Your Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Panama City
Panama City Beach's white sands are typically what draw people to Panama City, FL, but there's so much more that this city has to offer. You can enjoy a host of indoor activities when it is rainy or cool, and outdoor activities abound for all ages on those beautiful, sunny Florida days. Check the forecast before you go, and use our guide to find the best things to do in Panama City — whatever the weather.
01 Retail therapy and gourmet treats at Pier Park Mall
Panama City’s Pier Park is a shopping center with something for everyone. Head to Target for some retail therapy, or take friends on a fashion frenzy through brands ranging from Ron Jon to Aerie. You can also enjoy laser tag, live music, or even catch a movie at the impressive Grand IMAX theater. From October through the end of the year, a lot is going on in Panama City. October is a hotbed of events, with the Brew and Boo Beer Festival for grownups and a safe trick-or-treat Mall-O-Ween event for children. The Shrimp, Crab & Oyster Festival occurs in November, and December features a Christmas celebration, including photos with Santa for the kids.
02 Wind down at Panama City Beach Winery
An adults-only option during your visit is the Panama City Beach Winery. Promising “Award-winning citrus, berry, and tropical wines,” this winery breaks with tradition, offering only 100% fruit wines, including key lime, guava, and peach. Take a tour and don’t forget to book a tasting session. You can enjoy some of the most unique wines in the state while taking in breathtaking views of Silver Sands Beach.
03 Witness amazing sights at Ripley's Believe it or Not!
Ripleys’s Believe It or Not! is an American institution, and the Ripley’s Center at Panama City Beach carries on the tradition of amazement and bafflement. The Marvelous Mirror Maze is the major attraction, providing a perplexing puzzle for kids (and adults!) of all ages. There’s also the moving 7D cinema, a thrilling simulator ride. Tickets are available for single or multiple attractions, including loads of enthralling exhibits.
04 Airboat adventures at Gator Country Alligator Park
Famously veteran-owned and operated, Gator Country Alligator Park provides a safe way to get up close and personal with alligators. This includes Bubba, a hand-raised reptile able to understand commands. Enjoy Bubba’s show or take an airboat tour through the ‘gators’ natural habitat. Learn all about the local wildlife and, if you get the right captain, enjoy exhilarating 360-degree spins on the water.
05 Swimming, snorkeling, and surfing at St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is like a snapshot of everything Florida nature has to offer, with something for everyone. Woodlands beckon hikers and nature lovers. The pale, sandy beaches are beloved by sunbathers and anglers alike. There’s also the beautiful Gator Lake, marshes, and the breathtaking Grand Lagoon. This huge expanse of water is the ideal location for surfing and windsurfing, snorkeling, and even scuba diving.
06 Go wild at ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory
ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory is more than your typical zoo and a top option for Panama City visitors who want more than beach life. This zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts for exotic animals and encourages visitors to get closer to wildlife. Ever wanted to kiss a kangaroo? ZooWorld is the attraction for you. You can also snuggle a lemur or pet a sloth. Plan ahead and get the times for experiences like giraffe feeding or porcupine one-on-one sessions.
07 Make a splash at Gulf World Marine Park
Dedicated to education, Gulf World Marine Park brings sea life to you. Daily shows include dolphins and sea lions, and these exhibitions are included in the cost of admission. You can even book a Royal Swim with the dolphins where these underwater mammals push you out of the water by your feet. For a quieter but still sensational day out, you can opt to feed and touch the stingrays. Visitors also get to see harbor seals, penguins, and a range of tropical birds.
08 Satisfy a need for speed with the Slingshot and Indy Speedway
Slingshot & Indy Speedway is a family fun center that hosts a variety of activities for people of all ages. The slingshot propels riders 300 feet into the air at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. It’s one of the only accessible ways to experience weightlessness. Thrill seekers can also book go-carts in single and double-seat options and whizz around the 480-foot track. The bravest can attempt the Vomatron. Similar to machines used by NASA to train astronauts, this ride rotates riders with forces of up to 4Gs and at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.
09 Score a hole-in-one at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Promising adventure and fun for your whole family, Coconut Creek hosts a range of activities. Many of these can be enjoyed all year round, like the popular Gran Maze. It’s the size of a football field and requires cooperation and navigation skills to find four checkpoints and the exit. There’s also jungle- or seaside-themed mini golf. They often have deals on group tickets and kids under five go free.
10 Discover the unspoiled beauty of Shell Island
This barrier island divides the Gulf of Mexico from St. Andrew Bay. Once occupied by First Nations peoples, today the island mainly houses a stunning range of wildlife. Take a trip and discover ghost crabs, deer, and a diverse collection of shoreline birds. Head out into the water and you may experience sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins. For a more exciting island trip, take your snorkel mask or book a kayak. Use the facilities before you head out as this island is preserved in its entirely natural state.
11 Boating in the Gulf of Mexico
What could be more relaxing than a blissed-out day spent gently swaying on Florida's waters? Get in touch with one of the many well-equipped marinas in the area and head for the horizon kitted out with snacks and sunblock. Make sure you book a boat that’s big enough for your entire group if you’re hiring “self-drive” options. If you book a boating experience, ask if there will be stops to swim and enjoy the stunning coastline from a different viewpoint.
