Panama City Beach, FL

Travel Guide

Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
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

Beach Living at Rosemary Beach, Florida; Shutterstock ID 432580411; Purchase Order: -

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
Sunset, Panama City Beach Florida

Seacrest

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

Seacrest
Beautiful wooden pier above a river in the Lower Grand Lagoon, Panama City Beach, Florida

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
Inlet Beach

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
Wild Florida, Topsail Hill Preserve, Walton County Florida

Alys Beach

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

Alys Beach
High Altitude Aerial of Alys Beach, Florida and 30A

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
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
The price is ¥14,593 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
¥14,593
¥19,365 total
Jun 1 - Jun 2
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 ...
Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
Radisson Beachfront Hotel - Panama City Beach

Radisson Beachfront Hotel - Panama City Beach

3 out of 5
15325 Front Beach Road Panama City Beach FL
The price is ¥24,094 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
¥24,094
¥30,680 total
Jun 1 - Jun 2
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (2,708 reviews)
"Rooms were nicely clean.Lots of amenities loved it.We'll be back"

Reviewed on May 28, 2026

Radisson Beachfront Hotel - Panama City Beach
Beachside Resort Panama City Beach

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach

2 out of 5
21905 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach FL
The price is ¥22,879 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
¥22,879
¥26,520 total
Jun 1 - Jun 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,207 reviews)
"The property was old and unkept. The board walk had broken/missing steps, landscaping had been unattended for a while ( weeds coming through concrete areas at pool and hot tub) hot tub was not clean, shower was tiny. Location to beach was nice even though our particular room had an obstructed view. ..."

Reviewed on May 28, 2026

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
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 aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Panama City Beaches and Pier ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (48 reviews)
"Great family vacation experience"

Reviewed on May 27, 2026

Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort PCB
Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point

Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point

3 out of 5
4000 Marriott Dr Panama City Beach FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (367 reviews)
"Everything was wonderful, with just a couple of issues. The set up was lovely and clean. The staff was very friendly. The beds were soft, and the events for families was an added bonus. Unfortunately, there were bugs flying in the room constantly getting into our food. THEN, every morning at 5:30 ..."

Reviewed on May 25, 2026

Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point
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 Frank Brown Park and Pier Park ...
7.4/10 Good! (210 reviews)
"Great experience beautiful views"

Reviewed on May 25, 2026

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

Cities near Panama City Beach

Explore a world of travel with Expedia