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

Default Image

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
Default Image

Seacrest

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

Seacrest
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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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! (1,597 reviews)
"Everyone was so nice and helpful! The room was great and the bed was so unbelievably comfortable and stayed sooo COLD (which i loved)! Great pool with plenty of lounge chairs and easy beach access! Can't wait to go back!!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹5,572 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹5,572
₹6,817 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 (1,922 reviews)
"Was an okay place to stay... we dont stay in the room much so we just needed a place to lay our heads that was clean. The place was older and my family of 5 stayed in one big room and it didnt have privacy but it was reasonable priced...could use new refrigerators that actually got colderbut it was ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Boardwalk Beach Hotel
Radisson Beachfront Hotel - Panama City Beach

Radisson Beachfront Hotel - Panama City Beach

3 out of 5
15325 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is ₹8,128 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
₹8,128
₹11,049 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (2,251 reviews)
"Nice place on the beach!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Radisson Beachfront Hotel - 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.
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! (164 reviews)
Beautiful room.
"Room looked like the pictures which was a pleasant surprise! No false advertising. The bedroom was beautiful and the kids lived having their own room, and we loved having separate bathrooms. There was a drip coffee and a k-cup machine (so you know what kind of coffee to buy). The rocking chairs on ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Shipwreck Island ...
5.8/10 (852 reviews)
Enjoyed our stay, but may not return
"I really did like our stay here, but I wouldn't make it a regular vacation spot. The check in process was a little confusing and not a traditional check in. We were kind of expected to know where we were going and what we were doing based on texted instructions. Some of the staff were helpful others ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Shores of Panama Beach Resort
Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals VI

Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals VI

4 out of 5
Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy a beach locale, parking (surcharge) and patios. Popular attractions Pier Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark ...
8/10 Very Good! (52 reviews)
"Everything was perfect, except the checkout. It was too early at nine in the morning."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals VI
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

Cities near Panama City Beach