Panama City Beach-To Do List

With 27 miles of sugar white sand and emerald green waters, Panama City Beach has something for everyone to fall in love with. You’ll experience the beach first hand from our beach front condos and other vacation rental properties within walking distance of the beach. As our Dad is so fond of saying, many of the properties we manage are “Smack Dab On The Beach”! The views are incredible and the sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. There are so many different ways to experience the BEACH at Panama City Beach, the Gulf Coast’s most prized treasure! Staying in one of our beachfront vacation rental properties gives you direct access to the BEACH and you can enjoy it all from your balcony, too. For a more private experience, you can choose one of our “beachwalk” properties that are a short walk to the beach and be away from all the hustle and bustle. There are many public beach access points along Panama City Beach. S. Richard Seltzer Park is available from dawn to dusk at no charge with easy parking and beach access, pavilions, boardwalks, and restroom facilities. St. Andrews State Park, offers easily accessible beaches with large picnic areas, the jetties and all the facilities you’ll need for a day at the beach. There is a small daily charge for use of this park. Hop on a ferry and take a trip to Shell Island, to enjoy its miles of undeveloped, pristine beaches. If you’re looking for beaches where you can “see and be seen”, there are great places like Schooner’s, Spinnaker Beach Club and Runaway Island where you can enjoy the beach and have a bite to eat and a cool refreshing drink. Boardwalk, Edgewater and other resorts also offer beachfront dining and drinks. So, it’s easy to grab a delicious meal and drink without ever leaving the gorgeous beach!

See the strange and unexpected in the galleries at Ripley's, Hold on tight and prepare yourself for an out of this world experience with the 3D movies with digital effects and motion seats. Challenge yourself in the mirror maze. Try the impossible laser race. (850) 230-6113

WonderWorks is a science focused indoor amusement park that combines education and entertainment.  With over 100 hands on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages.  Feel the power of 84 mph hurricane force winds in the Hurricane shack.  Make huge, life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab.  Get the NASA treatment in the Astronaut Training Gyro and experience zero gravity.  Nail it by lying on the death defying Bed of Nails.  Climb through obstacles three stories above the ground in the glow-in-the-dark Indoor Ropes Course.  compete against opponents in a fast paced Laser Tag battle in a black light maze.  Experience the thrill of the Space Fury 360. WonderWorks is a great way to get out of the sun for a while or to spend a rainy day at the beach.  Located at 9910 Front Beach RD, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 249-7000.

Beach Bonfires, Daily Tent/Chair Rentals. We also offer rentals of Eno hammocks, Neso tents and we specialize in family oriented beach events that help locals and tourists take full advantage of our beautiful beaches. We handle all permitting and beach cleanup and use our years of experience working on the sand to help keep the beach pristine. (850) 249-0552. In the fall of 2017, Endless Beach Rentals was launched with Beach Bonfires and Daytime Tent/Chair Rentals. Available at multiple locations across Bay County, Florida. We offer multiple packages and will work to fit any size budgets or event.

Ne'er a finer a ship has sailed these waters...Drift back in time to the carefree days of pirates. Sity back and relax as your children laugh and play under the watchful eyes of Captain Fearless Phil and his friendly crew. Join us for an adventure that you and your kids will never forget. Enjoy an exciting and scenic 2 hour family Pirate activity cruise that includes dolphin sightings, great music and non-stop pirate activities for the kids. (850) 234-7400

The fun captain and crew will exceed your expectations! Part of their mission is to describe all the fascinating sights and points of interest that you will take in as you cruise along the Emerald Coast. Our informative captain, who was born and raised here in Panama City, will tell everyone about the local area history and the captivating marine wild life. Even an occasional nautical sea-tale will be great to hear from the crew. Of course, the pleasant tropical tunes that are playing onboard just add to the atmosphere, especially during the spectacular sunset cruise. Don’t forget your camera because you wouldn’t want to miss that once-in-a-lifetime picture or video of the playful dolphins as they splash and surf in the wake created by the Sea Screamer. During the trip, our enthusiastic deckhand will hoist aboard a crab trap to show off some of St Andrews Bay’s interesting eco-life. As part of, what we call the “critter encounter”, passengers find it exciting to hold a crab or other sea creature. And a great way for kids to really cool off during those warm summer daytime trips is with our stream-machine water launchers. From the Lil’ screamers to those amusing older screamers, this two-hour excursion is enjoyed by all ages. Whether you cruise on the original Sea Screamer or our new Sea Screamer 2, it’s our crew member’s quest to make this the highlight of your visit to Panama City Beach. Cold refreshments, beer, wine, and snacks are available to purchase. Clean and spacious restrooms are below deck. Reservations are highly recommended. Call today! 850.233.9107 850.235.3000

Shell Island is an AMAZING day trip.  Rent a pontoon or take a shuttle over to this secluded piece of paradise.  There are many different places to rent pontoon boats or jet skis and may different tour operators run trips out to Shell Island.  Enjoy the beauty and purity of nature!

