Panama City Beach is packed with adventure, relaxation, and family fun.
Whether you love the beach, thrilling attractions, or unique experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Spend a day soaking up the sun, explore nature, or dive into exciting activities.
From dolphin cruises to go-kart racing, this list covers the best things to do.
Ready to plan your trip?
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1. Relax on the Beaches
Panama City Beach is famous for its 42 kilometers of sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters.
The soft sand and warm gulf breeze make it a perfect place to unwind.
Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or stroll along the shoreline, there’s plenty of space to enjoy.
Some of the best beach spots include Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park, where you might even spot sea turtles and shorebirds.
2. Explore St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is one of Florida’s top beach destinations.
It stretches over one mile of white sand along the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and scuba diving in its crystal-clear waters.
The park also offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and bike rentals for those who love exploring on land.
Fishing enthusiasts will find multiple fishing piers and jetty rocks.
For those staying overnight, 60 campsites provide a scenic and convenient place to camp.
The park is dog-friendly, and it offers accessible boardwalks and beach wheelchair rentals.
3. Visit Shell Island
Shell Island is a seven-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island between St. Andrew Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s a secluded escape with no buildings, restrooms, or concession stands, so visitors should bring everything they need.
The island is home to sea turtles, ghost crabs, shorebirds, and a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins.
Popular activities include snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and shell collecting.
The Shell Island Shuttle runs seasonally, but visitors can also rent pontoon boats, jet skis, or kayaks to explore on their own.
Dolphin tours, banana boat rides, and sailboat charters offer unique ways to experience the island.
4. Take a Dolphin Cruise
A dolphin sightseeing tour is one of the most exciting things to do in Panama City Beach.
The Sea Screamer offers 2-hour cruises that explore Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park, giving guests a chance to see wild dolphins surfing the boat’s wake.
The tour includes daytime and sunset cruises, water-gun battles for kids, and even a chance to steer the boat with the captain.
Another great option is Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, which provides private boat tours led by a marine biologist.
These tours include snorkeling and eco-education for a more immersive experience.
5. Discover Pier Park
Pier Park is the heart of Panama City Beach’s shopping and entertainment scene.
It features over 120 stores, including Target, Dillard’s, and JCPenney.
Visitors can enjoy restaurants like Margaritaville, Five Guys, and Panera Bread, as well as entertainment spots like Dave & Buster’s, an IMAX theater, and Pirate’s Quest Laser Tag.
The SkyWheel, a towering Ferris wheel, offers stunning views of the coastline.
Pier Park also hosts live music events, festivals, and seasonal celebrations, making it a great place to visit any time of year.
6. Ride the SkyWheel
The SkyWheel Panama City Beach offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline, making it one of the top sightseeing attractions in the area.
Standing nearly 200 feet tall, this state-of-the-art observation wheel features climate-controlled gondolas, ensuring a comfortable ride year-round.
Each ride lasts four full revolutions, giving visitors plenty of time to soak in the views of Panama City Beach, the Gulf of Mexico, and nearby Pier Park.
At night, the SkyWheel lights up, creating a stunning spectacle.
Guests can upgrade to the VIP gondola, which features leather seats and fast-pass access.
The SkyWheel also offers an 18-hole miniature golf course for added fun.
Combo tickets for both attractions are available at a discount.
Located at Pier Park, this family-friendly experience is a great way to see the city from a new perspective.
7. Visit Gulf World Marine Park
Gulf World Marine Park is an interactive marine attraction that offers hands-on experiences with dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and tropical birds.
It’s the only place in North America where visitors can interact with rough-toothed dolphins.
The park features daily educational shows, where guests can watch dolphins perform tricks, sea lions show off their skills, and tropical birds mimic sounds.
For those looking for an up-close experience, Gulf World offers dolphin encounters, stingray feedings, and even opportunities to pet penguins.
The park also has indoor and outdoor exhibits, showcasing alligators, sea turtles, and nurse sharks.
Open rain or shine, it’s a great destination for families looking to mix entertainment with education.
8. Play at Shipwreck Island Waterpark
For a day of splashing fun, Shipwreck Island Waterpark offers thrilling slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river across 15 acres of attractions.
The park holds three million gallons of water, with rides for all ages.
Highlights include:
- Tree Top Drop – A 65-foot enclosed slide that ends in a free fall.
- Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slide – A high-speed race at 35 mph.
- White Knuckle River – A winding 400-foot water slide with sharp turns.
- The Great Shipwreck – A zipline experience that lets you swing from a shipwreck into a pool.
- Rapid River Run – A white-water ride with twists and waterfalls.
For younger visitors, Tadpole Hole provides kid-friendly slides and splash zones.
The Lazy River is perfect for those who want to relax and float through the park.
With plenty of food and drink options available, it’s an ideal place for families to cool off during the summer.
9. Explore ZooWorld Zoological Park
ZooWorld is a hands-on zoo experience that allows visitors to get up close with exotic animals.
