The 13 best things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida

Choose your own adventure in this popular beach town.

Panama City Beach isn’t just a spring break destination. There’s fun to be had here year-round, whether you’re traveling with family, having a weekend away with girlfriends, or looking for a quiet and romantic getaway. Plus, the 27 miles of shoreline on this part of the Gulf coast is home to some of the most beautiful (and popular) beaches in Florida, with soft white sand, emerald water, and plenty of easy access points. 

These recommendations are all in Panama City Beach proper. Panama City, which is more residential, is a separate area that’s also worth exploring. We’ve made the planning easy for you with activity and dining suggestions for different types of groups. You’ll be surprised by how much this beach town has to offer. Ahead, the best things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Panama City Beach For A Family Trip

Start With A Sunny Breakfast

Fuel up on French toast, croissant sandwiches, and coffee at Andy’s Flour Power, a casual and kid-friendly breakfast and lunch spot that attracts tourists and locals alike. Don’t pass the bakery case without ordering a cinnamon roll or a bright green pistachio muffin.

Spend The Day At Pier Park

Imagine a mall crossed with an amusement park and a restaurant district, and then place this massive complex right off the beach. That’s Pier Park in a nutshell. You can definitely spend an entire day here because there’s something of interest for every family member: shopping (both local stores and major retailers, like Target); attractions like laser tag, mini golf, and the Skywheel; plus family-friendly restaurants ranging from Five Guys to Margaritaville. Plus, if it’s a rainy day, you can see a movie at the IMAX Grand Theater.

Take A Dolphin Tour

Spend some time out on the water and go dolphin spotting. Some tour companies, like Coastal Wildlife Adventures, offer private sunset cruises or the opportunity to swim with the creatures. Larger groups can take a ride on the Sea Screamer, a 73-foot boat.

Splash In A Natural Lagoon

While the main beach is family-friendly, it can be crowded. For a more secluded experience, head to St. Andrews State Park, which has 1½ miles of pristine shorefront that isn’t lined with hotels and buildings. There’s even a lagoon area with a shallow area that’s perfect for young swimmers. Beyond the beach, the park has tons of amenities, including picnic areas, a playground, nature trails, and bathrooms.

Splash At A Waterpark

Visit Shipwreck Island Waterpark for slides, winding rivers, and plenty of waves. Ideal for families, you'll be dragging your kids out of the water by the end of the day. You can also rent a luxury cabana for the adults to relax in while the kids play.

Panama City Beach For A Girlfriend Getaway

Enjoy Some Beach Time

The sand and water here is truly unlike other beaches in Florida, so kick off your beach day with brunch at a waterfront restaurant like Barefoot on the Beach. Or grab coffee and doughnuts at the adorable Thomas' Donut and Snack Shop and bring them to the beach to enjoy under an umbrella.

Thomas' Donut and Snack Shop is closed for the holidays and will reopen on February 1st, 2026.

While there are plenty of shopping opportunities at Pier Park, you can follow this “trail” of independently-owned stores specializing in home items. From plants and garden supplies to locally made art, you’ll find lots of treasures along the way and support local businesses, too.

Have Happy Hour On A Floating Tiki Bar

The only thing better than enjoying a margarita poolside is enjoying it in the ocean. Through Crusin’ Tikis, you and your group can bring your own drinks on a floating tiki boat and cruise around the Grand Lagoon. Depending on the time of day, you can catch an amazing sunset over the water or hang out on a sandbar.

Savor Local Seafood

The Panama City Beach area is filled with places where you can get your fill of locally caught shrimp, fish, and other types of seafood. For an elevated experience, try Saltwater Grill or Capt. Anderson’s. Saltwater has a massive saltwater aquarium filled with tropical fish, and a menu with dishes like crab cakes and blackened snapper, as well as an over-the-top seafood tower. Capt. Anderson’s—voted a top seafood restaurant by our readers—offers stuffed Florida lobster and a menu of Greek-style dishes cooked over an open hearth, like Grouper Imperial. 

Panama City Beach For A Romantic Weekend

Kayak At Camp Helen State Park

Spend time outside doing a fun activity that’s perfect for two: kayaking. At Camp Helen State Park, you can rent a tandem kayak and paddle around scenic Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in the state—it covers nearly 800 acres. The park also has trails for peaceful nature walks.

Unwind At A Spa

Serenity Spa at Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort has a menu of treatment options to help you relax, including a couple’s massage. Treatments include access to the sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and relaxation lounge for one hour before and after your appointment. You can also book a day pass to the spa if you’d like to linger longer.

Watch The Sunset At The Pier

Across the street from Pier Park is Russell-Fields City Pier, the best spot in the area to catch the sunset—other than from atop the Skywheel. Stroll the 1,500-foot walkway and soak in gorgeous, uninterrupted views of the sea and sky.

Enjoy A Special Dinner

Firefly is the go-to place in town for a special occasion or romantic dinner. The dining room is magical at night with a huge indoor tree that sparkles with fairy lights. Indulge in Gulf grouper, Australian rack of lamb, or a bone-in ribeye, and toast to a great vacation.