforgettable holiday celebration. Enjoy a unique fusion of young and adult voices as they merge with an instrumental performance from the full symphony orchestra. 

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Dec 13 - Dec 13, 2025

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New Year's Eve Beach Ball Drop

Ring in the New Year with the ultimate New Year’s Eve celebration in Panama City Beach! Named the “Best New Year’s Eve Drop” by USA Today 10Best, this exciting event has fun for all ages with fireworks, life music, a Kids Fun Zone and more. Attendees can enjoy the 8:00 PM Kids’ Beach Ball Drop or wait until midnight to countdown the end of 2024 with one of the world’s largest beach balls.

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Dec 31, 2025 - Oct 01, 2026

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Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival

Join all of Panama City Beach for the fun and authentic annual Mardi Gras Celebration. Paired with the Krewe of Dominique Youx’s Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade, this beach-side festival will feature excitement and festivities for all!

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Jan 30 - Jan 31, 2026

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Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

The Food Truck Festivals of America celebrates its next year in Panama City Beach! The event will host popular food trucks serving a variety of delicious goods along with vendors offering regional and national brews.

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Feb 07 - Feb 08, 2026

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Cirque Under the Stars

Created locally by the Santa Rosa Beach Aerial Arts, this family-friendly cirque event will feature exciting fire acts, aerial acrobatic performances and cirque performers. Be sure to bring your own chair or blanket and enjoy food trucks, refreshments, preshow entertainment and more on-site!

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Feb 28 - Feb 28, 2026

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Panama City Beach Scottish Festival

For thirty two years, the Celtic Heritage Alliance has hosted the largest and longest running Florida Panhandle Scottish Festival. This year's celebration of Scottish culture will feature a variety of shows, athletic events and live entertainment.

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Mar 06 - Mar 07, 2026

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Emerald Coast Cruizin' Spring

Every type of car will be on display at this epic annual event from classics to hot rods, muscle and street rods. Perfect for collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike, Aaron Bessant Park turns into an outdoor showroom in addition to concerts, food trucks and more. 

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Mar 12 - Mar 14, 2026

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UNwineD

Presented by Publix, UNwineD with a week full of tasting and sampling delicious creations with local chefs and eateries. This “stylish garden party” will be home to the best craft beer, wine, spirits and cuisine in the region. Get your ticket now and support Make-A-Wish, Heartland Animal Rescue and Beach Care Services charities.

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Apr 03 - Apr 04, 2026