Panama City Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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

Seahaven Beach Hotel
Seahaven Beach Hotel
2 out of 5
15285 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is ₹5,164 per night from 10 Oct to 11 Oct
₹5,164
per night
10 Oct - 11 Oct
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Hidden Lagoon Golf and Racetrack ...
5/10 (1,244 reviews)
"The trash can was disgusted. The walls were pieces together with boards, rust in the bathtub, when turning on the shower the water came from the shower head and faucet, ROACHES! It’s just disgusting. On top of requesting a balcony room was placed on the ground floor. So disappointed in this room. ..."

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2023

Seahaven 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 ₹6,297 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
₹6,297
per night
24 Oct - 25 Oct
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the spacious rooms and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,889 reviews)
Pleased
"Was very nervous at first cause we usually stay in condos much more expensive however we last minuted our trip and this place was very budget friendly I was impressed with our stay they cleaned our rooms daily and made our bed and put fresh towels in our room daily. Staff was all very friendly for ..."

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2023

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
Bikini Beach Resort
Bikini Beach Resort
2.5 out of 5
11001 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is ₹9,073 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
₹9,073
per night
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Rockit Lanes are located nearby. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,433 reviews)
"My mom, toddler and I loved staying here. The staff is great, it has amazing views of the water, the facilities are clean, and it’s affordable. Our favorite part were the swings on the deck overlooking the water. Only constructive criticism I have is to make the lights at the tiki bar one color. ..."

Reviewed on 23 Sep 2023

Bikini Beach Resort
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.
Laketown Wharf Resort by Aneliya's Rentals
Laketown Wharf Resort by Aneliya's Rentals
3.5 out of 5
9902 S. Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Pier Park and Ripley's Believe ...
7.8/10 Good! (122 reviews)
"At first, very unsure of booking recent stay at Laketown. After my stay I would definitely recommend this property to anyone. The elevator situation can be frustrating at times but overall our room was clean, cozy and felt like home away from home.( Location A 10/10)"

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2023

Laketown Wharf Resort by Aneliya's Rentals
Laketown Wharf by Emerald View Resorts
Laketown Wharf by Emerald View Resorts
3.5 out of 5
9902 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, free supervised childcare and a fitness centre. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (842 reviews)
"It was an amazing stay!!!!"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2023

Laketown Wharf by Emerald View Resorts
Shores of Panama Beach Resort
Shores of Panama Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
9900 South Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Ripley's Believe ...
5.8/10 (753 reviews)
"Easy checkin Will definitely return in near future"

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2023

Shores of Panama Beach Resort
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 14.285714285714286%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 42.857142857142854%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 14.285714285714286%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
12 Feb 2020

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
8 May 2019

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
21 Apr 2019

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