Panama City Beach

Travel 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 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

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
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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

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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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
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,734 reviews)
Good Stay and Clean
"When I booked this, I had no idea we would be across the street at the other building. The booking said “across street” but on a map, the only building listed as the Palmetto is the main building. Other than that, the room was very clean. Never saw any bugs. Sheets were clean and no stains on them. ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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
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 and the overall ...
6.4/10 (1,975 reviews)
"I liked that it wasnt directly in the mix of the busy strip. It was mostly quit. loved being able to fall asleep listening to the ocean waves at night."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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 P3,731 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P3,731
P5,443 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
7/10 Good! (2,314 reviews)
"It was just in the old part of town. It seemed dirty in the area."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 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.
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 Shipwreck Island Waterpark and ...
5.8/10 (862 reviews)
"Beautiful property, the condo had items under the bed and behind the dressers from the previous guest. Upon leaving I pulled all of the linen and one of the beds had a huge blood stain on the mattress. The fire alarm went off and no one notified the guest of a false alarm until we took the stairs ..."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Shores of Panama Beach Resort
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 WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Pier Park and Frank Brown Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (161 reviews)
"Resort was nice. Didn't like the pool closed early and you could not have your drink anywhere near the pool area. The staff came around constantly and moved them. Overall, it was a GREAT location"

Reviewed on Aug 9, 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 WiFi, 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 Jun 27, 2025

Tidewater 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.

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