Craving a coastal escape where flip-flops are part of the dress code, sunshine never clocks out, and every day feels like summer? Then say hello to Panama City Beach vacations where sparkling emerald waves, white sugar sand, and good vibes greet you at every turn. I've been lucky enough to visit Panama City Beach a few times, and every trip felt like a breath of fresh (salt) air. Whether I was relaxing with my toes in the sand or screaming my head off down a waterslide, PCB — yes, we're on nickname terms — offered the perfect Florida beach vacation complete with frozen drinks, tan lines and seaside memories. Where to Stay: Dreamy Panama City Beach Resort Club Wyndham Panama City Beach 14700 Front Beach Rd. Panama City Beach, FL 32413 | (850) 636-8200Is it your dream to roll out of bed and step right out onto the beach? Beach access to the Gulf of Mexico is just one of the many reasons to make this resort your go-to resort for your Panama City Beach vacation. If you can pull yourself away from the sand, visit the oceanside tiki bar and choose between the two pools for a refreshing dip. You'll stay active with the resort fitness center and convenient water sport rentals nearby. With studio, one- and two-bedroom units available, you can plan your stay to include all your favorite people. Bedrooms feature ample space for alone time and kitchen facilities allow the option for delicious home cooked meals. FIND DATES Outdoor Adventures That Wow St. Andrews State Park: Nature's Playground Explore the multitude of Florida coastal land and sea creatures at St. Andrews State Park. Year round, the warm mild climate provides amazing wildlife viewing of numerous species including alligators, white-tailed deer, brown pelicans and great blue herons. Travel the park by biking along the paved trail, geo-seeking in the forested areas or hiking with a lakeside view. It's easy to navigate the waterways on a paddle board, kayak or pontoon boat, available for rental. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular ways to get close to the fascinating marine life around the park. The experience is unreal — clear water, colorful fish, and if you're lucky, the occasional sea turtle sighting. I spent a full day here and barely scratched the surface. I biked the paved trails in the morning, tried (and failed) to master paddleboarding, and ended my day watching white-tailed deer walk quietly across a trail as the sun dipped low. Insider Tip: Don't forget to secure a Florida saltwater fishing license if you plan to cast a line! Shell Island: The Quiet Escape Want to unplug and feel like you're on a deserted island? Hop aboard the Shell Island Shuttle to experience Shell Island: a seven-mile-long barrier island of untouched beauty — no bathrooms, no shops, just white sand, blue water, and you. Adjacent to St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island is where you can experience beach life in its most primitive and pristine state. Your group can spread out with lots of space for luxurious peace and quiet or secluded swimming in the calm waters. Discover the plant and animal life in the pine hammocks and coastal scrub land. The shuttle also provides water sport rentals from snorkeling equipment to pontoon boats so you can paddle around in the enchanting waves, which are home to populations of bottle nose dolphins, sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of fish. I spent a few hours snorkeling, collecting shells, and just lying on a towel listening to the waves. It was pure bliss. Insider Tip: There are no picnic facilities or restrooms on Shell Island. So bring snacks, water, and whatever you'll need for the day. And make sure to respect the area, bring any trash or waste back with you on the shuttle, and leave nothing behind but sandy footprints! Family Fun That Brings Big Smiles for All Ages Shipwreck Island: Ultimate Waterpark Experience Fifteen Florida acres + three million gallons of water = splashtastic fun! Rated as one of the top waterparks in the country, Shipwreck Island boasts attractions for everyone in your group. Adventurous vacationers can take on looping waterslides or brave the white water-style rapids. Get the adrenaline going and plunge down 65 feet on Tree Top Drop or race up to 35 miles an hour on the Pirate's Plunge Racing Slide. For a more relaxed time, leisurely float down the lazy river or ride the gentle waves of the Ocean Motion Wave Pool. This all-day watery escape is the ideal cool off in the Florida sun! Insider Tip: Visitors can use “Splash Cash” as a wristband debit system to participate in cashless purchases at the park. No soggy wallets or trips back to the locker! Coconut Creek Family Fun Park: Whimsical Mini Golf Bring the whole group for a safari good time! Choose from two delightful safari-themed courses around gorilla figures and rock caves or a sea-themed course around marine figures like a hammerhead shark and giant crab. When you've played enough rounds of mini golf, venture over to the Gran Maze, a giant maze almost the size of a football field. Adults and kids will work to figure out how to navigate through the checkpoints of the maze. When my family and I finished the maze, it was such a satisfying victorious feeling! And get your camera ready — there are some seriously fun selfie spots around all the themed