The park is home to over 200 animals, including sloths, lions, lemurs, and kangaroos.
Guests can book interactive animal encounters, such as:
- Petting a sloth
- Holding an alligator
- Feeding giraffes, goats, and parakeets
- Cuddling a baby kangaroo
The zoo also features the Allapattah Swamp Experience, which has recently been renovated, and the Wanyama Pori Africa Exhibit, home to hyenas and lions.
ZooWorld markets itself as a “break from the beach”, offering families a chance to learn about wildlife in an interactive setting.
10. Try Go-Kart Racing
For thrill-seekers, go-kart racing is a must-try activity in Panama City Beach.
There are multiple tracks to choose from, each offering a unique experience.
- Race City – The largest amusement center in the area, featuring the fastest, tallest, and steepest go-kart tracks. The park also has bumper boats, a haunted house, and an indoor arcade.
- Kartona Electric Speedway – The only high-speed, climate-controlled indoor electric go-kart track in the Florida Panhandle. It offers F1-style racing, axe throwing, and an app for race tracking.
- Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center – A family-friendly go-kart track with options for younger drivers.
Many tracks offer multi-race bundles and unlimited ride passes, making them great for competitive racers or families looking for a fun night out.
11. Mini-Golf at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park offers a tropical-themed mini-golf experience with lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and a lake filled with native fish.
The park features two 18-hole mini-golf courses, making it a great activity for families and groups.
In addition to mini-golf, the park is home to the Gran Maze, a giant football-field-sized labyrinth.
Known as the first of its kind in America, this human-sized maze provides an exciting challenge for visitors of all ages.
The park is open year-round, making it a great activity in any season.
12. Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium is a one-of-a-kind museum filled with bizarre exhibits, optical illusions, and interactive displays.
It has been entertaining visitors for 100 years with its collection of strange artifacts and mind-bending attractions.
Highlights include:
- Hundreds of unique exhibits showcasing odd and unusual facts.
- Ripley’s 7D Theater, featuring high-energy 3D movies with special effects.
- Mirror Maze, with LED lights, infinity mirrors, and hidden pirate treasures.
This attraction is great for all ages, offering a mix of education and entertainment in a fun and unusual setting.
13. Go Bowling at Rock’It Lanes
Rock’It Lanes is a full-scale entertainment center that offers more than just bowling.
It features:
- 24 bowling lanes with modern scoring technology.
- A massive 50,000-square-foot arcade packed with video games and prizes.
- An 8,000-square-foot roller skating rink, perfect for kids and families.
- A sports bar with big-screen HDTVs, making it a great place to catch a game.
The facility is non-smoking and family-friendly, ensuring a clean and safe environment.
Their grille serves fresh food, including homemade hamburgers and salads.
14. Hike at Conservation Park
Conservation Park spans 2,900 acres and is a haven for outdoor lovers.
The park was developed in partnership with environmental agencies to help filter and protect local wetlands while providing visitors with scenic trails and boardwalks.
Key features include:
- 24 miles of unpaved trails, with loops ranging from 0.5 to 12 miles.
- Eight wooden boardwalks, offering views of cypress wetlands and wildlife.
- Gayle’s Trails, a paved connector linking the park to other trail networks.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and birdwatching, with plenty of rest areas and picnic spots along the way.
Dogs are welcome on leashes, but motorized vehicles, campfires, and smoking are not allowed.
Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, making it a great destination for an early morning walk or a peaceful afternoon hike.
15. Fish at Russell-Fields Pier
Russell-Fields Pier, also known as City Pier, extends 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, offering some of the best fishing in the area.
It’s a great spot for both experienced anglers and beginners.
- Daily spectator passes are available for $4.00, perfect for those who just want to walk the pier and enjoy the views.
- Fishing licenses cost $7.00 per day, allowing visitors to try their luck at catching Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Pompano, and more.
- Rod rentals, bait, and tackle are available on-site, making it easy for first-timers to get started.
The pier is open year-round, providing amazing sunrise and sunset views over the Gulf.
Whether you’re looking to reel in a big catch or simply enjoy the ocean breeze, Russell-Fields Pier is a must-visit!
16. Glow-in-the-Dark Kayaking
Experience the Gulf Coast like never before with glow-in-the-dark kayaking in St. Andrews Bay.
These nighttime adventures take place in clear-bottom kayaks equipped with LED lights, illuminating the waters beneath you.
As you paddle under the stars, you’ll get a glimpse of marine life such as blue crabs, puffer fish, horseshoe crabs, stingrays, dolphins, and sea turtles.
This is a one-of-a-kind activity perfect for date nights, birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, or family outings.
The experience blends adventure and relaxation, creating a magical way to explore Panama City Beach after dark.
17. Sail on St. Andrews Bay
For a scenic and peaceful escape, set sail on St. Andrews Bay with Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions.
Whether you choose a private charter or a group sailing tour, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf.
Daytime cruises are perfect for soaking up the sun and spotting wildlife, while sunset sails offer a romantic and serene experience with stunning colors reflecting off the bay.
