Top Things To Do In Panama City Beach

If you are searching for the ultimate beach destination, look no further than Panama City Beach. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this exciting coastal city is packed full of activities and memorable attractions. There are miles of pristine white sand and crystal clear waters as well as a wide selection of amusement parks. Your time in Panama Beach is guaranteed to be fun and memorable. Use the following list of things to do to make the most of your time here.

Panama City Beach Water Activity Adventure Catamaran Sail
Panama City Beach Water Activity Adventure Catamaran Sail
4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach4.2 mi
4.6
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351 ratings
$75
Panama City Beach Water Activity Adventure Catamaran Sail
90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
5201 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach4.2 mi
4.5
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432 ratings
$31
90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach4.2 mi
4.5
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515 ratings
$80
Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge
3 Hour Algonquin Park Bass & Trout Fishing (private- price is for 1 or 2 people)
3 Hour Algonquin Park Bass & Trout Fishing (private- price is for 1...
4114 Jan Cooley Dr, Panama City Beach4.2 mi
5.0
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2 ratings
$255.53
3 Hour Algonquin Park Bass & Trout Fishing (private- price is for 1 or 2 people)
Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
5201 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach4.2 mi
5.0
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6 ratings
$103.75
Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
No Experience Required to Discover Scuba in Florida
No Experience Required to Discover Scuba in Florida
5512 Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach3.6 mi
4.7
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30 ratings
$149
No Experience Required to Discover Scuba in Florida
Four-Hour Day Camp
50% Off a Day Camp
2 Locations1.9 mi
$40 $20
50% discount_off
Four-Hour Day Camp at Simona's Journey Cancer Foundation (50% Off)
9 bought
Aquatica Orlando Admission with Dining Option, or 2, 3 or Unlimited SeaWorld Park Visits(Up to 53% Off)
Up to 53% Off Admission to Aquatica Orlando
5800 Water Play Way, Orlando
4.6
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985 ratings
$99.99 $46.99
53% discount_off
Aquatica Orlando Single Day Admission: Valid 365 days from purchase
Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise
Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise
27844 Canal Rd,, Orange Beach
$25
Alabama Gulf Coast Dolphin Cruise

Visitors in Panama City Beach are treated to a wide selection of activities to choose from. A couple of attractions to visit include exploring secluded Shell Island or reliving your childhood at Race City.

 

The best activities to do near Panama City Beach include:

  • Shell Island: a secluded and undeveloped barrier island ripe for exploring
  • St. Andrews State Park: 1,200 acres of lakes, sand dunes, and beach
  • Shipwreck Island Waterpark: the place to be if you like having fun in water
  • ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory: 260 animals and multiple programs to inspire conservation
  • Race City: an amusement park with a roller coaster, a steep go-kart track, and much more

Events in Panama City BeachView All

Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
5201 North Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach4.2 mi
5.0
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6 ratings
$103.75
Beginner Group Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
SeaWorld Orlando Admission with Dining Option, or 2, 3 or Unlimited SeaWorld Park Visits (Up to 50% Off)
Up to 50% Off Admission to SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
4.7
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1,507 ratings
$132.99 $67.99
49% discount_off
SeaWorld Orlando Single Weekday Admission Ticket: Valid 365 days from purchase
Daily Admission Ticket to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Daily Admission Ticket to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island
4.8
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245 ratings
$65
Daily Admission Ticket
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York
4.7
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7,450 ratings
$48 $33
31% discount_off
Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)
Busch Gardens Tampa Admission with All-Day Dining Option, 2- or 3-Park, or Unlimited Visits (Up to 52% Off)
Up to 52% Off Admission to Busch Gardens Tampa
10165 McKinley Drive, Tampa
4.5
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405 ratings
$134.99 $67.99
50% discount_off
Busch Gardens Tampa Single Week Day Admission: Valid 365 days from purchase
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours in Pensacola Beach
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours in Pensacola Beach
online_deal
5.0
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173 ratings
$29.99
Frisky Mermaid Dolphin Tours in Pensacola Beach
Limited Time Offer: Buy 2 Days, Get 3 Days FREE! Valid for Select Promo Tickets. Save Up to $166 on Select Dates.
Limited Time Deal- Buy 2 Days, Get 3 Days FREE with Select Tickets*
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando
$164
PROMO: Buy 2-Day Ticket, Get 3 Days Free
10,000+ bought
Crab Island Charter
Crab Island Charter
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3.9
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7 ratings
$60
Crab Island Charter
Orange Beach Islands 3-Hour Excursion
Orange Beach Islands 3-Hour Excursion
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$82.50
Orange Beach Islands 3-Hour Excursion

