12 Best Things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida

Planning a trip to Panama City Beach and wondering what to do? We’ve got you covered!

Panama City Beach is Florida in every sense. It’s laid-back and sunny, with white sandy beaches and the Gulf’s turquoise waters. Pretty much the kind of beach holiday everyone dreams about!

But there’s more to it than just the beach. You can go on dolphin cruises, try jet boat rides, snorkel, kayak through freshwater springs, or even hop aboard a floating tiki boat. Whether you’re after a bit of adrenaline or something slower, you’ll find lots to keep you busy.

With so much to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to 12 of the best things to do in Panama City Beach. Let’s get into it!

Panama City Beach At A Glance  

Panama City Beach is perfect for beach days and fun adventures on the water, but a few helpful tips will make your trip even better!

Important Tip: Rent a car to explore Panama City Beach! Golf carts are another option in some areas, but check local driving rules before renting one.

Avoid the summer crowds: June through August are the busiest months, especially during school holidays. Expect heavier traffic and longer waits at restaurants. For fewer crowds and warm beach weather, consider visiting in May or September.

Book popular tours in advance: Experiences like dolphin cruises and Shell Island adventures can fill up quickly, especially during summer. Reserve your favorites early so you don’t miss out!

Pay attention to beach warning flags: Rip currents can be dangerous, even when the water looks calm. Always check the flags before swimming, stay near lifeguards, and follow their instructions.

How We Would Spend Three Days in Panama City Beach

🌅 Day 1: St. Andrews State Park, Pier Park & Sunset Cruise
Explore the beautiful St. Andrews State Park, shop around Pier Park, and finish the day with a sunset catamaran cruise and waterfront dinner at Schooners.

🏝️ Day 2: Beach Time, Shell Island & Water Adventures
Relax on Panama City Beach or get your adrenaline pumping on a thrilling jet boat ride before heading to Shell Island for an afternoon of water adventures, then finish with dinner and drinks near Pier Park.

🐬 Day 3: Dolphin Swimming, Tiki Boat Cruise & Waterfront Dining
Start the day spotting dolphins in the wild, spend the afternoon cruising Lower Grand Lagoon on a tiki boat, and finish with a delicious waterfront dinner at The Grand Marlin.

Things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida  

1. Relax on a sunset sail on the Gulf of Mexico  

There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from the water, especially with a drink in hand! And this two-hour catamaran sail is one of the most fun ways to spend an evening in Panama City Beach.

You’ll cruise through St. Andrews Bay aboard the spacious Privateer catamaran as the sun sets. With gorgeous views and island music playing, it feels more like a floating party than a typical sightseeing cruise!

And speaking of drinks, your first one is included! There’s also an onboard bar where you can grab snacks or treat yourself to their signature Privateer Punch (I’d definitely recommend it!). Just remember to bring a card for purchases, although cash is fine for tips.

And don’t get too distracted by the sunset because you might spot dolphins swimming nearby! They’re wild animals, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but how amazing would that be?

The boat leaves from behind The Bayside Resort, so arrive 40 minutes early to check in and let the crew know if you need assistance getting down the dock. And here’s a handy tip! St. Andrews Bay is usually calmer than the open Gulf, so red flags on the beach don’t necessarily mean your cruise will be canceled.

We can’t think of a much better way to end a day in Panama City Beach! Watching the sunset with a drink in hand and good music playing sounds pretty perfect to me. And the best part? You’ll still have time to grab dinner afterward!

2. Have a day of adventure at Shell Island 

If you’re the adventurous kind, this Shell Island cruise is perfect! We sailed through Grand Lagoon towards Shell Island aboard a Privateer catamaran, and the fun started before we even got there, with tropical music playing and gorgeous views. 

And when we arrived at the island, we honestly didn’t know where to begin! There was an inflatable water park with trampolines, climbing walls, and slides, plus a floating seesaw called the Rockit. The kids can have a blast trying everything while you grab a kayak or paddleboard and spend some time in the water. Or go snorkeling if that’s more your thing!

The best part is that you don’t have to pay extra to try any of it. All activities and equipment are included, so you can switch between the inflatables and the water whenever you feel like it. And when you need a break, there’s an onboard bar where you can buy drinks and snacks. You can bring your own food, too, but outside drinks aren’t allowed.

After all that time in the water, we headed into the Gulf of Mexico to look for dolphins. We were lucky enough to spot a pod jumping through the waves alongside our catamaran. You’re not guaranteed to see dolphins, but I’d keep the camera close, just in case!