12 Take a dolphin-watching tour to uncover more of Panama City
A favorite boating option is the dolphin-spotting tours. These excursions have captains that know the best places to go to find dolphins. This gives visitors the perfect way to discover more of the city in a single day. Your dolphin tour might go around Shell Island, St. Andrew’s Bay, and along many of the famous, white-sand beaches. You’re not allowed to swim with the dolphins or feed them as they’re wild animals. However, lucky tourists may see sea turtles or even a shipwreck.
13 Catch your own dinner with a deep-sea fishing trip
Finding a fishing charter is as easy as finding key lime pie in Panama City Beach. You can opt for trips taking 5 or 12 hours, or source something more bespoke. Experienced anglers help you catch tuna, king mackerel, speckled trout, mahi-mahi, triggerfish, red snapper, and flounder. Keep an eye out for the natural limestone reefs and artificial reefs, and if you do catch something delicious, one of Panama City’s many hook-and-cook restaurants will hook you up.
14 Relax under the cypresses at PCB Conservation Park
Panama City Beach Conservation Park encompasses over 2,900 acres of woodlands and wetlands. Volunteers help provide bird walks and other services and the whole area has a host of facilities from picnic tables to restrooms. This is a top spot for hikers thanks to 24 miles of color-coded trails.
15 Walk on water at M.B. Miller County Pier
This stunning, traditional wooden pier gives visitors a way to walk right off the beach out into open water. Unsurprisingly, this is a prime spot for fishing, so be prepared to dodge anglers — or join them. There’s a small fee to walk on the pier and slightly larger fees for fishing spots. It’s a worthwhile price to pay for some of the most stunning skylines and sunsets in the area.
16 Cool off at The Yard Milkshake Bar
This isn't your average milkshake joint. The Yard Milkshake Bar takes the classic dessert to new heights, literally. Imagine a milkshake topped with a whole cupcake or with a waffle peeking out from behind a curtain of whipped cream. It’s the ideal way to chill out after a full day of sunbathing or swimming. Plus, they even offer vegan options, so no one is left out.
17 Get the best view in town on the SkyWheel Ferris wheel
Talk about elevated experiences. Gently rise nearly 200 feet above Pier Park and enjoy the best view in town. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, ask about a VIP pass. It includes free drinks, doubled flight time, and a ride in the VIP gondola with a glass-bottom floor. What a perfect opportunity to capture that Instagram-worthy shot!
18 Shell Island
This seven-mile stretch of paradise on the Florida Emerald Coast is a must-visit. With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Shell Island is a haven for beach lovers. Rent a pontoon, pack a picnic, and spend a day basking in the sun. Keep an eye out for dolphins that often frolic in the waters nearby. It's a slice of untouched paradise that promises a day of relaxation and fun.
19 Taste the freshest fish tacos at Finn's Island-Style Grub
There are some eateries you have to visit whenever you go to a particular destination. For Panama City Beach, it's definitely Finn's Island Style Grub. Finn's is a food-truck-style eatery, famous for its "Finntastic" fish tacos. Each taco bursts with flavors ranging from honey wasabi to sriracha, paired with perfectly cooked fish wrapped in a soft tortilla. Get there before 11 am and grab something from the breakfast menu, like their syrup-drenched banana pancakes.
20 Get stuck in at Pineapple Willy’s
The coast is the best place to enjoy fish and shellfish, and Pineapple Willy’s is a seafood lover's paradise. This on-the-sand restaurant offers ocean-inspired dishes from Po’ Boys to Mahi-Mahi baskets. Not there for the seafood? Ask the team about their “world-famous” BBQ rips and pineapple coleslaw.
21 Take in a show at Todd Herendeen Theatre
Dinner and a show, anyone? The Todd Herendeen Theatre is open all year round and provides fried chicken and all the trimmings with every ticket. Music fans can enjoy regular performances from the Tribute to the Legends act, showcasing classic rock & country music. Bring your own beer or wine and settle in for a night of toe-tapping music and good times.
22 Get cozy by a beach bonfire with Endless Beach Rentals
There’s nothing quite like cracking a few cold ones by a beach bonfire. Endless Beach Rentals specializes in setting up safe and well-stocked bonfire parties on Panama City Beach. They take care of everything, from setting up chairs and hammocks to filling a cooler. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the flames, the sound of the waves, and the starry night. A perfect way to end your Panama City Beach day out.
23 Get an adrenaline spike at Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure
Get ready for a day of thrills at Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure. This premier theme park features rides and attractions for everyone, from the adrenaline-pumping Swamp Ape to child-friendly mini golf. Engage your competitive streak and give the Marrakesh Road Rally a go. Swampy Jack’s is only open seasonally, so plan your visit accordingly. The very brave should try out the award-winning Halloween attraction, Mr Creepies’ Demented Labyrinth.