Among the many things to do in Panama City Beach Florida, there is one standout that should not be missed. At the far south end of the long stretch of resort hotels and condominiums lining the white sands of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers a surprisingly pristine slice of Florida coastline to beach lovers and outdoor adventurers.

The Park is situated along miles of sugar-sand coastline that is consistently rated as America’s best beach. St. Andrews State Park covers 1200 acres and offers boating, camping, swimming and watersports, fishing, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. It is also the headquarters of the Shell Island Ferry, the official water transport service to one of the star attractions in Panama City Beach: Shell Island.

The Shell Island Ferry is the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island. The Ferry is also your connection to snorkel gear rentals and Shell Island Snorkel Tours, kayak rental and Ferry ticket packages, Panama City Beach dolphin tours, and more.

Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Ferry, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Swimming and snorkeling are great. Hiking inland on the island offers the opportunity to explore rare Florida coastal plants, bird, and wildlife communities in their natural condition.

Check out Shell Island!  This special secluded beach is absolutely gorgeous.  You'll LOVE the silky white sand and crystal clear waters.  You can rent a boat or jet ski or take a boat tour out to the island.  See dolphins and wildlife up close and personal.  Be sure to book this in advance due to high demand.  No Panama City Beach, FL vacation is complete with out making this trip!  Call (850) 319-3324 to book your trip! See www.visitshellisland.com to see all the exciting ways they have for you to see Shell Island up close and personal!

Panama City, FL fishing charters are the icing on the cake of a year-round resort town. Watersports enthusiasts flock to the numerous bays and deep waters offshore for a range of activities, and fishing ranks right up there. From the inshore lagoons to the heart of the Gulf, there’s something for anglers of all kinds. 

Panama City Beach is famous for all kinds of fishing, deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico being the most popular! Anglers can also try their hand at fishing directly from the piers along the beach and St. Andrew Bay, or by casting directly from the shore. There are many fishing options in Panama City Beach, we definitely recommend experiencing the excitement of deep sea fishing from one of the many charter boats in the area. It will be something you never forget! Looking for freshwater fishing? We have that too! Local rivers and freshwater lakes offer up some great freshwater fishing opportunities! From the first-time fishermen to the world-class anglers, all can enjoy the wide variety of fresh and saltwater fishing options available in Panama City Beach. If enjoying the no-worries charter boat trip, many professional charter fishing companies will provide a fishing license for their clients. You can also acquire a short-term fishing license, if you decide to try your hand at the local piers, lakes or rivers. Here are links to the charter fishing operators we recommend based on great experiences we have had with them: Panama City Beach Inshore Fishing Guides

PCB has two piers where you can fish. Russell Fields Pier and M.B. MIller piers both extend 1500 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico. Spectators pay $3 per day. Daily fishing licenses are $7 per day. Rod rentals and bait are also available. Fish caught in season: Cobia, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Red Fish, Blues, Blue Liners, Pompano, Flounder, Hardtails and other varieties.

Kartona, The Electric Speedway! Get ready to flip the switch and start your engines! Kartona The Electric Speedway is bringing the most exciting thing to Panama City Beach since shaved ice and board shorts. Although we love our white sand and emerald green waters, it's not always sunshine and green flags on the world's most beautiful beaches, so we decided to add to the fun with the area's first and only indoor electric go kart facility. Available to both adults and youngsters, this is family fun at it's best. We've got it all; helmet-mounted GoPro cameras available to record your race, a spectators area to cheer on your favorite kart racer, arcade games, a concession bar for snacks and drinks. And we have multiple private party rooms for groups and events of every size.

Across the street from the beach, Signal Hill Golf Course offers terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep Signal Hill Golf Course, Inc. difficult yet friendly, and the staff can offer tips and tricks for playing your best round. Signal Hill Golf Course, Inc. is a terrific choice for your regular rounds of golf or a new destination for you and friends when visiting Panama City Beach. (850) 234-5051 There’s really no question as to why Golf Digest Magazine named Panama City Beach one of America’s top three golf towns. With roughly 320 days of sunshine a year, and an average temperature of 74 degrees, there’s plenty of time to try one, or all, of the golf courses in the area! With affordable greens fees and year-round tee times available, visitors to Panama City Beach can enjoy their love of golf all year long! http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/things-to-do/golf/

