Panama City Beach, FL

Travel Guide
Panama City Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach
With white sand beaches, quiet pine forests, mini-golf, shopping and a giant sky wheel, this Florida community is an appealing spot for any visitor.

Panama City Beach is both a small city and the beach surrounding it. Besides the exceptional opportunities for activities on the sand and water, the community has plenty of amusement parks, green spaces, shopping and dining to fill a long vacation. Bring the family to enjoy one of the best locations on the Florida Panhandle.

The beach stretches for 27 miles (43 kilometers). Pick a spot almost anywhere to spread out a blanket for sunbathing. Look for shells at low tide, build sandcastles, play Frisbee or splash in the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Fish or watch a sunset from the Russell-Fields City Pier or M.B. Miller County Pier, each stretching 1,500 feet (460 meters) over the ocean.

Enjoy more outdoor activities at area parks. Camp Helen State Park in the northwest near Laguna Beach is a great spot to watch for wildlife. Kayak or paddleboard on Lake Powell, a coastal dune lake with interesting fishing opportunities. Ride bikes past pine trees and wetlands on miles of trails in Conservation Park and use the sports fields and aquatic center of Frank Brown Park. Explore the waters of Saint Andrew Bay at St. Andrews State Park in the southeast.

Find shopping, dining and family fun all along the coast. Pier Park is a large venue with over 100 stores, a range of restaurants and the SkyWheel entertainment zone. Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, WonderWorks, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park and ZooWorld to complement days at the beach. Other mini-golf, go-kart and amusement park attractions are popular with kids.

The community is about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of the larger town of Panama City. Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and drive about 20 miles to get to the attractions of Panama City Beach.

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
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
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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
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WaterSound Beach

If you're spending some time in WaterSound Beach, South Walton Beaches and Seacrest Beach are top sights worth seeing.

WaterSound 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
Sunset from PCB, the place to go for some action.

Long Beach

4/5(268 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Long Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like WonderWorks and Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Long 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 $140 per night from May 20 to May 21
$140
$157 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,456 reviews)
"I absolutely loved it here! Candice at the grill is amazing!! The whole staff is amazing!! I will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Beachside Resort Panama City 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 $97 per night from May 20 to May 21
$97
$137 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
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 clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Great location
"It’s a perfect location. Didn’t mind the walk across the street to the beach. The room sure could use new beds for sure. Overall, satisfied for the price."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
Radisson Panama City Beach - Oceanfront
Radisson Panama City Beach - Oceanfront
3 out of 5
15325 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
The price is $195 per night from May 23 to May 24
$195
$249 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,507 reviews)
"Clean hotel and rooms. Nice HOT water! The pool and hot tub were super fun. Valet was excellent! Super friendly hotel staff and valet staff. The beach access was amazing! Will return."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Radisson Panama City Beach - Oceanfront
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.
Origin at Seahaven
Origin at Seahaven
4.5 out of 5
15100 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Pier Park and Panama City ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
"The property was nice and pleasant"

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Origin at Seahaven
Laketown Wharf Resort by Aneliya's Rentals
Laketown Wharf Resort by Aneliya's Rentals
3.5 out of 5
9902 S. Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (139 reviews)
"The property was very nice location was great for us we had a great time"

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024

Laketown Wharf Resort by Aneliya's Rentals
Shores of Panama Beach Resort
Shores of Panama Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
9900 South Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Shipwreck Island ...
5.8/10 (775 reviews)
"Very good customer service!"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Shores of Panama Beach 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Panama City Beach

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1651
" "5 - Excellent 50.25875190258752%
4 - Good
1199
" "4 - Good 36.49923896499239%
3 - Okay
331
" "3 - Okay 10.076103500761034%
2 - Disappointing
65
" "2 - Disappointing 1.97869101978691%
1 - Terrible
39
" "1 - Terrible 1.187214611872146%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 5, 2020

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
Jun 3, 2020

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
Jun 3, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Exelente playa

4/5 - Good

DawnH
Jun 2, 2020

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

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