Panama City Beach, FL

Travel Guide

A beach with people, a sandy shore, and tall buildings in the background.
A sandy beach with beach chairs and umbrellas, a wooden structure, and a yellow building with balconies.
A pier extending into the ocean at sunset.
A colorful signpost with various restaurant names including 'Ibiza', 'Newby's Hunch Punch', and 'Stan's Airbrush'.
A bowl of fried calamari with lemon wedges and a side of dipping sauce.
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

Find the best Panama City Beach areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Panama City Beach
Learn more about Panama City Beach

Lower Grand Lagoon

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

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach while you're in town.

Seacrest

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

Inlet Beach

Inlet Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Rosemary Beach and Camp Helen State Park.

Seacrest Beach

When in Seacrest Beach, you can plan a visit to Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boardwalk Beach Hotel

Boardwalk Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
9600 S Thomas Dr Panama City Beach FL
The price is ¥10,882 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
¥10,882
¥13,384 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,528 reviews)
"The room was nice, and the bed and linens were clean. I really liked the beach view and the family-friendly atmosphere; the children thoroughly enjoyed the pool and the easy access to the beach."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2026

Boardwalk Beach Hotel
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 ¥6,442 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥6,442
¥9,883 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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
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 ¥7,966 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥7,966
¥11,400 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (2,038 reviews)
"The room was very nice, neat and clean. The pool area was really nice. Overall, I enjoyed my stay.. But for older people that stay there , which i'm getting older to. They really need to find a way to build at least one elevator for this property, really hard for elderly people to get up-and-down ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2026

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.
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! (383 reviews)
"Me gusto todo limpieza tranquilidad y todo quiero volver a ir voy a esperar por otro tiempo para mejorar el precio"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2026

Marriott's Legends Edge at Bay Point
Origin At Seahaven

Origin At Seahaven

3.5 out of 5
15100 Front Beach Rd Panama City Beach FL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Pier Park and Panama ...
7/10 Good! (2,201 reviews)
"We loved our stay. The size of the room was amazing and we enjoyed having access to a full kitchen along with great views from the balcony and windows of the surrounding area and beach. The pool was a great addition to our trip offering a great alternative to the beach. The local souvenir shop was ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2026

Origin At Seahaven
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (69 reviews)
"This unit (Rc01) was just a half block from all the pool stuff and a short walk to the beach access. Quiet, the units by the pool I think could be noisy. Perfect location. Had lots of towels and was clean. The only negative was in the kitchen. Not one spice (not even salt or pepper), only 3 pods ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026

Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort PCB
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.

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