Nestled along 27 miles of sugar-white sand and emerald-green Gulf waters, Panama City Beach, Florida is a small coastal town with a big personality. Known for its laid-back charm, welcoming community and unspoiled natural beauty, this beloved destination continues to capture hearts year after year.
Trip Highlight
Here, Real. Fun. Beach. is more than a tagline—it’s a way of life. Visitors can spend the morning paddleboarding beside dolphins or biking through state parks, the afternoon browsing coastal boutiques or enjoying a local seafood favorite, and the evening listening to live music under the stars. Pier Park, the town’s colorful open-air hub, serves as both main street and gathering place, home to 120+ shops, restaurants and family-friendly attractions, plus year-round festivals that fill the air with celebration.
See MorePier Park
Pier Park, the town’s colorful open-air hub, serves as both main street and gathering place, home to 120+ shops, restaurants and family-friendly attractions, plus year-round festivals that fill the air with celebration.
See MorePirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is part of Dolly Parton’s dinner attraction collection, created by Parton as a family-friendly theatrical experience. The production features pirate-themed acrobatics, sword fighting, aerial stunts, live animals, and audience interaction. Guests are served a four-course meal during the show, typically including rotisserie chicken, sides, and dessert, with vegetarian options available. The experience lasts about two hours, and early arrival allows time for seating and pre-show activities.
See MorePanhandle Helicopter
Panhandle Helicopter offers short aerial tours showcasing Panama City Beach, the Gulf of Mexico, and surrounding barrier islands. Flights typically last under 20 minutes and provide a clear overview of the coastline and resort corridor. Morning or early evening flights often offer the best visibility. The experience is useful for understanding the area’s layout and capturing scenic views that aren’t visible from the ground.
See MoreRipley's Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s features a collection of oddities, artifacts, and interactive exhibits highlighting unusual history, science, and pop culture. Displays include optical illusions, rare objects, and record-breaking achievements. The museum is self-guided and generally takes 60–90 minutes. It’s a straightforward indoor attraction that pairs well with nearby entertainment venues.
See MoreWonderWorks Panama City Beach
WonderWorks is an indoor interactive science and education center housed in its signature upside-down building. Exhibits focus on physics, weather, space, and hands-on learning, including a wind tunnel, earthquake simulator, and interactive challenges. Visitors typically spend 90 minutes exploring. Its central location makes it an easy addition to itineraries, especially during hot weather or rainy days.
See MoreShipwreck Island
Shipwreck Island is a seasonal waterpark featuring slides, wave pools, and family-friendly attractions. The park accommodates a wide range of ages, from thrill rides to slower-paced areas like the lazy river. Guests typically spend two to three hours here. It’s a popular warm-weather stop and offers a break from more structured indoor attractions.
See MoreMan in the Sea Museum
The Man in the Sea Museum focuses on the history of diving and underwater exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. Exhibits include early diving equipment, submersibles, and research tools used by military and civilian divers. Visitors can explore both indoor and outdoor displays in about an hour. It provides educational context on the region’s maritime and industrial heritage.
See MoreRussell-Fields Pier
Russell-Fields Pier extends nearly 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the longest piers in the region. Visitors can walk the length for ocean views, watch fishing activity, or spot marine life. It’s accessible throughout the day and is especially popular during late afternoon and sunset hours.
See MorePCB Wheel
The PCB Wheel is an observation wheel offering panoramic views of Panama City Beach and the surrounding coastline. Enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas provide a comfortable ride lasting approximately 10 minutes. The attraction operates throughout the day, with sunset and evening rides offering the most dramatic views.
See MoreSt. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park (celebrating 75 years in 2026). This 1,200-acre coastal preserve features sugar-white beaches, dune forests, two fishing piers, snorkeling reefs, and a ferry to unspoiled Shell Island. In 2025, St. Andrews was named No. 7 on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches and ranked No. 14 in the U.S. on Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches list, underscoring its national stature. Recent upgrades include a new playground, picnic pavilion, walking/biking path and expanded marina parking, with campground renovations and a new ranger station underway; families can glamp in waterfront eco-tents or stay at RV sites.
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