With hundreds of five-star reviews, this one clearly gets a lot of things right! We’d recommend it if you’re traveling with kids or friends who would rather spend the day splashing around than lying on the beach.

3. Explore St. Andrews State Park  

St. Andrews State Park is a great place to get outdoors and escape the crowds for a few hours. You’ll find sandy beaches, quiet lagoons, walking trails, and you might spot some pretty birds too.

There’s plenty to do here! You can hike, explore by bike, or go boating. Shell Island is part of the state park, but there’s more to see on the mainland, so you don’t need a boat trip to enjoy the area.

I’d start with one of the hiking trails. Heron Pond and Gator Lake are the two main options, and you might spot some local wildlife too. If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from the Camp Store and cover more ground without tiring yourself out on foot (way better on a hot Florida day!).

Camping is also a great idea if you want to stay longer and spend more time in nature. Just remember that entry isn’t free. Still, it’s a nice spot to spend some time without paying for a guided tour or other organized activities.

4. Swim with dolphins  

One of the things we were most excited about in Panama City Beach was getting out on the water to look for wild dolphins! We chose this two-hour dolphin tour because it takes a maximum of six passengers, and we love how much more personal smaller boat trips feel.

We met our captain at Papa Joe’s, just off Highway 98, after arriving about 20–30 minutes early. Once everyone was onboard, we headed out into the Gulf of Mexico to search for dolphins. We kept our eyes peeled the whole way, hoping to spot a few swimming nearby! You might also see stingrays or manatees, so there’s plenty to look out for.

And the most exciting part? There’s a chance to actually get in the water and swim near the dolphins! Of course, they’re wild animals, so sightings and swimming opportunities depend on the conditions and a little bit of luck. But even watching them from the boat is such a special experience!

We also loved that the tour included a snorkeling stop near Shell Island. All the equipment was provided, including masks, snorkels, and life jackets, so we didn’t have to worry about bringing our own.

For us, the small group was a huge plus. It felt much more relaxed than being on a crowded sightseeing boat, and we had plenty of space to enjoy the beautiful Gulf waters. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing dolphins up close in their natural habitat, this is definitely an adventure worth adding to your Panama City Beach itinerary!

5. Get your adrenaline pumping on a jet boat ride 

If you want to add some serious excitement to your trip, this Scream Machine jet boat ride is SO much fun!

The twin engines roar to life, and off you go, speeding across the water with the wind (and your hair) in your face. Then the captain throws in a 360-degree spin or a nose dive, and you hold on tight as water splashes over the boat.

Yes, there was so much screaming and laughing! They don’t call it the Scream Machine for nothing. Just when we thought we could relax for a second, the boat would whip around again. It was hard not to laugh along with everyone else. This is definitely not the kind of boat trip where you sit back quietly and admire the view, and it’s not for the faint of heart either.

The crew were really friendly, though, and explained everything before we set off. You could tell they knew what they were doing, which put us at ease knowing we were in good hands, nose dive or not!

And don’t expect to stay dry. You’re likely to get splashed, so wear something you don’t mind getting wet. This is best for older kids and adults who enjoy a little speed and excitement, but anyone over 38 inches (96.5 cm) tall who’s reasonably fit can join in! 

6. Shop along Pier Park  

Need a break from the beach? Head to Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s main shopping and entertainment area. There are more than 120 stores here, from familiar brands to smaller local boutiques, so be ready to open your wallet more than once.

You’ll also find a ton of places to eat, whether you want a quick snack or prefer to sit down and take your time over lunch. There’s everything from sushi, steak, and oysters to burgers and tequila cocktails, so you’ll have plenty to choose from, even if you’re surrounded by picky eaters.

For the kids, there’s the PCB Wheel. This big Ferris wheel is one of the city’s landmarks, and you can hop on for a different view of Panama City Beach (not ideal if you’re afraid of heights!). You’ll also find a movie theatre, an arcade, laser tag, and sometimes live music, depending on when you visit.

7. Try out scuba diving 

We’ve always loved exploring the underwater world, so we couldn’t pass up the chance to go scuba diving in Panama City Beach! And the great thing about this beginner scuba experience is that you don’t need a diving certificate, previous experience, or even swimming skills to give it a go!

We met our PADI instructor at St. Andrews State Park, near the jetties. You’ll want to arrive 15 minutes early, bring a towel, and avoid wearing makeup or sunscreen on your face.

