Things to Do in Panama City Beach for an Unforgettable Vacation

ractions that go beyond the 27-mile expanse of sand, although you'll want to enjoy your days chilling out on the beach. There are lots of things to do in Panama City Beach, which is home to the World's Most Beautiful Beaches, from taking catamaran rides around Shell Island to shopping for seaside treasures and dining at the many different restaurants.

With a shoreline that falls gently to the west, you can watch the sunset over the Gulf of America every day of the year. The waters near Panama City Beach are well-known to fishermen and scuba divers who take advantage of the many artificial reefs situated offshore.

Are you also planning to spend your vacation at Panama City Beach? If so, read this article now, which will give you an idea of what to do in Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach Attractions

A wealth of local attractions can be found at Panama City Beach, including immaculate beaches, exhilarating outdoor activities, lively shopping, delicious dining, and life-changing experiences. The Gulf Coast of Florida is home to beautiful beach towns with immaculate white sand. With something for everyone to enjoy, this seaside paradise is the ideal Florida retreat.

Enjoy yourself and make lifelong memories by exploring these attractions!

1. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a popular spot for slides and water fun.
2. Andrews State Park offers snorkeling, fishing, and beautiful jetties.
3. Pier Park is a massive outdoor center for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
4. Ride the SkyWheel Panama City Beach for panoramic ocean views.
5. ZooWorld Zoological Park is where you can pet a sloth or feed a giraffe.
6. Take a boat tour to Shell Island for dolphin watching and pristine beaches.
7. WonderWorks Panama City Beach is the upside-down museum with interactive exhibits.
8. Cobra Adventure Park features go-karts and thrill rides like the Max Flight Simulator.
9. Enjoy mini-golf and arcades at numerous family fun centers along the strip.
10. Gulf World Marine Park offers marine animal shows and interactive encounters.

Panama City Beach Family Activities

In addition to stunning beaches and water sports, Panama City Beach has a range of family-friendly attractions. You'll find indoor and outdoor entertainment centers, fascinating events, and lots of adventures outside to enjoy together. This energetic city is a family vacation destination and a gem just waiting to be discovered. Destin, Florida is just an hour away from Panama City and 100% worth a visit.

Here are some Panama City Beach things to do with kids and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Spend a day at Shipwreck Island Waterpark enjoying the slides and wave pool.
2. Build sandcastles and swim at the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
3. Explore the natural beauty and snorkel at St. Andrews State Park.
4. Take the kids for a ride on the SkyWheel at Pier Park for great views.
5. Visit ZooWorld Zoological Park to interact with animals like lemurs and sloths.
6. Challenge the family to a round of pirate-themed mini-golf.
7. Dive into the bizarre exhibits at WonderWorks (the upside-down house).
8. Enjoy the go-karts and thrill rides at Cobra Adventure Park.
9. Watch a sea lion or dolphin show at Gulf World Marine Park.
10. Spend an evening at a local arcade playing games and winning prizes.

Panama City Beach Water Sports

Panama City Beach is a year-round destination for thrill-seekers who enjoy the water. It is well-known throughout the world for a wide range of adventure options, enjoyable activities, and natural coastline beauty. It is a popular destination for tourists of all ages and abilities who want to pursue fun and thrills through a variety of thrilling watersports.

Discover the top water sports available at Panama City Beach, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, parasailing, and more.

1. Try parasailing for breathtaking views high above the Gulf.
2. Go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the vibrant artificial reefs.
3. Try paddleboarding (SUP) in the calm waters of the bay or Gulf.
4. Rent a kayak and explore the inlets or paddle out to the open water.
5. Take a banana boat ride for a fun, thrilling group experience.
6. Try hydroflight sports like flyboarding, where jets propel you above the water.
7. Enjoy deep-sea fishing charters targeting large game fish in the Gulf.
8. Rent a pontoon boat for a day trip to Shell Island for swimming and relaxing.
9. Go boating or sailing to explore the coastline at your own pace.
10. Try surf fishing directly from the beach or one of the piers.

Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours

Imagine taking a jet ski or boat ride over the Gulf with a group of bottlenose dolphins. As you discover excitement along the coast alongside these marine species, the sun is shining, the salty breeze is sweeping through your hair, and everything is fine. Dolphin tours are among the most popular activities in PCB. Explore islands on a daytime or nighttime sightseeing cruise with one of the numerous local outfitters.

Here are some Panama City Beaches Dolphin tours:

1. Join a catamaran cruise for a large-group dolphin viewing experience.
2. Take a small, fast boat tour for an up-close and personal sighting.
3. Book a trip on the Sea Screamer, known for its speed and loud music.
4. Go on a sunset dolphin cruise for beautiful views and marine life.
5. Look for tours that offer a guaranteed sighting or your next trip is free.
6. Charter a private boat for a more intimate and customizable tour.
7. Use a glass-bottom boat to watch dolphins and other sea life from below.
8. Combine your viewing with a snorkel tour at Shell Island.
9. Look for family-friendly pirate-themed cruises that often include dolphin sightings.
10. Book an eco-tour that focuses on marine biology and the local dolphin pods.

Zoo World Panama City Beach

Explore Zoo World Panama City Beach, where exotic wildlife and family-friendly entertainment merge. This interactive zoo, which is only a short distance from the beach, provides animal lovers of all ages with hands-on experiences. Zoo World blends enjoyment, education, and treasured memories in a distinctive location, making it ideal for lone explorers or group tours.

Here are Zoo World Panama City Beach activities:

1. Participate in the signature Sloth Encounters for a close-up photo opportunity.
2. Hand-feed a Tower of Giraffes from a special feeding platform.
3. Get inside the enclosure for gentle Kangaroo Kisses and petting.
4. Attend the daily Educational Shows to learn about different species and conservation.
5. Enter the Aviary to walk among and observe various tropical bird species.
6. Explore the Reptile House to see a collection of exotic snakes and lizards.
7. Visit the Petting Zoo for children to interact with domestic animals.
8. Take part in interactive animal encounters with lemurs and other exotic creatures.
9. Wander through the outdoor habitats to view bears, big cats, and primates.
10. Capture memorable moments at the numerous photo opportunity stations throughout the park.

Read More: Unique Things to Do In Atlantic City you Should Try

Shell Island Panama City Beach

At Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island with gorgeous white beach and crystal-clear sea where adventures await, discover the unspoiled natural world. It offers a unique chance to enjoy a beach as nature intended, free from interruptions, with glistening, pure water against its sugar-white sandy shore.

Here are some activities you can do on Shell Island for full-on fun.

1. Collecting seashells along the seven miles of undeveloped shoreline.
2. Dolphin watching as bottlenose dolphins frequently swim in the surrounding pass.
3. Sunbathing and relaxing on the pristine, white sand beaches.
4. Kayaking or paddleboarding (SUP) in the calm waters of the bay side.
5. Swimming in the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
6. Taking a Shell Island Shuttle or ferry ride over from St. Andrews State Park.
7. Picnicking while enjoying the untouched natural surroundings (pack in/pack out).
8. Exploring the dunes and interior for native coastal plant life (from designated paths only).
9. Fishing from the beach or the jetties for various Gulf species.
10. Taking nature photographs of the untouched coastal landscape and wildlife.

Enjoyed these Panama City Beach tips? Share this with your friends and family so they can plan their perfect beach getaway too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which beaches in Panama City Beach are the best?

Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park beaches, and Panama City Beach's main shoreline are all well-liked beaches.

Q. Are adventure sports appropriate at Panama City Beach?

Indeed, it's a terrific place for adventure enthusiasts to engage in sports like deep-sea fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.

Q. What festivals or activities can I take part in locally?

Popular events include local concerts at Pier Park, the Beach Ball Classic, and the Seafood & Music Festival.