Panama City Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach showing signage
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is known for its soft white sand and sparkling waters, and thriving surf culture and stunning beaches. 

Panama City Beach, along Florida’s Emerald Coast, has 27 miles (43.5 kilometres) of beautiful green water, crystal-quartz beaches, abundant sea life and many family-oriented attractions.

Walk along one of America’s most picturesque beaches or hang out in a local café. While it has undergone a period of rapid development in recent years, and high rises now dot the skyline, Panama City Beach still retains a laid-back atmosphere. 

Surfers and sunbathers alike will find top spots to do their thing. If you’re not content to simply hit the surf, there are plenty of places to organise extreme sports excursions or rent a boat. Go parasailing, ride a Jet Ski or board a sailing boat. 

Kids will love the many fun and water parks in town. Play golf and navigate the maze at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park or zoom down a slide at Shipwreck Island Water Park. To see some wildlife, take a trip to the ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory. If you’re in the town centre and want a place to relax or kick a ball, check out Frank Brown Park. There are baseball and soccer fields, plenty of spaces for picnics, and the Panama City Beach Aquatic Centre.

To explore less-developed parts of the shoreline, head to St. Andrews State Park. There are trails through the dunes, plenty of near-deserted beaches, the Grand Lagoon, and even camping grounds. For something a little more relaxed, hop on a tour boat to see some of the area’s famous sites. Spot dolphins as you head over to Shell Island. Small and deserted, it’s a place to collect shells, swim and fish. You can even renr a pontoon for the day. 

Panama City Beach attracts thousands of holiday makers every year. With a beach to match any other in the country, activities for leisure and thrill seekers alike, and an addictive beach-bum vibe, there’s no reason to wonder why.

Where to stay in Panama City Beach

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Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach.

Rosemary Beach
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Seacrest

Seacrest is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach.

Seacrest
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Inlet Beach

Inlet Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rosemary Beach and Camp Helen State Park.

Inlet Beach
St. Andrews State Park which includes tranquil scenes and forest scenes

Lower Grand Lagoon

While visiting Lower Grand Lagoon, you might make a stop by sights like St. Andrews State Park and Thomas Drive.

Lower Grand Lagoon
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Seacrest Beach

While there might not be top attractions in Seacrest Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

Seacrest Beach
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Alys Beach

While visiting Alys Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

Alys Beach
Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort

2 out of 5
17255 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,901 reviews)
"We enjoyed the pool and the easy access to the beach will be back next year"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
Boardwalk Beach Hotel

Boardwalk Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
9600 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
6.4/10 (2,046 reviews)
"Nice views love it"

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Boardwalk Beach Hotel
Beachside Resort Panama City Beach

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach

2 out of 5
21905 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is ₹7,824 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
₹7,824
₹8,763 total
23 Sept - 24 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,043 reviews)
"The property was in good condition. The staff at the front desk were absolutely the best…I give them 5 stars."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Splash Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Splash Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
17739 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Frank Brown Park and Pier Park ...
7.2/10 Good! (199 reviews)
"We loved this property and all the employees was very nice and friendly and we will always stay here when we come to Florida every year. Thank you for giving us a nice stay."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2025

Splash Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
15817 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Frank Brown Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (165 reviews)
"Randomly booked a solo trip here by myself and had a great time!! Walking distance to everything, views from the balcony and beach were beautiful! Definitely a vibe and will book again"

Reviewed on 2 Sept 2025

Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
16819 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Frank Brown Park ...
7.2/10 Good! (171 reviews)
"There was a little construction going on, but it wasn’t bad. Our stay was great. Communication was awesome. They got back to you in a short amount of time. There was a few issues, but nothing major."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Panama City Beach

3.3
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 14%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 43%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 14%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Wollten Minigolf spielen, das war so teuer, dass wir es sein liessen. Für eine 4-köpfige Familie 60 Dollar. Etwas zum Essen zu finden ist nicht ganz einfach. Es wimmelt von Hamburger-Schuppen, aber als Westeuropäer hat man das irgendwann gesehen

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely beaches, lots of hotels and restaurants, St Andrews State Park was amazing, good base for exploring further east down the coast.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Looks like the ideal beach and location for teenagers/young adults. There are so many buildings right up along the beach. We prefer the other beaches in the area for our young family.

Cities near Panama City Beach