Panama City Beach

Travel 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 kilometers) 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 organize 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 center 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 Center.

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 vacationers 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

Experience European Colonial charm in this Gulf Coast community, offering warm waters, beach activities, and a mixed-use town center with shops, restaurants, and live music at Peddler's Pavilion. Explore nearby parks and trails for a dose of nature.

Rosemary Beach
Camp Helen State Park featuring general coastal views

Inlet Beach

Located in south Walton and Bay Counties, Florida, this beach neighborhood is named after Phillips Inlet and offers a serene coastal experience. Enjoy the picturesque shoreline and explore the nearby state park.

Inlet Beach
Default Image

Seacrest Beach

Located along scenic highway 30A, this beach community offers fishing, kayaking, swimming, golfing, and beachgoing. Explore the nearby coastal dune lake, Camp Creek, for hiking and bird watching.

Seacrest Beach
Default Image

WaterSound Beach

If you're spending some time in WaterSound Beach, Seacrest Beach and South Walton Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

WaterSound Beach
If you love great coffee and pastries and want to support local business, this beautiful spot is for you. Really good.

Alys Beach

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

Alys Beach
Sunset from PCB, the place to go for some action.

Long Beach

4/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Long Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like WonderWorks and Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Long Beach
Boardwalk Beach Hotel
Boardwalk Beach Hotel
2.5 out of 5
9600 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is CA $270 per night from Jun. 7 to Jun. 8
CA $270
CA $313 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Book a 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 ...
6/10 (1,697 reviews)
Good stay, rude front desk
"Check in was supposed to be at 6pm which is entirely too late, was able to get early check in, where they tried to charge me again but i had already paid in full. Hotels.com had to call and straighten it out and the girl at the desk had a smart mouth. Bed was ok, no bugs, nice housekeeping, pool ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 2, 2024

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
Fully refundable
The price is CA $211 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $211
CA $237 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,563 reviews)
"We ended up here late in the night because the property we booked was terrible. Staff was welcoming and even allowed for us to view a room prior to reserving because of the previous incident. Rooms were clean and were not in need of repair. Beach access is always a PLUS! We enjoyed our stay!"

Reviewed on Jun. 5, 2024

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
Seahaven Beach Hotel
Seahaven Beach Hotel
2 out of 5
15285 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is CA $245 per night from Jun. 17 to Jun. 18
CA $245
CA $293 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
5.4/10 (1,349 reviews)
"We were right on the beach but my sister is handicapped and the elevator was out plus ice isn't free $6.48/bag!!!"

Reviewed on Jun. 4, 2024

Seahaven Beach Hotel
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.
Origin at Seahaven
Origin at Seahaven
4 out of 5
15100 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Pier Park and Panama City Beaches ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"The room was spacious, clean and had everything need for our stay."

Reviewed on Jun. 5, 2024

Origin at Seahaven
Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
3.5 out of 5
14700 Front Beach Rd, 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 Panama City Beaches ...
7.4/10 Good! (750 reviews)
"This condo is very nice. It just needed a deeper cleaning. Wonderful stay. Right on the beach is nice and i sure got a lot of exercise walking from parking garage to room. Out of 5 stars i give 4."

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
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 vacation home in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (142 reviews)
"The property was very nice location was great for us we had a great time"

Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2024

Laketown Wharf Resort by Aneliya's Rentals
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

Things to do

Reviews of Panama City Beach

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
11
" "5 - Excellent 61.111111111111114%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5.555555555555555%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Blake

A beautiful part of the world, friendly people, lovely water and amenities. Overall we loved our trip.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Crystal white sand. Warm gulf coast water. Friendly locals.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The area was devastated by hurricane Michael 6 months ago and still recovering. The beach sand was amazing. The area is beautiful.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great Family location. Plenty for the young folks to enjoy. The humidity, wind and bad hair days less accommodating for seniors!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Highlight of our trip was both days that we went to St. Andrews Park.

Cities near Panama City Beach