Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities: Ultimate Guide 2025

Reel Groovy Experiences • May 15, 2025

Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities: The Ultimate Guide

Panama City Beach, FL beach with visitors & tall buildings in the background.

When searching for Panama City Beach attractions and activities while visiting the Florida Panhandle, you've landed in paradise.

Why Panama City Beach Should Be Your Next Destination

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning beach lover, the Panama City Beach attractions and activities are virtually endless.

Top 20+ Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities

1. Explore the World-Famous Beaches - Top PCB Attraction

The cornerstone of Panama City Beach attractions starts with its stunning 27-mile stretch of pristine coastline. The emerald-green waters and powdery white sand create the perfect backdrop for:

Swimming and sunbathing
Beach volleyball and sandcastle building
Sunset watching at Russell-Fields Pier
Morning beach walks to collect seashells

2. Visit St. Andrews State Park - Premier Natural Attraction

One of the must-visit Panama City Beach attractions is exploring St. Andrews State Park. This 1,260-acre natural paradise offers:

Two pristine beaches
Hiking and biking trails
Snorkeling and scuba diving at the jetties
Wildlife viewing (look for dolphins, sea turtles, and native birds)
Shell Island boat tours and shuttles
Full-facility camping with 60 campsites for tents and RVs

3. Experience Pier Park - Central Entertainment Attraction

When looking for Panama City Beach attractions, Pier Park is your entertainment hub. This massive outdoor shopping and entertainment complex features:

124 stores including national brands and local boutiques
15+ restaurants ranging from casual to upscale dining
Dave & Buster's arcade and sports bar
The Grand IMAX Theatre
Live music and seasonal events

4. Ride the SkyWheel (PCB Wheel)

One of the most iconic Panama City Beach attractions is riding the PCB Wheel - a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views:

Climate-controlled gondolas for year-round comfort
360-degree views of the Gulf Coast
Perfect for sunset rides
Great for romantic dates or family photos
Located at Pier Park for easy access

5. Thrill-Seeking Water Sports Activities

For adrenaline junkies searching for Panama City Beach activities, the water sports scene won't disappoint:

Jet Skiing

Rent jet skis and explore the coastline

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Calm morning waters are perfect for SUP

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Discover underwater shipwrecks and artificial reefs

6. Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Top Water Activity

One of the classic Panama City Beach activities is booking a deep sea fishing charter with Reel Groovy Experiences. The Gulf of Mexico offers world-class fishing for:

Red snapper

Mahi-mahi

Grouper

King mackerel

Amberjack

Both half-day and full-day charters are available for all skill levels. Book your fishing adventure today and experience the thrill of offshore fishing in Panama City Beach!

7. Shell Island Adventures - Natural Attraction

Taking a boat trip to Shell Island ranks high on the list of Panama City Beach attractions.

Pristine beaches with fewer crowds
Excellent shelling opportunities
Dolphin watching
Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
Beach camping (with permits)

Pontoon Rentals to Shell Island:

8. Conservation Park Trails - Outdoor Activities

For nature enthusiasts exploring Panama City Beach activities, Conservation Park offers:

Hiking and trail running
Mountain biking
Bird watching
Wildlife photography

9. Ripley's Believe It or Not! - Indoor Attraction

Among unique Panama City Beach attractions, Ripley's Odditorium delivers quirky entertainment with:

16 themed galleries with over 500 artifacts
Interactive exhibits
Shrunken heads and unusual artifacts
Mirror maze and 7D moving theater
Laser race

10. Sunset Cruises & Dolphin Tours - Romantic Activities

One of the most romantic Panama City Beach activities is booking a sunset cruise or dolphin tour:

Watch dolphins play in their natural habitat
Enjoy stunning Gulf Coast sunsets
Choose from sailing catamarans, pontoons, or speedboats
Private sunset and dolphin cruises available with customizable experiences

11. WonderWorks - Interactive Attraction

This upside-down attraction at WonderWorks is one of the educational Panama City Beach attractions for kids:

Over 100 interactive exhibits
Indoor ropes course
4D XD Motion Theater
Laser tag arena
Virtual sports zone

12. Go-Karts and Mini Golf Activities

Racing enthusiasts will love these action-packed Panama City Beach activities:

Go-Kart Racing: Race City PCB offers multi-level tracks, bumper boats, and Panama City Beach's only roller coaster

Mini Golf (Putt-Putt): Multiple themed courses including:

Pirate's Island Adventure Golf with waterfalls and caves
PCB Wheel Mini Golf at Pier Park
Perfect for friendly family competition