Panama City is home to a whole host of must-see landmarks. Some of the best things to do when visiting include the Panama City 9/11 Memorial, Pier Park, and Panama Beach.

Popular attractions near Panama City Beach include:

  • Russell Fields City Pier: perfect for fishing with views of the city
  • Panama Beach: beautiful white sand, clear water, and a fishing pier
  • Pier Park: the place to go for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Panama City Beach
  • Panama City 9/11 Memorial: pay your respects at a memorial dedicated to 9/11
  • Scenic Road 30A: take a scenic drive through a fun beach neighborhoods full of interesting shops

There is plenty of fun to be had in Panama City Beach today. The Man in the Sea Museum is open daily and offers a look into the history of military, science, and recreational diving.

Exciting activities near Panama City Beach include:

  • Camp Helen State Park: this natural area is surrounded by water on three sides
  • Frank Brown Park: this park has fields for a variety of different sports
  • Miracle Strip Amusement Park: this park has a number of carnival rides and games
  • Slingshot and Indy Speedway: get catapulted up to 300 feet at over 100 miles per hour
  • Man in the Sea Museum: learn all about the history of military, science and recreational diving

Panama City Beach continues even after the sun sets in Florida. Club La Vela is, by far, the area’s most popular and largest club with pools and nine different themed rooms.

Nighttime attractions near Panama City Beach include:

  • Club La Vela: a huge venue with 9 different themed rooms, dance floors, and pools
  • Spinnaker’s: live music, DJs, and dancing on the beach
  • Harpoon Harry’s: get food and stay for the drinks and live music
  • The Tiki Bar at the Sandpiper Beacon: get tropical drinks next to the pool at Sandpiper Beacon
  • Holiday Golf Club: a nice course with challenging holes playable at night

There is a diverse selection of things to do with kids in Panama City Beach. The city has amusement parks, museums, and even a mini golf course.

Family-friendly attractions near Panama City Beach include:

  • Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida: the best place for kids to learn about science and natural history
  • WonderWorks Panama City Beach: over a hundred different hands-on exhibits
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not!: this museum is filled with unique exhibits challenging what is possible
  • Coconut Creek Family Fun Park: two mini golf courses, a maze, and many other family-friendly activities
  • Cobra Adventure Park: a beachside amusement park with extreme rides, minigolf, and more

If it’s time to take a break from the sun, Panama City Beach offers plenty of indoor attractions. From electric go-karting to brewery tours (with samples), there is a ton of fun to be had wherever you go in this city.

Things to do indoors near Panama City Beach include:

  • Nivol Brewery: take a tour of this brewery and score samples along the way
  • Hippie Market and Cafe: a unique place to grab a coffee
  • Lonnie’s Karaoke Bar: an energetic late-night bar with singing servers
  • Fun-Land: an arcade with classic games and a snack bar
  • Kartona Electric Speedway: all the speed and excitement of gas karts without the stench

A vacation in Panama City Beach is not complete without time spent outside. Whether it’s laying out on the pristine beaches or exploring one of the many natural areas, you cannot leave this city without enjoying the Floridian sunshine.

Outdoor activities in Panama City Beach include:

  • Inlet Beach: one of the most untouched beaches in the area
  • Gator Lake: a short but challenging loop with alligator viewing
  • Shell Island Beach: a secluded beach on this undeveloped barrier island
  • Richard Seltzer Park: a popular beach for swimming with picnic areas and rinse stations
  • Lake Powell Park: take a dip or drop your boat