Aaron Bessant Park is a 70-acre facility with an outdoor amphitheater, three soccer fields, well manicured festival lawns, and paved walkways. The park is well known by locals and tourists for hosting many of Panama City Beach's most popular events and concerts. The amphitheater's capacity is 10,000. Several walking trails wind around the park and its two large scenic lakes. Situated only two blocks from the Gulf, there is usually a pleasant breeze and the sunsets are always dynamic. The Veteran's Memorial at the southeast corner of Aaron Bessant Park honors all those who have served in all branches of the U.S. military. The park is dog friendly though all dogs must be leashed and owners must clean up after their pets. Public restrooms are available. The park is open during daylight hours and during scheduled events. Aaron Bessant Park is an amazing venue for outdoor events and has hosted many well-known and up-and-coming artists, a U.S. president, and many other events. Aaron Bessant Park facilities include the amphitheater, stage, Green Room, office for event holders, special event restrooms, a loading dock, sound/light equipment rental and table/chair rental. Here's a list of a few of the annual events: Seabreeze Jazz Festival Walk to Cure Arthritis UNwineD Summer Concert Series Fourth of July Concert & Fireworks Veteran's Memorial Ceremony USFA Softball Welcome Parties Oktoberfest Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Woodlawn Fall Festival Emerald Coast Cruizin' Car Shows Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival Beach Home for the Holidays Hot Air Balloon Glow Those interested in renting the grounds should contact Kassidy Stringer, Facility and Special Events Coordinator at (850) 233-5045.

Gayle's Trails began with the construction of the walking trails at Frank Brown Park in 1998. The trails are named for former PCB Mayor Gayle Oberst. The trail system has continued to expand over the years and now includes several miles of asphalt and paved pathways. We encourage everyone to enjoy our trails. Walking, jogging and bicycling are great activities that are part of a healthy lifestyle. Gayle's Trails Network: Connects to nearly 30 miles of trails within Panama City Beach Conservation Park, just west of State Road 79. There are many trails within Conservation Park. Some trails are asphalt and others are sand. There are five miles of trails that head north on State Road 79 and across the West Bay Bridge. Another 3.5 miles of trails are located within Frank Brown Park. There are 1.5 miles of trails at Aaron Bessant Park.

Among the many things to do in Panama City Beach Florida, there is one standout that should not be missed. At the far south end of the long stretch of resort hotels and condominiums lining the white sands of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers a surprisingly pristine slice of Florida coastline to beach lovers and outdoor adventurers.

The Park is situated along miles of sugar-sand coastline that is consistently rated as America’s best beach. St. Andrews State Park covers 1200 acres and offers boating, camping, swimming and watersports, fishing, hiking, and bird/wildlife watching. It is also the headquarters of the Shell Island Ferry, the official water transport service to one of the star attractions in Panama City Beach: Shell Island.

The Shell Island Ferry is the safest, quickest, and easiest way to reach Shell Island. The Ferry is also your connection to snorkel gear rentals and Shell Island Snorkel Tours, kayak rental and Ferry ticket packages, Panama City Beach dolphin tours, and more.

Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile long barrier island and beach that makes up the southern reach of St. Andrews State Park. Accessed via private boat or the official Shell Island Ferry, the island is a local must-see location for visitors who want the pristine beach experience. Swimming and snorkeling are great. Hiking inland on the island offers the opportunity to explore rare Florida coastal plants, bird, and wildlife communities in their natural condition.

History Class Brewing Co. offers Local Beer, Southern Bites & Local Stories. Located in historic downtown Panama City, this is favorite hang-out spot for the locals. With15 or more beers on tap, unique southern food, and a very friendly staff you'll find that there's a story behind everything- from the chairs you sit in to the historic photographs and art on the walls. You won’t find a better place to share your own stories about the local area, Bay County Florida. (850) 801-2337. Our Mission: We love this town and the stories of how this community was built. It was built by ordinary people who gathered and did extraordinary things together. We're excited to tell these stories around food and drink. We want to be a place our community can come gather, meet each other, support progress by supporting each other, and help Bay County realize it's untapped potential.

Sisters of the Sea & The Dive Bar is a local restaurant and bar open 7 days per week year round. Famous for their Mermaid Meet and Greets! You've gotta see this!

Schooners, the Last Local Beach Club, is open 7 days a week. Lunch is awesome. Dinner is awesome. The bands are awesome. The beach is awesome. The sunsets are awesome. As a matter of fact, this just might be the best place on the planet! Walking distance to Treasure Island & Seychelles. Amazing restaurant, right on the sand.

World Famous Pineapple Willy's is the Panama City Beach Seafood Restaurant where it all began! Get there early to get a seat on the dining pier. Since 1984, the owner has remained true to his mission of great food, great cocktails and great staff. Today, they still serve the best ribs on the beach, the staff is as friendly as ever, and the music and beverages at Willy's Live just get better every year.