Great for rainy days or evening entertainment

13. Shipwreck Island Waterpark - Family Attraction

Beat the heat with these water-filled Panama City Beach activities at Shipwreck Island:

20-acre waterpark with rides for all ages
Lazy river and wave pool
Speed slides and mat racers
Kiddie play areas with smaller slides

14. Russell-Fields City Pier - Historic Attraction

The historic 1,500-foot pier offers classic Panama City Beach activities:

Fishing (no license required on the pier)
Dolphin and sea turtle spotting
Sunrise and sunset photography
On-site bait shop and snack bar

15. Nightlife and Entertainment Activities

When the sun goes down, the Panama City Beach activities shift to vibrant nightlife:

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

Live country music venue (new location coming to Thomas Drive)

Ms. Newby's

Lively beachfront bar and restaurant with live music, tropical cocktails, and a laid-back island vibe

Hammerhead Fred's

Beachfront bar with live music and char-grilled oysters

16. Dining Experiences - Top PCB Restaurants

Food is one of the best Panama City Beach activities:

Firefly

Award-winning fine dining with steaks and sushi (romantic atmosphere, not beachfront)

Schooners

Famous beachfront restaurant known as the "last local beach club"

Captain Anderson's

Legendary seafood since 1967, located at the marina where Reel Groovy departs

Runaway Island

Beachfront restaurant with Caribbean-inspired cuisine and live music

Andy's Flour Power

Breakfast and brunch hotspot with fresh-baked pastries

Pro tip: Many local restaurants offer "hook and cook" services where they'll prepare your fresh catch from your fishing charter!

17. Golf Courses - Outdoor Activities

Golf enthusiasts will find excellent Panama City Beach activities at:

Legacy Golf Club (formerly Holiday Golf Club)

Championship course with TifEagle turf

Hombre Golf Club

(30 minutes away)

18. Museum of Man in the Sea - Educational Attraction

For history buffs exploring unique Panama City Beach attractions:

Learn about diving history and technology
See vintage diving equipment
Interactive exhibits on underwater exploration
Navy SEAL history displays

19. Beach Bonfires - Evening Activities

One of the most memorable Panama City Beach activities is arranging a beach bonfire:

Several companies offer bonfire packages
Perfect for romantic evenings or group celebrations
Includes setup, chairs, and s'mores supplies
Watch stars while listening to waves

20. Helicopter Tours - Aerial Activities

See PCB from above with aerial tours from Panhandle Helicopter - thrilling Panama City Beach activities:

15-30 minute flights along the coast
Bird's-eye views of Shell Island
Perfect for special occasions and proposals
Great photo opportunities
Tours departing daily from Panama City Beach

Seasonal Panama City Beach Activities

Spring (March-May)

Spring Break festivities
Fishing tournaments
Perfect beach weather with fewer crowds post-spring break

Summer (June-August)

Sea turtle nesting season (watch nests hatch at dawn)
Fourth of July fireworks
Peak season for water sports
Prime time for deep sea fishing charters

Fall (September-November)

Seafood festivals
Ironman Florida (November)
Best time for offshore fishing - red snapper and grouper season!

Winter (December-February)

Holiday events and light displays
Mild weather perfect for outdoor activities
Great deals on accommodations

Panama City Beach Activities at Night

When the sun sets, PCB transforms into an exciting nightlife destination. Here are the best Panama City Beach activities at night:

Live Music Venues: Catch performances at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Coyote Ugly, or beachfront bars
Moonlight Beach Walks: Enjoy the peaceful sound of waves under the stars
Night Fishing: Try your luck at Russell-Fields Pier or book a night charter
Beach Bonfires: Create lasting memories around a crackling fire with friends and family
Pier Park Evening Entertainment: Live concerts and events throughout the year
Stargazing: The dark skies away from downtown offer excellent star viewing
Late-Night Dining: Beachfront restaurants like Hammerhead Fred's stay open late
Sunset Cruises: Evening boat tours offer spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets

Rainy Day Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities

Don't let a rainy day dampen your vacation! Here are the best Panama City Beach attractions and activities for rainy days:

Shop at Pier Park: Browse 124 climate-controlled stores and boutiques
WonderWorks: Explore over 100 interactive exhibits in this upside-down building
Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Discover oddities in 16 themed galleries
Grand IMAX Theatre: Catch the latest blockbuster on the giant screen
Indoor Go-Kart Racing: Race City PCB offers covered racing tracks
Museum of Man in the Sea: Learn about diving history and underwater exploration
Dave & Buster's: Play arcade games and enjoy food and drinks
Spa Day: Treat yourself to massages and treatments at resort spas
Escape Room:A thrilling team puzzle-solving game where you're locked in a themed room and must work together to find clues and escape within 60 minutes.
Laser Tag: Battle friends in the indoor laser tag arena
ROCK 'IT LANES: Bowling for the whole family

