Panama City Beach Vacation Guide

Panama City Beach ("PCB") is a coastal gem on Florida’s Emerald Coast known for its sugar-white sand, turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters, and a laid-back vibe with a splash of adventure. Our Panama City Beach vacation guide has you covered - whether you're traveling with family, escaping for a romantic getaway, or rallying your friends for a beach trip. PCB offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty, fun attractions, fresh seafood, and unforgettable nightlife!

Must-Try Restaurants & Local Flavors

• Firefly: fine dining and a romantic atmosphere.
• Margaritaville: fun, casual atmosphere with gorgeous beach views.
• Grand Marlin: daily menu specials from the award-winning chef - on the beach!
• Pineapple Willy's: waterfront dining on the pier offering world-famous BBQ Ribs.
• Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market: fresh, local seafood you can watch coming into the docks daily.

Bars, Lounges & Late-Night Fun

• Ms Newby’s Liquors: laid back local favorite offering darts, pool tables, DJs, bands and karaoke. Order the hunch punch!
• Neons Beach Shack: beachy vibe with a full menu and entertainment ranging from cover bands to line dancing.
• The Liq: An energetic nightclub and sports bar with DJs, dancing, and lively vibes into the night.

Outdoor Adventures & Nature in PCB

• St. Andrews State Park: Picnic, fish, hike and check out the wildlife.
• Camp Helen State Park: Tranquil spots with one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in the area.
• Most beach accesses offer beach chair rentals, jet ski rentals, banana boat rides and more!

Educational & Family Attractions

• Man in the Sea Museum: Military diving museum recognized as the oldest diving museum in the world.
• The Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida: Children's museum with interactive science and natural history displays.
• The Panama City Publishing Company Museum: The business location of Panama City's Founding Father, George Mortimer West, and houses a collection of early 20th Century letter presses and type used in printing local daily newspapers from 1906-1937. Admission is free!
• Dolly Parton's Pirate Voyage: An action-packed pirate-themed dinner show that's fun for all ages!
• WonderWorks: The "upside down house" is an amusement park for the mind and body with activities for everyone.
• Shipwreck Island: A seasonal attraction with slides both big and small, a lazy river, wave pool and delicious food.
• SkyWheel: See the coast from a high-flying observation wheel!

Panama City Beach Festivals & Annual Events

• Gulf Coast Jam: Annual country music festival on the coast, frequently in early summer.
• Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally: enjoy food, drinks, shopping vendors, bike shows and live entertainment, this event occurs twice each year, typically in late April/early May and again in October.
• Emerald Coast Cruizin: twice a year, PCB becomes a giant show of thousands of hot rods and classic cars! Enthusiasts won't want to miss the event every March and November.

Insider Information (shhh)

• The airports in the area are generally solid, but travel into or out of Northwest Florida Beaches (code "ECP") Airport if you can since it's closer.
• Bayway Public Transit is easy to navigate and lets you pay with cash when you board a bus, or using a pass purchased in the dedicated Transit app.
• If you're driving to PCB, avoid traveling near Atlanta - recently named the worst U.S. city for driving.

Sample Itineraries for the Emerald Coast

4-Night Stay

• Day 1: Arrive, beach day, sunset dinner at Pineapple Willy’s, drinks at Neons Beach Shack.
• Day 2: Explore St. Andrews State Park, lunch at Capt. Anderson’s, night ride on the SkyWheel.
• Day 3: Family fun at Shipwreck Island and WonderWorks, dinner at Firefly.
• Day 4: Morning visit to the Man in the Sea Museum, beach picnic at Camp Helen, drinks at Ms. Newby’s.

5-Night Stay

• Add Day 5: Attend Dolly Parton’s Pirate Voyage then visit The Science and Discovery Center. Nightcap at The Liq.

6-Night Stay

• Add Day 6: Time your trip around Gulf Coast Jam or Thunder Beach Rally, wrap it up with oysters and a sunset at The Grand Marlin.

Panama City Beach is Waiting

Whether you're diving into local history, dancing the night away, or simply relaxing on the beach with a frozen drink in hand, Panama City Beach offers a perfect blend of sunshine and coastal adventure.

Read more travel tips from our blog for even more in-depth recommendations.