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
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
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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
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
Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort

2 out of 5
17255 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach FL
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (2,126 reviews)
Cheap and clean

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
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 ¥14,586 per night from Jan 10 to Jan 11
¥14,586
¥16,500 total
Jan 10 - Jan 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! (1,539 reviews)
Room was spacious, location was great!

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

Hyatt Place Panama City 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 ¥12,089 per night from Jan 11 to Jan 12
¥12,089
¥13,675 total
Jan 11 - Jan 12
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! (2,284 reviews)
Wonderful experience.

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2026

Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Beachfront
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.
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! (15 reviews)
Our cottage was beautiful . It had most of the amenities needed to be comfortable. The only t

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort PCB
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! (222 reviews)
Was amazing

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2025

Landmark Holiday Beach Resort
Resort Like Paradise, Steps from Beach! VRBO's 2024 Vacation Rental Of The Year!

Resort Like Paradise, Steps from Beach! VRBO's 2024 Vacation Rental Of The Year!

Inlet Beach FL
Stay at this vacation home in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
House was clean and was just as advertised on website. Jason has provided many amenities from pool/beach toys to golf cart for your enjoyment. He was also very welcoming and attentive through out the entire stay. The house design provided both privacy and great gathering spaces. Pool area was like ...

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2025

Resort Like Paradise, Steps from Beach! VRBO's 2024 Vacation Rental Of The Year!
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

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