24 Explore a golfer’s paradise at Legacy Golf Club (LGC)
Previously called the Holiday Golf Club, LGC is still a premier golfing destination in Panama City Beach. It’s an 18-hole Championship course, with elevated greens, lakes, and picturesque views, offering a challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. Both seasoned pros and beginners love the course's well-maintained greens and fairways. After your game, unwind at Mulligan’s Bar and Grill, enjoying golf-inspired snacks like the Hole In One sandwich.
25 Florida family fun for all at Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center
Emerald Falls combines attractions ranging from go-karts to minigolf to create an amusement park that keeps everyone happy all day. The site boasts two separate go-kart tracks — the Formula Track and the ominously-titled Vortex. There’s a recently renovated arcade packed with games, challenges, and the chance to win a wealth of prizes. For the little ones, Kid’s Kingdom offers a mini railroad, Bed Baron Airplanes, Super Swings, and more.
26 Embark on a swashbuckling adventure on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Ever wanted to sail on a real pirate boat? The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise is a way to get as close to that dream as possible. This unique cruise offers a treasure trove of activities for the young and the young at heart. Engage in playful sword fights and water gun battles, and even go on a proper treasure hunt. There's cold beer on tap for the adults and live music for everyone to enjoy. Embrace pirate lore combined with stunning views of Panama City Beach.
27 Strike it lucky at Rock'it Lanes
Rock'it Lanes is more than just a bowling alley. It's a hub of entertainment for all ages. This vibrant venue features a mega arcade, a roller skating rink, and a sports bar to name just a few of the key attractions. There’s also a pool and, for when you need to refuel, CiCi’s Pizza is on hand with a hot slice. Don’t forget the Mega Arcade, home to 16,000 square feet of high-octane games including beloved retro classics.
28 Panama City Beach Winery: a toast to the good life
Indulge your senses at the Panama City Beach Winery, a haven for wine lovers. This winery offers a selection of award-winning, Florida-made wines, each one a testament to the art of winemaking. From citrus wines to berry blends, each glass promises a burst of flavors that are as unique as they are delightful. Enjoy a wine-tasting session, tour the winery, or simply sit back and savor your favorite wine as you soak in the serene ambiance. It's an experience that's as refreshing as a cool breeze on a sunny beach day.
29 Pier Park Mall: a shopper's paradise
Immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping scene of Panama City Beach at Pier Park Mall. This open-air shopping center boasts a wide array of stores, from high-end boutiques to popular retail chains. Whether you're on the hunt for the latest fashion trends, unique souvenirs, or beach essentials, Pier Park Mall has got you covered. After a day of shopping, refuel at one of the many eateries or catch a movie at the state-of-the-art theater. It's a shopping experience that's as diverse and dynamic as the city itself.
30 Get wet at Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Is there any better way to cool off on a hot Florida day than diving into the water? At Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Panama City Beach's premier water-based attraction, whole families can get wet together on slides, flumes, and the White Knuckle River. 3 million gallons of water splash and flow across 15 acres of fun. There’s a tropical theme throughout and attractions to keep everyone happy. Feel the waves in the Ocean Motion pool, or get the adrenaline pumping on the Pirate’s Plunge slide. If you end up loving it here, ask about a cost-cutting season pass.
31 Celebrate Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras in Panama City is an explosion of color, music, and joy. Join the vibrant parades, where flamboyantly dressed krewes throw beads and dance through the streets, followed by floats that rival any carnival. The air is sweet with the scent of king cake, and the spirit of celebration is contagious. It's a time when the community comes together to celebrate life, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike.
32 Raise your glass to Oktoberfest
No need to fly to Germany—Panama City brings Oktoberfest to you with its own twist on the beer-filled festivities. Local and international breweries set up stalls, offering everything from traditional lagers to craft IPAs. Lederhosen might be optional, but the joy of clinking steins with new friends is mandatory. Amid the laughter, live oompah bands fill the air with music, and the promise of pretzels and bratwurst keeps you fueled for a day of frolic.
33 Marvel at El Tornillo
El Tornillo, the "Screw," is Panama City's architectural marvel that twists towards the sky, challenging traditional skyscraper designs. This iconic structure is not just a feast for the eyes but also a symbol of Panama's innovative spirit. Visitors can admire it from the ground or, for those looking for an adventure, find a nearby rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city with El Tornillo standing proudly in the skyline.
34 Steep your weary bones in Caldera’s hot springs
After days spent exploring the urban jungle of Panama City, a retreat to Caldera’s hot springs offers the perfect respite. Nestled in the shadow of lush mountains, these natural pools provide a sanctuary of relaxation. Let the mineral-rich waters soothe your muscles and your spirit as you soak in the serene surroundings. It's a moment of tranquility that reconnects you with nature and rejuvenates you for more adventures.
35 Celebrate Afro-Panamanian culture in Portobelo
Portobelo is a treasure trove of history and culture, where Afro-Panamanian heritage is celebrated with pride and joy. The town comes alive with the rhythm of drums during the Festival del Cristo Negro and the Festival de Diablos y Congos, showcasing vibrant dances, colorful costumes, and a community spirit that's infectious. These festivals are a profound homage to the resilience and creativity of the Afro-Panamanian community, offering a unique cultural experience on the Caribbean coast.
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