Nearby Attractions Near Panama City Beach

Expand your Florida Panhandle adventure with these nearby attractions near Panama City Beach:

Destin (45 minutes west): Upscale shopping, HarborWalk Village, and pristine beaches
30A Beaches (35 minutes west): Charming coastal towns like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach
Grayton Beach State Park (40 minutes west): Consistently ranked among America's best beaches
St. George Island (1 hour east): Quiet, unspoiled beaches perfect for relaxation and shelling
Apalachicola (1.5 hours east): Historic downtown, fresh oysters, and charming shops
Econfina Creek (30 minutes north): Natural springs and tubing adventures
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (25 minutes west): Coastal dune lakes and nature trails
Camp Helen State Park (20 minutes west): Rare coastal dune lake ecosystem

Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities for Couples

Planning a romantic getaway? Here are the most romantic Panama City Beach attractions and activities for couples:

Private Sunset Cruise: Book an intimate boat tour with champagne and panoramic Gulf views
Couples Spa Day: Indulge in side-by-side massages at luxury resort spas
Beachfront Fine Dining: Enjoy dinner under the stars at Firefly or Runaway Island
Moonlight Beach Walks: Stroll hand-in-hand along the shore after dark
Private Beach Bonfire: Arrange a romantic bonfire with s'mores and ocean views
Sunset Ride on PCB Wheel: Share a climate-controlled gondola 200 feet above the coast
Dolphin Watching Tour: Watch these playful creatures in their natural habitat
Wine Tasting: Sample wines at local venues and wine bars
Helicopter Tour: Soar above the coastline for unforgettable aerial views and photos
Beachfront Picnic: Pack gourmet treats and watch the sunset together

Family-Friendly Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities

PCB is perfect for families! Here are the best Panama City Beach attractions and activities for kids:

Build Sandcastles: Spend quality time creating masterpieces on the beach
Pirate's Island Adventure Golf: Navigate waterfalls, caves, and pirate-themed obstacles
Go-Kart Racing at Race City PCB: Race on multi-level tracks and ride the only roller coaster in PCB
Shipwreck Island Waterpark: Splash around in the 20-acre park with slides for all ages
WonderWorks: Let kids explore 100+ hands-on science exhibits
Shell Island Excursion: Take a boat trip to collect shells and spot dolphins
Science and Discovery Center: Interactive exhibits spark curiosity and learning
Pirate Cruises: Kids love treasure hunt adventures on themed boats
PCB Wheel Ride: Families can enjoy panoramic views together in climate-controlled gondolas
Beach Fishing: Teach kids to fish at Russell-Fields Pier (no license required)
Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Explore weird and wonderful exhibits kids find fascinating
Arcade Games: Dave & Buster's and Pier Park offer tons of family-friendly games
ROCK 'IT LANES: Bowling for the whole family

Free and Budget-Friendly Panama City Beach Activities

You don't need to break the bank to have fun! Here are free and affordable Panama City Beach activities:

Watch Sunrise or Sunset: Experience breathtaking colors over the Gulf - completely free
Explore Conservation Park Trails: 24 miles of free hiking and biking trails
Beachcombing: Search for shells, sand dollars, and sea glass along the shore
Russell-Fields Pier: Small admission fee for fishing, dolphin watching, and views
Free Concerts at Pier Park: Check the schedule for live music events
Window Shopping: Browse Pier Park's stores and enjoy the atmosphere
Beach Volleyball: Many beach access points have free nets set up
Attend Local Festivals: Throughout the year, free community events and celebrations
Picnic at the Beach: Pack lunch and enjoy a budget-friendly meal with ocean views.
Wildlife Watching: Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and shore birds for free
Photography: Capture stunning landscapes and vacation memories

Adult-Oriented Panama City Beach Activities

Looking for adult-oriented activities? Here are the best things to do in Panama City for adults:

Deep Sea Fishing Charter: Book a full-day offshore fishing adventure
Wine and Dine: Experience upscale restaurants like Firefly with craft cocktails
Nightclub Scene: Dance at Club La Vela or enjoy live music at various venues
Craft Beer Tours: Sample local brews at Panama City Beach breweries
Scuba Diving: Explore shipwrecks and artificial reefs with certified dive operators
Golf Courses: Play championship courses like Legacy Golf Club
Spa Treatments: Relax with massages, facials, and wellness services
Parasailing: Soar high above the emerald waters for thrilling views
Adults-Only Sunset Cruise: Book private charters with premium amenities

