Panama City Beach, FL

Travel Guide
Panama City Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy 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

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Rosemary Beach

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

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

Rosemary Beach
Camp Helen State Park featuring general coastal views

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.

Inlet Beach
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Seacrest Beach

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

Seacrest Beach
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WaterSound Beach

If you're spending some time in WaterSound Beach, Seacrest Beach and South Walton Beaches 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 Ripley's Believe It or Not and Rockit Lanes.

Long Beach
Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
2 out of 5
21905 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Fully refundable
The price is NT$2,816 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$2,816
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
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 our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,242 reviews)
"The property is older but very well maintained and clean. The staff was also super helpful."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
Bikini Beach Resort
Bikini Beach Resort
2.5 out of 5
11001 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,313 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$3,313
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
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 our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,554 reviews)
"The room could have been a little more clean , stains on walls and smelled a little moldy. But the amenities like the pool made it all worth it, heated pool and the beach access was right there !"

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Bikini Beach 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 NT$3,508 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
NT$3,508
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,409 reviews)
Lovely Vacation
"Everything was a good vibe we loved the jet tube and everything else about the room we will definitely come back again."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

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 a refrigerator. Popular attractions Pier Park and Hidden Lagoon ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
"Property’s surrounding very noisy, unsafe"

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

Origin at Seahaven
Majestic Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Majestic Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
3.5 out of 5
10901 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and an onsite convenience store. Popular attractions Pier Park and ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,607 reviews)
"The amenities, the view and being right on the beach was incredible. Everyone there was super friendly. I would stay again. However, the communication about how to enter the outer door and inner was not clear. Security had to assist because the 800 number people were giving me the codes incorrectly. ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/4

Majestic Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
3.5 out of 5
14700 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pier Park and Hidden Lagoon Golf ...
7.4/10 Good! (747 reviews)
"Everything is clos"

Reviewed on 2023/9/9

Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
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

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

Cities near Panama City Beach