Panama City Beach, FL

Travel Guide

Panama City Beach featuring a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town
Panama City Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Florida featuring general coastal views and a sunset
Panama City Beach which includes signage
Florida Panhandle featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views
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

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Rosemary Beach

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

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
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Seacrest

Seacrest is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alys Beach and Seacrest Beach.

Seacrest
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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
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
St. Andrews State Park showing tranquil scenes and forest scenes

Lower Grand Lagoon

While visiting Lower Grand Lagoon, you might make a stop by sights like St. Andrews State Park and Thomas Drive.

Lower Grand Lagoon
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
Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Beachfront

Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Beachfront

2.5 out of 5
15505 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach FL
The price is ¥11,666 per night from Dec 21 to Dec 22
¥11,666
¥13,197 total
Dec 21 - Dec 22
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,194 reviews)
Offering dairy free yogurt would make this review superb.

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2025

Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Beachfront
Hyatt Place Panama City Beach

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach

3 out of 5
15727 FRONT BEACH ROAD Panama City Beach FL
The price is ¥12,395 per night from Dec 10 to Dec 11
¥12,395
¥14,020 total
Dec 10 - Dec 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,456 reviews)
Everything was great

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach
Chateau Beachfront Hotel, A By The Sea Resort

Chateau Beachfront Hotel, A By The Sea Resort

2.5 out of 5
12525 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach FL
The price is ¥6,135 per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
¥6,135
¥9,461 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7/10 Good! (1,292 reviews)
Great location, clean room, perfect view!!

Reviewed on Dec 3, 2025

Chateau Beachfront Hotel, A By The Sea Resort
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.
Landmark Holiday Beach Resort

Landmark Holiday Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
17501 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach FL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (221 reviews)
Was amazing

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2025

Landmark Holiday Beach Resort
Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort PCB

Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort PCB

4.5 out of 5
101 Banana Wind Way Panama City Beach FL
Book a stay at this luxury condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Panama City Beaches and Pier Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Excellent place to stay

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2025

Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort PCB
Splash Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Splash Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
17739 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach FL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Panama City Beaches ...
7.2/10 Good! (199 reviews)
We loved this property and all the employees was very nice and friendly and we will always stay here when we come to Florida every year. Thank you for giving us a nice stay.

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2025

Splash Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
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

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1651
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1199
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
331
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
65
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
39
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I come to P.C atleast twice a year and i usually stay at lakewarf but this is a nice area more quite

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The beach is very good. The water is clean and clear. In the early morning at around 7am you can watch the dolphins go after fish near the shore. Overall very beautiful beach and would recommend.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

good beach overall but definitely has a shady element - it aint kansas!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love PCB, have been going there my whole life.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Exelente playa

4/5 - Good

DawnH

They are doing road work on Thomas Drive but it didn't really affect us where our condo was

Cities near Panama City Beach