Before we got into the water, our instructor explained how the equipment worked and went through all the safety basics. We started in shallow water, about 3 feet (1 meter) deep, practicing a few skills and getting comfortable breathing through the regulator.

And even though we’ve been diving before, that first breath underwater is always such a cool feeling! Once everyone was comfortable and the instructor was happy, it was time to explore. There’s something so special about being underwater and seeing a completely different side of Florida!

Another nice touch was the complimentary photos of us getting ready for the dive, along with prerecorded videos of the local marine life.

Just a heads-up! You’ll need to complete a health questionnaire the day before, and certain medical conditions or previous surgeries could prevent you from diving. The operator also recommends waiting at least 12 hours before flying, so plan accordingly.

We think this is such a fun way to try scuba diving for the first time! Having an instructor guide you through everything makes the experience much less intimidating, and who knows? You might just discover a new favorite hobby!

8. Spend a day exploring Cypress Springs  

If you’re looking to spend more time on the water, this Cypress Springs eco adventure is one to keep on your radar! It takes you down Holmes Creek by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard before you reach the gorgeous freshwater springs.

You’ll meet your guide at the Publix Super Market on Panama City Beach Parkway, across from Carillon Beach. From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive to the launch point, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

If you’ve never tried paddling before, don’t worry! Your guide will show you how everything works. You don’t need to be an Olympic kayaker or have any special skills (thankfully!).

Once you reach Cypress Springs, you can swim, snorkel, or just hang out by the water and snap photos. The spring stays around 70°F (21°C) all year, so the water is lovely and refreshing. You can also use the included SeaDoo scooters to glide through the water and look for fish without having to do all the hard work yourself. GoPros are provided, too, which is a nice bonus! 

After a few hours on the water, you’ll probably be starved. You’ll get a sandwich and drinks, just remember to choose your preferred filling when booking!

The trip takes around five to six hours, depending on your departure time, so you’ll need to set aside most of the day for it, but it’s worth it! It’s definitely a nice change if you want to see a different side of Florida beyond the beaches.

9. Have a day of fun at Shipwreck Island Waterpark  

If you’re visiting Panama City Beach in summer, Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a good one to add to your plans, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Or maybe you’re the one who can’t walk past a waterslide without wanting to try it (no judgment!).

You’ve got fast waterslides, a wave pool, splash areas for the little ones, and a lazy river if you’d rather float around and take it nice and easy. There’s more than swimming and sliding, too! Depending on the schedule, you might catch mermaids, pirates, Polynesian dancers, or one of the famous foam parties.

You can easily spend several hours here going between the rides and pools. Just don’t forget sunscreen, and expect to get wet!

The park is seasonal, generally open from June through August, with some weekend availability in May and September. Dates can change from year to year, so check their website for current opening days, hours, and more info. 

And just to be clear, this isn’t a free activity. You’ll need to buy admission tickets, so keep that in mind when planning your budget. But if your idea of a great summer day involves waterslides and splashing around, you’ll probably have a blast here!

10. Jet ski around Shell Island 

If you love a little speed and adventure, this two-hour jet ski tour is such a fun way to explore Panama City Beach! You’ll zip across the beautiful waters of St. Andrews Bay, take a break at Shell Island, and hopefully spot some dolphins along the way. What’s not to love?

First, you’ll get a safety briefing, then head across St. Andrews Bay with your guide, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins. Depending on the day (and your luck!), you might also spot sea turtles, rays, or manatees.

You’ll follow your guide for part of the trip, but there’s also time to ride at your own pace. Once you get comfortable steering, you can really enjoy the speed and that feeling of flying across the water. If you’ve never ridden a jet ski before, listen to your guide and take your time getting comfortable before picking up speed.

There’s a stop at Shell Island, where you can go for a swim, or just lie on the white sandy beach before hopping back on for another ride across the bay.

The tour lasts two hours, and you’ll need to arrive 30 minutes early to check in and get instructions. 

Dolphins aren’t guaranteed, of course, but that’s part of looking for wildlife in its natural habitat. The thrill of riding a jet ski, on the other hand, is guaranteed!

11. Cruise around the Lower Grand Lagoon on a tiki boat  

Who doesn’t love floating around in a tiki boat in a lagoon, listening to their favorite tunes, sipping their favorite cocktail, and chilling Florida-style? That’s pretty much what you get with this floating tiki boat trip around Lower Grand Lagoon.

The best part? Your captain takes care of everything, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy yourself! It’s BYOB, and there’s already a cooler with ice and cups onboard, so just bring your favorite drinks and snacks.

