There’s no better way to escape the winter blues than with bucketfuls of sea, sun and sand. Panama City Beach delivers just that. This 27-mile stretch of white, sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters is the summer destination dreams are made of.
Following my mummy-daughter holiday, I’ve got plenty of tips and insights on the best things to do in Panama City Beach. So, let’s dive right in.
Disclosure: This trip was in collaboration with Panama City Beach and Icelolly.com. However, all views and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running my website, so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support! See my disclosure policy here.
Where is Panama City Beach?
If you’ve never heard of Panama City Beach, you wouldn’t be the first. Not to be confused with Panama, a country in Central America, Panama City Beach sits on the Gulf of Mexico.
This waterfront town in northwest Florida is especially popular with locals in the southern states. But many people have no idea that this gem of a beach exists. There’s nothing quite like stepping out of your hotel straight onto miles of golden beaches. So let’s explore why PCB is worth the visit.
Tip:Have a look at my travel resources to help you plan the ultimate family trip.
Panama City Beach: Things to Do with the Family
Grab your sunscreen, kids and beach buckets. Here are some of the best things to do in Panama City Beach for the whole family.
Savour Fresh Doughnuts on the Beach
Doughnuts for breakfast, anyone? Start your day with a PCB staple. Thomas Donuts has been a favourite with locals since 1971 and is highly sought after by tourists.
Situated on the beachfront, this family-owned establishment serves fresh delights, including classic doughnuts and coffee. There are also pizzas, chilli cheese fries and subs on the menu, making this spot a great lunch spot too. While there is a shaded deck overlooking the shore, you might as well take a seat on the sandy beach. The views are unbeatable.
Tip: The line outside Thomas Donut Shop can get quite long. Skip the line by going inside! It’s much faster.
Take a Catamaran Cruise to Shell Island
One of the most fun activities in Panama City Beach involves a catamaran and a snorkel. We went on a three-hour snorkel and sail adventure to popular Shell Island with Island Time Sailing.
This natural 700-acre barrier island is home to one of the largest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins in the world. Other wildlife you may spot include starfish, ghost crabs, stingrays and turtles. On land, whitetail deer, armadillos and rabbits roam about.
Tip: Looking to avoid the crowds? Shell Island sees fewer visitors than PCB’s main beaches. So pack some snacks and hop on the Shell Island Shuttle to unwind on this serene island.
See PCB from the Sky
Panama City Beach has repeatedly been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. And there’s no better way to confirm this than with a helicopter ride.
We took a tour with Panhandle Helicopter and enjoyed epic views of the coastline. The pilots are happy to point out key attractions and wildlife like dolphins and stingrays on the ride.
There are multiple tours ranging from short intro rides to longer trips. We took the Shell Island tour, which covered St. Andrews State Park, the shipping channel, Grand Lagoon and popular Shell Island.
Ride on the Sky Wheel in Pier Park
If helicopter flights aren’t your thing, or you can’t get enough of the views, hop on the SkyWheel. Towering 200 feet tall, this observation wheel boasts air-conditioned gondolas and stunning views. Time your ride around sunset for unforgettable vistas.
Go Kayaking at Camp Helen State Park
Looking for things to do near Panama City Beach, Florida? Take a break from the sandy beaches with a visit to Camp Helen State Park in nearby Laguna Beach. About a 15-minute drive from PCB, this 180-acre park is perfect for bird-watching, hiking, kayaking and picnicking year-round.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and take to the waters of Lake Powell — Florida’s largest dune lake. The river has earned the Outstanding Florida Waters designation, so you can trust that the waters are pristine. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, plop down for a picnic in the shade.
Visit Panama City Beach Conservation Park
Explore Panama City Beach on two wheels! Instead of visiting Camp Helen State Park, we opted for something a bit closer to PCB. The Panama City Beach Conservation Park is perfect for escaping the holiday buzz, offering tranquil trails through wetlands and pine trees.
Rent a bicycle or e-bike for the day at Bike The Beach PCB and head out for a serene adventure. The park has over 24 miles of well-maintained dirt trails and boardwalks to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife. You might spot butterflies, dragonflies, birds and the occasional white-tailed deer or alligator.