areas! Insider Tip: Check out the different park packages, including the Unlimited Golf & Maze option for unlimited fun! Zoo World: Up-Close with Animals Don't miss a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience to get close to exotic animals! You'll get to check off bucket list items you never thought you could experience at Zoo World. The award-winning zoological park boasts over 5 acres of tropical habitat celebrating local Florida animals along with endangered species. And in a unique twist, Zoo World offers special chances to interact with many animals. I can't overstate how magical it is to hold a capybara. Other one-in-a-lifetime experiences include feeding giraffes, cuddling baby kangaroos, and petting sloths. You'll be talking about this zoo-venture for years to come! Insider Tip: Don't miss the Gem Mining Station where adults and kids alike can unleash their inner prospector and take home beautiful crystals and interesting fossils! Couples' Favorites and Romantic Spots PCB Wheel: A View to Remember Catch a ride on the PCB Wheel for the ultimate Panama City Beach viewing experience. When you visit Pier Park, make your way to the unmistakable gleaming observation wheel reaching 200 feet into the sky. Board the climate-controlled gondola, comfortable at any time of the year and enjoy a smooth, quiet ride into the sky for a peaceful must-see view of endless white sand coastline. The Gulf of Mexico waters are mesmerizing from above and perfect for sharing special moments with a loved one. Whether on a clear sunny day, an evening with glittering night sky or during a colorful sunset, the ride and views are always unforgettable. Saltwater Grill: Date Night Done Right For a fancier night, Saltwater Grill delivers with seafood so fresh it practically swims to your table. Known for its aquatic ambiance, the restaurant showcases a 25,000 gallon tropical saltwater aquarium as its main decor, with mesmerizing views throughout the dining area. As the delightfully colorful fish dart around the blue-hued tank, sip a specialty cocktail like the Saltwater Tequila Mule or order from the impressive wine list. Dinner features starters including crispy calamari, coconut shrimp beignets and crab cakes (my personal favorite). Your choice of gourmet fish dishes highlight the menu. Look for selections that include seasoned cobia, flounder, snapper, grouper and swordfish. And carefully prepared steak entrees garner many compliments to the chef. Finish off the meal with a dessert cocktail, a slice of key lime pie or a single perfect chocolate covered strawberry for a decadent end to a romantic Florida beach evening. For Rainy Days or Some Indoor Thrills Emerald Coast Mirror Maze & Laser Craze: Engage in Friendly Competition Add some action to your Panama City Beach vacation! The adrenaline will be pumping at the Emerald Coast Mirror Maze & Laser Craze the minute you arrive. Get ready for a heart-pounding battle around the arena in newly-upgraded laser tag rooms. In addition to standard laser tag, Bazooka Ball, a Nerf-style combat game, is a popular choice with all the thrill of a paintball-inspired showdown, but with milder effects of a soft Nerf ball. Or feel like a spy in the Laser Vault, dodging dark-room lasers to avoid tripping an alarm. Family fun continues in the Mirror Maze, where you navigate directions together along the blacklight mirrors to find the escape. One attraction after another brings never-ending action-packed excitement! Insider Tip: Budget-friendly combo deals are available to enjoy multiple attractions at an economical price. Man in the Sea Museum: The Oldest Diving Museum in the World What would a beach town be without a sea-worthy museum? The Man in the Sea Museum in a “deep dive” into the history of undersea exploration. Each marine-themed exhibit sheds some light into the almost-uncharted territory of the ocean world. You'll get an up-close look at pieces recovered from sunken ships dating back to the year 1500. Learn about the roots of diving and examine early equipment used for underwater exploration. Videos and displays take you through the evolution of dive technology including naval equipment. Climb through SEALAB I, the US Navy's first underwater habitat, or join in the scavenger hunt to dive into the full museum experience! I'm a bit of a history nerd, so I was fascinated by the dive equipment and sunken treasures here. The museum is compact but packed with info and perfect for a quick, curious stop—especially if you've got a budding marine biologist in the family. Insider Tip: Ask about admission discounts for children, military members, veterans and first responders. Unique Experiences You Can't Miss Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise: Living Your Pirate Fantasy Join the lively crew of the Sea Dragon for rollicking vacation fun on the high seas! Hop aboard for a sightseeing pirate adventure exploring the Grand Lagoon of the Gulf Coast. Kids love to become part of the crew by sword fighting, swabbing the deck and firing the “Kid Cannon.” They'll learn to read a treasure map and find sunken treasure. Meanwhile, the adults can relax with drinks from the Galley and enjoy the stunning coastal views. And don't be surprised if a pirate party breaks out on deck, complete with face painting, a water gun fight and plenty of