You’ll head to the shallow, clear waters near Sandy Point, where you can swim or snorkel. There’s also a floating deck if you’d rather hang out in the water for a while. Best of all, dolphins sometimes swim close to the boats, so keep an eye out.

If you’re feeling brave, give the shot-ski a go (because why not?) and ask your captain to snap a photo. You can book a tandem charter for up to 12 guests, making it a great option for a birthday, a hen or stag party, or just a fun day out with your favorite crowd.

Just make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early, especially in summer when Panama City Beach traffic gets busy. Trust me, you don’t want to miss the boat on this one! With hundreds of five-star reviews, it’s clearly a crowd favorite, and I can see why!

12. Enjoy beachfront restaurants  

It might not be a food tour, but these restaurant recommendations give you a few different options depending on your budget, preferences, and appetite. Whether you’re after a casual seafood meal or somewhere a little more upscale, there’s a spot for you (and hopefully a nice sea view to go with it!).

For live music and a lively beach atmosphere, check out Schooners. It’s a laid-back place to grab fresh seafood and enjoy the band, or a lobster festival if you time it right. Tables are first-come, first-served, and there can be a bit of a wait, but I wouldn’t say no to spending an evening here!

If seafood is what you’re after, Harpoon Harry’s Beachfront Restaurant is a great choice. It’s known for its seafood bucket, after all! The atmosphere is casual, so you don’t have to worry about dressing up.

And if you do fancy dressing up, The Grand Marlin is a more upscale option for a special meal. It’s pretty popular, so I’d recommend reserving a table in advance.

So, whether you’re in the mood for live music, a seafood feast, or a more fine-dining experience, you’ve got options!

Where to Stay in Panama City Beach 

PCB has a few great areas to stay in, but if convenience is your priority, look for accommodation around Pier Park or along the main beach. You’ll be close to the beach, restaurants, shops, and a TON of things to do. Here are some of my favorite stays in the area:

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach – Beachfront – $$$

If you want to wake up just steps from the beach, Hyatt Place Panama City Beach – Beachfront is worth a look. For starters, it’s right on the Gulf of Mexico, with Pier Park, its shops, restaurants, and entertainment all within walking distance. So, you’ve got easy access to the white sandy beach and pretty much everything else you might need.

The hotel has an outdoor pool area with a lazy river and hot tub, plus a bar and grill serving seafood, tacos, pizza, and drinks. Rooms and suites come with modern amenities, and some even have balconies. Best of all, breakfast is free, which is always a nice bonus when you’re traveling with the family.

Overall, it’s a convenient choice for families who want the beach, food, and shops close by. Prices start at around $100 USD per night, which is a steal for a beachfront hotel. Check your dates and book this luxury stay here!

Residence Inn Panama City Beach Pier Park – $$

If you’re traveling with the family and want a bit more room to spread out, Residence Inn Panama City Beach Pier Park could be just what you need. The suites come with fully equipped kitchens, so you can make breakfast or sort out a quick snack before heading to the beach.

There’s an outdoor pool for lazy afternoons, and a fitness center if you want to stay active during your vacation. You’ll also find a cozy bar where you can grab a drink in the evening. Breakfast is included, too, which means one less thing to worry about in the morning. 

Location is a big plus! Pier Park is about a 12-minute walk away, and you can reach the beach on foot, too, although it’s not right outside the door. Prices usually start at around $100 USD per night. See current rates and lock in your stay here!

Candlewood Suites – Panama City Beach Pier Park – $

If you’re trying to keep your costs down, take a look at Candlewood Suites – Panama City Beach Pier Park. The suites have fully equipped kitchens, which work great if you want to make your own breakfast or prepare a quick lunch instead of eating out all the time.

For a budget stay, you’ve got some pretty great extras, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and laundry facilities (super handy if you’re traveling with kids). You can also grab snacks and drinks from the 24-hour minimarket.

The hotel isn’t right on the beach, so you’ll need to drive there. Pier Park is also a short drive away, but the good news is that parking is free. Overall, I think this is a practical choice if you’d rather save on your room and put that money towards boat trips and beach activities. Prices start at around $80 USD per night. Check availability and book your budget stay here!

Want more great options? Check out all the hotels listed for Panama City Beach here!

Thanks for reading!

Panama City Beach is so much more than just a beautiful beach destination! We had an absolute blast exploring Shell Island, spotting dolphins in the wild, and getting out on the water for some unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re chasing thrills or just soaking up the Florida sunshine, there’s something here for everyone.

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