Not planning on spending all of your vacation at the beach? How about a little retail therapy while you’re here! Panama City Beach offers unbelievable shopping selections, from unique boutiques to large malls where you can find just about anything! Specialty shops are perfect for finding that simple souvenir or the perfect piece of handmade jewelry. One of a kind fine art, antiques, and home décor items can also be found through the specialty shops! The most popular shopping destination in Panama City Beach is Pier Park! With its thoughtful, colorful, state-of-the-art design, there is no question as to why it is so popular! Pier Park offers more than a million square feet of shopping, with original local stores, mixed in with your favorite and familiar big-name national stores. Pier Park is a huge regional mall. Get out and about at the Panhandle's favorite shopping and dining destination alongside The Gulf of Mexico with120+ stores and restaurants. Here you'll find the Grand Imax-Pier Park 16 Theater, Dave & Buster's, Massage Envy, the Skywheel, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Margaritaville, and so much more!

Grand Lagoon Waterfront Farmers Market – Each Saturday and Sunday in Panama City Beach Florida at 5550 North Lagoon Dr. is a fantastic waterfront farmers market opening at 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM on Saturday and 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Sunday. This is called the Grand Lagoon Waterfront Farmers Market. Once a small waterfront farmers market on the grassy areas of Pirates Cove Marina, the Grand Lagoon has outgrown its space and now is one of the region’s largest markets for produce, artisan bakeries, local meats and cheeses, flowers, crafts and more. The market itself is located in front of Capt. Anderson’s restaurant with permission from the Petronis Brothers partnership. This area is perfect for foot traffic moving on both sides of the bridge. There are three marked parking lots adjacent to the market area that can accommodate parking on the east side of the bridge. Visitors to the market can score Orthodox a Capt. Anderson’s Marina and do other things that just book a fishing trip or grab a bite to eat one of the many restaurants along the road. There’s always something fun going on at the Grand Lagoon Waterfront Farmers Market so be sure to stop by this weekend and plan your menu around some of the tasty, seasonal items that are available.

"Get Your Turtle On" Turtle Girls Market offers a great shopping experience at our 8,000 sq. ft. store. With over 40 vendors, there is always something new for you to see! We have a variety of antiques, vintage, coastal decor, gifts, jewelry, upcycled furniture and local art. "Run, don't crawl to Turtle Girls Market!" 7930 Front Beach RD, Panama City Beach, FL 32407 (850) 775-4101.

https://www.loc8nearme.com/florida/panama-city-beach/turtle-girls-market/3210580/

While you’re in PCB, don’t miss an opportunity to see the panoramic views only parasailing can provide. Paradise Watersports trained and experienced crew will make your parasailing experience truly memorable. You can sign up for your parasailing ride on the beach behind your resort. We include one free printed 5×7 photo with each ride. A trip to Panama City Beach is not complete without parasailing with Paradise Watersports. We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Have your wedding at the beach! We recommend these vendors to assist you.

Sugar Art by Angela is a well-known Panama City, Florida business both owned and operated by Angela Bowden. Angela has been producing artistic, exquisite cakes for over 21 years. She will provide a custom-made cake for any occasion.  Her elegant cakes are freshly made to order and are designed and decorated to reflect each client's individual style.
Sugar Art by Angela offers many custom options to ensure that a perfect, great tasting cake will be adored by both you and your guests.   The flavor choices are vast and the design possibilities are endless.   Intriguing flavors range from the standard vanilla and chocolate to the more adventurous red velvet, white chocolate-raspberry, key lime, and much more.  Angela works with a variety of mediums including fondant, gum paste, and of course, the ever so delicious sweet, Southern butter cream!  Entirely edible embellishments include glitters, rhinestones, and beads as well as gum paste flowers that seem to be made of porcelain.  From intricate details to the simplest of designs, many tasteful and decorative options are given.   

Sugar Art by Angela proudly serves the Panama City area as well as the surrounding Counties of Walton, Washington, Jackson, Franklin, and Santa Rosa.   One-on-one consultations will allow for all of your important details to be discussed.  If you are unable to have a consultation in person, phone and email consultations are also available and more than welcomed.

If you can dream it, it can be created.   Let Sugar Art by Angela help to make the memories of your special day as sweet as they can be.

(850) 832-6685  www.sugarartbyangela.com

Doug is the best officiant in PCB.  He's an award winning professional wedding officiant who performs original ceremonies empowered by you. Doug believes that your wedding should be YOURS! Seriously, he's serious when you need him to be and so much fun the rest of the time! Visit his website at www.officiantdoug.com to make contact.

You will be amazed at how beautiful your wedding photos look.  Amanda gives you her own personal artistic touch.  Book early!  Photography by Amanda Jones (850) 818-2994.  She does engagement photos and family beach photography, too.