These excursions provide a relaxing way to explore the beauty of Panama City Beach from the water.
18. Explore Frank Brown Park
Frank Brown Park is the largest recreational park in Panama City Beach, covering over 200 acres.
It’s a go-to spot for sports enthusiasts, families, and outdoor lovers.
The park is home to:
- 9 full-size baseball/softball fields for tournaments.
- 6 lighted soccer fields for competitive and recreational games.
- A 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool at the Panama City Beach Aquatic Center.
- A 5,000-square-foot splash park for younger visitors.
- A 1.25-mile jogging track, plus biking and walking trails.
- A fenced-in, off-leash dog park for pet owners.
- A youth fishing pond for young anglers.
Frank Brown Park also hosts major sports events, including USFA Fastpitch Softball and Grand Slam Baseball tournaments.
Whether you’re looking for a place to exercise, play sports, or let kids enjoy water activities, this park has something for everyone.
19. Walk the Panama City Mural Trail
The Panama City Mural Trail is a self-guided art tour showcasing over 15 vibrant murals painted by local and nationally recognized artists.
These large-scale artworks can be found across downtown Panama City on businesses, parks, and hidden alleyways.
Each mural tells a story, reflecting the city’s history, culture, and creativity.
From towering beach scenes to abstract designs, this trail is a fantastic way to explore the city’s growing art scene.
Many of the murals were created through the Bay Arts Mural Project, a community effort to bring “Art on Every Corner” to the area.
If you love street art and photography, this trail is a must-see.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture the colorful displays!
20. Indulge on the Panama City Oyster Trail
Panama City is known for its fresh Gulf seafood, and the Panama City Oyster Trail is the perfect way to experience it.
This self-guided culinary tour takes you to some of the area’s best seafood spots, where you can try oysters raw, baked, grilled, or fried.
Top stops on the trail include:
- Hunt’s Oyster Bar in Historic St. Andrews, known for its casual atmosphere and expertly shucked oysters.
- Gene’s Oyster Bar, a century-old seafood shack in Millville with just 10 bar stools, offering an authentic, old-school oyster experience.
Each restaurant offers its own unique take on oysters, showcasing the city’s rich seafood culture.
The Oyster Trail is a delicious way to explore local flavors and coastal traditions.
21. Visit WonderWorks
WonderWorks Panama City Beach is an interactive science museum designed to blend education with entertainment.
Housed in a four-story upside-down building, this attraction challenges the way visitors perceive reality.
Inside, you’ll find over 100 hands-on exhibits covering everything from virtual simulations to mind-bending optical illusions.
Test your reflexes, lie on a bed of nails, or experience a hurricane-force wind tunnel.
WonderWorks is known as the largest interactive game facility in the area, making it a great destination for families, students, and anyone who enjoys a mix of science and fun.
Located at 9910 Front Beach Road, WonderWorks is easily accessible from major roads.
Tickets can be purchased in advance, and the attraction is open year-round.
22. Create Candles at Atelier
Atelier offers a one-of-a-kind candle-making experience in a vibrant, social setting.
Unlike a typical craft workshop, Atelier combines custom candle-making with a full cocktail bar, allowing guests to sip drinks while designing their own personalized candles.
Guests can choose their favorite scents, colors, and candle styles, making each creation unique.
The venue often hosts live music events and food trucks, creating a lively atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a girls’ night out, or just looking for a creative way to unwind, Atelier offers a memorable and hands-on experience.
23. Take a Pedal-Powered Megacycle Tour
Explore downtown Panama City in a whole new way with Panama Pedal Tours, a rolling megacycle party bike.
This unique tour lets groups of riders pedal together while cruising through the city’s scenic streets.
Perfect for celebrations, group outings, or just a fun night out, the megacycle makes stops at local bars, restaurants, and landmarks along the way.
With music, drinks, and good company, this tour combines sightseeing and socializing for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
24. Take a Helicopter Tour
For a breathtaking view of Panama City Beach, book a helicopter tour with Panhandle Helicopter.
These tours provide an unmatched aerial perspective of the coastline, turquoise waters, and iconic landmarks like Shell Island and St. Andrews State Park.
Depending on your package, you may fly along the ‘Miracle Strip,’ circle Pier Park and the SkyWheel, or soar westbound toward Laguna Beach and Lake Powell.
Some lucky passengers even spot dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles from above.
Tours start at just $55 per person, making this an accessible way to experience Panama City Beach from the sky.
Panhandle Helicopter, a family-run business, offers multiple flight options and even plans to open its own flight school in the future.
25. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a relaxing yet adventurous way to explore the Gulf Coast.
Rent a board from Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop or head to St. Andrews State Park, where calm waters provide an ideal setting for beginners.
SUP is a great workout and offers a unique perspective of the water.
Glide over crystal-clear bays and inlets, where you might spot fish, rays, or even dolphins swimming beneath you.
Beginners can take lessons to learn proper balance and paddling techniques before setting out on their own.