Budget Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities

Maximize your vacation dollars with these budget-conscious things to do in the Panama City Beach area:

Pack Beach Gear: Bring your own chairs, umbrellas, and coolers to save rental fees
Cook Some Meals: Rent a condo with a kitchen and prepare breakfast or lunch
Happy Hour Specials: Many restaurants offer discounted food and drinks in the afternoon
Visit During Off-Season: September-October and March-April offer lower prices
Free Beach Access: Use public access points instead of paying for private beach clubs
Discount Attraction Tickets: Look for combo deals on activities like WonderWorks + Ripley's
Self-Guided Tours: Explore St. Andrews State Park and Conservation Park on your own
Matinee Movies: Catch discounted showings at the Grand Theatre
Group Discounts: Many attractions offer reduced rates for larger groups

Planning Your Panama City Beach Adventure

When researching things to do in Panama City Beach Florida, consider these essential planning tips:

Best Time to Visit: April-May or September-October for ideal weather and smaller crowds

How Long to Stay: Plan at least 4-5 days to experience the main attractions and have beach time

Where to Stay: Options range from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly condos along Thomas Drive

Getting Around: Rent a car for easy access to all attractions, or use rideshare services for shorter trips

What to Pack: Sunscreen, beach gear, casual dining clothes, and a light jacket for evening breezes

Advance Bookings: Reserve fishing charters, sunset cruises, and popular restaurants ahead of time

Best Panama City Beach Attractions & Activities by Category

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Deep sea fishing charters
Parasailing and jet skiing
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Helicopter tours
Shell Island excursions

Family-Friendly Attractions

Shipwreck Island Waterpark
WonderWorks interactive museum
Pirate's Island Mini Golf
Go-kart racing at Race City PCB
Beach activities and sandcastle building

Relaxation & Nature Activities

27 miles of pristine beaches
St. Andrews State Park
Conservation Park hiking trails
Beach bonfires under the stars
Spa days at resort facilities

Entertainment & Nightlife Activities

Pier Park shopping and dining
Live music at multiple venues
Club La Vela nightclub
Beachfront bars like Schooners
Sunset cruises with cocktails

Unique Panama City Beach Attractions

Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Museum of Man in the Sea
Dolphin watching tours
PCB Wheel sunset rides
Hook and cook dining experiences

Top Panama City Beach Attractions on Your First Visit

If it's your first time visiting, don't miss these essential Panama City Beach attractions:

1. Spend a Full Day at the Beach: Experience the famous sugar-white sand and emerald waters

2. Visit Pier Park: Shop, dine, and ride the iconic PCB Wheel

3. Book a Fishing Charter or Dolphin Tour: Get out on the water with Reel Groovy Experiences

4. Explore St. Andrews State Park: Hike, swim, and take the shuttle to Shell Island

5. Watch the Sunset: Find a beachfront spot or book a sunset cruise

6. Try Fresh Seafood: Dine at Captain Anderson's or Schooners for authentic Gulf Coast cuisine

7. Visit at Least One Attraction: Choose from WonderWorks, Ripley's, or Shipwreck Island

Make the Most of Your Panama City Beach Vacation

The Panama City Beach attractions and activities are as diverse as they are exciting. From serene beach days to heart-pumping adventures, PCB caters to every type of traveler. Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, spring break trip, or solo adventure, this Gulf Coast paradise delivers unforgettable experiences.

With 27 miles of world-class beaches, countless water sports, unique attractions, excellent dining, and vibrant nightlife, Panama City Beach truly offers something for everyone. The combination of natural beauty, modern amenities, and Southern hospitality makes PCB one of Florida's most beloved destinations.

For more information about Panama City Beach and to plan your perfect trip, visit the official Panama City Beach tourism website.

Start Planning Your Panama City Beach Adventure Today

Ready to experience these amazing Panama City Beach attractions and activities? Book your trip to Panama City Beach, Florida, and prepare for the vacation of a lifetime. From sunrise to sunset and everything in between, paradise is waiting for you on the World's Most Beautiful Beaches.

Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine shores, thrilling water adventures, family-friendly activities, romantic experiences, or vibrant nightlife, Panama City Beach delivers it all. The emerald waters are calling, and your perfect beach vacation awaits!

Book Your PCB Water Adventure

Looking for an unforgettable water adventure? Book a deep sea fishing charter, dolphin cruise, or sunset tour with Reel Groovy Experiences - Panama City Beach's top-rated charter service departing from Captain Anderson's Marina.

Learn more about our charters or call (850) 774-9007 to book your adventure today!

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