boisterous singalong tunes. Insider Tip: Visit the Galley on board to purchase snacks, treats and adult beverages, as well as keepsake pirate souvenirs. Duplin Winery: A Toast to Panama City Beach Step into a world of Southern charm and flavor at Duplin Winery, famous for its award-winning muscadine wines. Enjoy a relaxed tasting experience where friendly and knowledgeable staff guide you through a selection of sweet, fruity, and refreshingly smooth varieties. Learn about the winemaking process, browse the gift shop for gourmet treats and wine-themed souvenirs, or simply unwind with a glass in hand on the patio. It's the perfect place to slow down, savor the moment, and toast to your Panama City Beach getaway. Insider Tip: Try the wine slushies — they're a local favorite on warm Florida days Beach Bliss & Classic PCB Vibes Russell-Fields Pier: Laid-Back Vibes and Unbelievable Sunset Views Russell-Fields Pier is an icon of Panama City Beach. With over 1,500 feet for picturesque strolling, make as many stops as you'd like to admire the emerald waves and vast peaceful horizon of the Gulf of Mexico. The pier rental and bait shop make pier fishing easy and fun. Find all you need to reel in a catch of flounder, pompano and mackerel. If you hang around long enough, you may even spot a dolphin, stingray or manatee gliding in the surf. Early one morning, I walked the pier with a coffee in hand and the sunrise on full display. The quiet, the sea breeze, and the occasional dolphin sighting felt like vacation magic. Snorkeling & Dolphin Watching Tours: Gulf Coast Magic Up Close Dive into the sparkling waters of Panama City Beach for an unforgettable day of snorkeling and dolphin watching. There are numerous tour companies to choose from, Island Time Sailing and Paradise Adventures are both highly rated. Your tour will guide you out to sea where colorful fish are just beneath the surface. Slip on your snorkel to explore crystal-clear shallows teeming with marine life, then keep your eyes peeled for dolphins leaping in the wake. Whether you're floating peacefully in the water or snapping photos from the deck, it's pure coastal bliss from start to finish. Insider Tip: Morning tours often have calmer seas and better visibility for spotting wildlife. Plus, you'll beat the afternoon crowds. Shopping & Casual Eats Pier Park: Shop ‘Til You Drop with 100+ Stores Shopping on vacay is a must-do, and Pier Park is the premiere place to go for your favorite stores, along with extra perks of dining and entertainment! You'll find treasures in shops selling home decor, jewelry, beauty products and accessories. Work up an appetite and indulge in a variety of restaurants and snack shops from steakhouses to pizza to ice cream. Pier Park is also home to entertainment for the entire group, including a movie theater, live music and arcade games. Insider Tip: Pier Park hosts seasonal events throughout the year, so be sure to check their website for any events during your Panama City Beach vacation. Pineapple Willy's: A Quintessentially Florida Beach Eatery Steeped in Panhandle history, the restaurant restored the remaining section of the iconic Panama City Beach Pier and converted it into a unique dining area literally on the shoreline. The Gulf views are a stunning compliment to classic American seaside fare. You'll find an extensive choice of appetizers from gator bites to nachos. Choose from delicious entrees like pulled pork, mahi-mahi, po' boys, and the very popular ribs. Themed specialty drinks and beer come with a beach vibe, especially when you order the signature frozen daiquiri in a jumbo to-go cup! Insider Tip: Pineapple Willy's is a great place to watch the latest sports game or sing along to local live music. FAQ: Panama City Beach Vacations What's the best month to go to Panama City Beach? April through October offers the best beach weather. Summer is peak season, but spring and early fall bring fewer crowds and still-warm temperatures — perfect for both sun-seekers and budget travelers. Is Panama City Beach good for vacation? Absolutely! Whether you're after lazy beach days, high-energy waterparks, romantic sunsets, or kid-friendly animal encounters, Panama City Beach vacations cater to every type of traveler. What is so special about Panama City Beach? It's the combo of stunning white-sand beaches, emerald waters, and family-friendly attractions all in one sunny destination. Plus, it still feels approachable. It feels like a small beach town but with something new to experience every time. Is Panama City Beach expensive? Not at all. You can enjoy Panama City Beach, Florida on a variety of budgets. Affordable accommodations, casual dining options, and free beach days make it a value-packed getaway. Can you swim in the ocean at Panama City Beach? Of course! Water temperature typically peaks in July with average temperatures between 82°F-86°F. February is typically the coldest month where water temperatures average 61°-68°F. But, as with any beach destination, swimmers should always be aware of rip currents and marine life encounters. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Panama City Beach will leave you sandy, smiling, and already planning your return. From its laid-back charm to its action-packed attractions, this coastal haven really is the ultimate Florida vacation spot.
