Panama City Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach showing signage
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 kilometres) 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 organise 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 centre 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 Centre.

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 holiday makers 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

Rosemary Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach.

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
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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
St. Andrews State Park which includes 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

While there might not be top attractions in Seacrest Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

Seacrest Beach
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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
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,762 reviews)
"🔥🔥🔥 #Message #ImBlessed #KDakaHanDMan #Musgrow"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Palmetto Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
Boardwalk Beach Hotel

Boardwalk Beach Hotel

2.5 out of 5
9600 S Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
6.4/10 (1,979 reviews)
"Food was great"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Boardwalk Beach Hotel
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 Rp1.061.779 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
Rp1.061.779
Rp1.548.853 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7/10 Good! (2,321 reviews)
"Clean property no major complaints for the price breakfast should be included and parking is tight"

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Radisson Beachfront Hotel - 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.
Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
15817 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Frank Brown Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
"Very nice overall"

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Calypso Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways

3.5 out of 5
16819 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Frank Brown Park ...
7.2/10 Good! (168 reviews)
Beautiful room.
"Room looked like the pictures which was a pleasant surprise! No false advertising. The bedroom was beautiful and the kids lived having their own room, and we loved having separate bathrooms. There was a drip coffee and a k-cup machine (so you know what kind of coffee to buy). The rocking chairs on ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Tidewater Beach Resort by Panhandle Getaways
Cottages Christian Retreat

Cottages Christian Retreat

3 out of 5
22026 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a conference centre. Popular attractions Carillon Beach and Rosemary ...
9/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
"Good price and good location"

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Cottages Christian Retreat
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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