Tip: These wetlands are the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Bring plenty of bug spray to fend off any pesky critters.
Explore St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre coastal wonder with over a mile of pristine white sands. This year-round attraction is ideal for hiking, biking, snorkelling, shelling and kayaking.
Boasting sugar-white sands and emerald green waters, this park is perfect for a picture-perfect day in the sun. There are even glamping sites available if you’d like to stay on the beach overnight.
Glide Along on an Airboat Ride
One of the most unique things to do in Panama City Beach is a thrilling, one-hour airboat tour in West Bay. The company, Wild Thang Airboat Tours, made sure we were safe, providing ear protection and life jackets. We sped through the labyrinth of needle rush grasses with our eyes peeled. While we didn’t spot any gators, a few dolphins came to say hello!
Tip: If you have your heart set on seeing alligators up close, you may have more luck on their Night Ride tour.
Where to Eat in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is known for its seafood restaurants. Fuel up before or after your Panama Beach activities with these incredible options.
Breakfast
Kick your day off at these breakfast spots.
Andy’s Flower Power Cafe & Bakery
Stop at Andy’s Flowers Power Cafe to grab a bite before heading to St. Andrew’s State Park or Shell Island nearby. Treat yourself to some French toast or heartier options like eggs benedict.
The Pour Cafe
Stop by The Pour for coffee delights in a cosy, laid-back setting. As a non-profit organisation, all profits go to uplifting communities. Customer favourites include the cinnamon rolls and breakfast sandwiches. We tried a coffee, white chocolate and cream concoction!
Lunch
Refuel before exploring more of PCB with these restaurant options.
Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar at Zen Garden
This charming cafe offers the most tranquil setting among trees and art. There are plenty of healthy veggie and vegan options on the menu, served in generous portions.
Finns Island Style Grub
Grab some street food classics like fish tacos, burritos or nachos for a midday pick-me-up. I had the tastiest veggie burrito bowl. There are also veggie tacos and other veggie-friendly options.
Dinner
End an adventurous day with a rewarding meal and sunset in Panama City Beach.
Panama Pizzeria
This no-fuss restaurant offers fresh pizzas, pastas and seafood made to warm the soul. I had my first pizza pie here — essentially just a pizza, but a darn tasty one at that.
Schooners
Head to Schooners for spicy margs and good grub with breathtaking beach views. This laid-back waterfront bar and seafood spot is open all week and offers nighttime entertainment.
Harpoon Harry’s Beachfront Restaurant
“Eat. Drink. Be Harry.” at Harpoon Harry’s Beachfront Restaurant. With deck seating overlooking the beach and a frozen margarita in hand, you’ll be well set up for a memorable sunset. You’ll find all the traditional favourites here, including fresh seafood and burgers.
Pineapple Willy’s Restaurant
Enjoy more impeccable views and frozen drinks at Pineapple Willy’s. The menu includes various seafood options like mahi mahi, shrimp and grits and seafood platters to share.
Tip: You can see what Panama City Beach is like right now. Many seafront restaurants have live cams of the beach on their website.
FAQs About Visiting PCB
Have some questions while planning your trip? Read my answers to some commonly asked questions below.
How long should I visit Panama City Beach?
The ideal amount of time to spend in Panama City Beach ranges between three days to a week. You can certainly make a long weekend of it. But with all that PCB has to offer, you may want to stay a bit longer.
What is the best time to visit Panama City Beach?
The best time of year to visit Panama City Beach is between May and October. Boasting an average of around 320 days of sunshine a year, PCB is popular year-round. If you’d like to avoid the peak season crowds, opt to visit between February to April or September to November.
Wrapping Up: What to Do in Panama City Beach
PCB is truly the perfect backdrop for some stress-free adventure and family bonding time. This trip to Panama City Beach allowed me to spend some one-on-one time with my daughter. With scenic helicopter rides, airboat trips and cycling adventures, we got to share some truly memorable moments we won’t soon forget.
If you’re looking to plan the ultimate family destination, you can’t go wrong with Panama City Beach. Looking to create an extended Florida holiday? Why not add a detour to the Kennedy Space Center or Disney Land, Florida?
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