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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.

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

Tickets & Events

Free & Affordable Things To Do in Panama City BeachView All

In Panama City Beach, there are plenty free and affordable attractions to visit. Even without the sand, you can do everything from hiking miles of trails to enjoying great live music all for little to no money.

Cheap activities near Panama City Beach include:

  • Conservation Park: miles of hiking trails in a vast woodland area
  • Grand Theater: head here for the IMAX experience
  • Goofy Golf: multiple courses with vintage obstacles
  • The XD Darkride Experience: part video game, part interactive movie, part ride
  • North Beach Bandshell: come here for outdoor live music and entertainment
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Two or Four 60-Minute Jumps or Birthday Party at Just Jump Trampoline Park - Panama City Beach (Up to 38% Off)

Jump Session, Birthday Party

Just Jump Trampoline Park - Panama City Beach Panama City Beach, FL $30 $19
One, Two, or Four VIP Combo Tickets to WonderWorks (Up to 49% Off)

VIP Combo Tickets

WonderWorks WonderWorks Panama City Beach $34.99 $22
Four-Hour Day Camp

Day Camp

Simona’s Journey Cancer Foundation Multiple Locations $40 $20
Panama City Beach Adventure Catamaran Sail

Paradise Adventures Catamaran

Paradise Adventures Catamaran Venture Out $67 $67
Family Adventure Meal Deal or Single-Day Admission to Wild Adventures Theme Park (Up to 52% Off)

Amusement Park Tickets

Wild Adventures Theme Park West Acres $53 $29.99
Admission for Two or Four or Private Tour for Two or Up to Five at Emerald Coast Zoo (Up to 52% Off)

Admission or Private Tour

Emerald Coast Zoo Crestview $20 $12

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
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Round up your crew and enjoy a few outdoor activities. Check out our master list things to do this summer that will suit everyone's interests.

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Two or Four 60-Minute Jumps or Birthday Party at Just Jump Trampoline Park - Panama City Beach (Up to 38% Off)

Jump Session, Birthday Party

Just Jump Trampoline Park - Panama City Beach Panama City Beach, FL $30 $19
One, Two, or Four VIP Combo Tickets to WonderWorks (Up to 49% Off)

VIP Combo Tickets

WonderWorks WonderWorks Panama City Beach $34.99 $22
Online Booking - Round of Golf at Holiday Golf Club

Holiday Golf Club

Holiday Golf Club Leisure Condominium $27 $27
Gulf World Marine Park General Admission

Gulf world by Dolphin Discovery

Gulf world by Dolphin Discovery Edge Water Beach $31.18 $31.18
Beginner Scuba Diving Tour

Try Scuba Diving- Panama City...

Try Scuba Diving- Panama City Beach Gulf Highlands Beach Resort $99 $99
Four-Hour Day Camp

Day Camp

Simona’s Journey Cancer Foundation Multiple Locations $40 $20

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
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Spirit Tasting and Distillery Tour with Snifters or Bottled Spirit at Rollins Distillery (Up to 56% Off)

Tasting and Distillery Tour

Rollins Distillery Gulf Breeze, Florida $31 $15
Two-Hour In-Home Wine Tasting for 12 to 16 People from Wines for Humanity (78% Off)

In-Home Wine Tasting

Wines for Humanity $250 $55
Lifetime Membership to Craft-Beer-Brewing Online Course from CraftBeerAtHome.com

Craft-Brewing Online Course

CraftBeerAtHome.com $199 $19

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

Panama City Beach is one of the best places to spend a weekend. Popular weekend attractions include sunbathing on Carillon Beach or witnessing a seven-foot-long alligator do tricks at Gator Country Alligator Park

Weekend activities near Panama City Beach include:

  • Water Planet: a variety of fun and educational swim-with-the-dolphin tours for the whole family
  • Carillon Beach: a stretch of picturesque sand lined with large beach homes
  • Gator Country Alligator Park: watch a hand-trained 7-foot-long alligator do tricks
  • Gayle’s Trails: a network of growing greenways and trails that will span all of Panama City Beach
  • Dolphin and Snorkel Tours: take a boat tour to the best places for snorkeling with dolphins

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

There is plenty of romance to be found in Panama City Beach. Couples can head to Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill for fresh seafood steps away from the beach or relax at Serenity Spa at Bay Point.

Date night ideas near Panama City Beach include:

  • Panama City Beach Winery: specializing in wines made from 100% fresh fruit
  • Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill: eat fresh seafood steps away from the beach
  • Martin Theater: this theater built in 1936 hosts a variety of entertainment
  • Pineapple Willy’s: delicious food situated over the sand with amazing views of the beach and surf
  • Serenity Spa at Bay Point: indulge in a bit of pampering at this award-winning spa

Groups vacationing in Panama City Beach are spoiled by a diverse selection of things to do. Bowling at Rock’it Lanes and golfing at Holiday Golf Club are a couple of the best activities for groups.

Attractions to experience with your friends near Panama City Beach include:

  • Hidden Lagoon Super Race Track and Golf: here you can race go-karts or play mini golf
  • Holiday Golf Club: challenge your friends to a round of golf
  • Walkin’ On Water Paddleboards: tour the coastal areas of Panama City Beach
  • Lagoon Pontoons: relax on your own pontoon boat for the day
  • Rock’it Lanes: an exciting bowling alley with roller skating rink, arcade, and billiards

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

From shipwrecks to historic forts, there are plenty of hidden gems worth your time in Panama City Beach. Add a short excursion to one of the following destinations to your list of things to do during your time here.

Must-see places near Panama City Beach include:

  • Big Kahuna’s: the place to go for family fun with water slides and mini golf
  • Vamar Shipwreck Site: this sunken ship is a diver’s paradise
  • Gator Beach: a bar and grill with alligator exhibits and interactive experiences
  • Fort Barrancas: this hilltop fort has been occupied by a variety of countries
  • Pensacola Light: a historic lighthouse built in 1859 with a museum and tours

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