Panama City

Travel Guide

Panama City
Panama City featuring a sandy beach
Panama City
Panama City
Panama City

Visit a popular northwest Florida coastal city, known for its pretty marinas, striking beaches, historic neighborhoods and downtown attractions.

Panama City offers sunshine, sea and surf with many activities occurring on, near or under the water. Here you can swim, dive, look for dolphins and tour a historic waterfront district.

Go to Capt. Anderson’s Marina to book a deep sea fishing charter or a dolphin sightseeing tour. Take a boat trip to nearby Shell Island. Surf, snorkel and dive off the coast or sunbathe on the beaches.

In Panama City, visit St. Andrew’s Bay to stroll around the marina and browse small boutiques. Sample some of the fresh fish at a waterfront restaurant. Alternatively, try the “Hook and Cook” experience go out on a fishing boat and one of the restaurants will cook your catch.

Explore the historic downtown area, an interesting collection of antique stores, art galleries, coffeehouses and bookstores. View the work of local, national and international artists at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida.

Take a self-guided history tour of the area. See the Gideon marker commemorating a landmark court judgment that established the public defender system in the United States. Stroll past late 19th-century historic homes. Note the mixture of architectural styles at the John Christo (Senior) Home. Stop by the Saltworks marker noting Panama City’s vital salt production during the Civil War. Round off your visit by sitting in the shade of a tree in McKenzie Park.

From February through October, enjoy food, fun and entertainment at Friday Fest, a large street festival on the first Friday of each month. Restaurants and shops stay open until late, market stalls line the streets and free live music fills the air.

Reach the area by flying into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Get around by rental car, taxi or public transportation. The Bay Town Trolley Bus System operates several routes, but has no service on Sundays.

Panama City’s pleasant subtropical climate makes it a year-round vacation destination. Visitors often explore neighboring Panama City Beach to enjoy its many family attractions.

Where to stay in Panama City

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Bunkers Cove

While Bunkers Cove might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Panama City Marina and Panama City Mall.

Bunkers Cove
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Bay VIew Addition

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bay VIew Addition and surrounding area, you can visit Port Panama City and Naval Support Activity Panama City.

Bay VIew Addition
Panama City featuring a sandy beach

Downtown Panama City

While visiting Downtown Panama City, you might make a stop by sights like Panama City Marina and St. Andrews Bay.

Downtown Panama City
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St Andrews

When in St Andrews, you can plan a visit to Port Panama City and Nicklaus Course at Bay Point Resort, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

St Andrews
Panama City featuring a sandy beach

Gulf Coast Development

Gulf Coast Development might not have many top sights, but Panama City Marina and Junior Museum of Bay County are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Gulf Coast Development
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Highland City

Though Highland City might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Panama City Mall and Panama City Marina.

Highland City
Hathaway Inn

Hathaway Inn

2 out of 5
5126 W US 98, Panama City, FL
Stay at this hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Thomas Drive and St. Andrews State Park are located ...
6.6/10 (998 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hathaway Inn
Red Roof Inn Panama City

Red Roof Inn Panama City

2 out of 5
217 North US Hwy 231, Panama City, FL
The price is P5,191 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P5,191
P5,872 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel was ok condition but we had no hot water for 3 days"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Red Roof Inn Panama City
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City

3 out of 5
1030 E 23rd St, Panama City, FL
The price is P5,486 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P5,486
P7,195 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
We enjoyed our stay
"Pros: * breakfast options were good. Bagels, toast, cereals, scrambled eggs and omelets. * Staff was pretty friendly. My son accidentally spilled his fruit loops on the floor at breakfast and the lady was reassuring and said it was a quick fix. Cons * Pillows were flat & thin so I recommend bringing ..."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City
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.
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! (165 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
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 (852 reviews)
Enjoyed our stay, but may not return
"I really did like our stay here, but I wouldn't make it a regular vacation spot. The check in process was a little confusing and not a traditional check in. We were kind of expected to know where we were going and what we were doing based on texted instructions. Some of the staff were helpful others ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 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! (158 reviews)
"The rooms were fully furnished (kitchen could be update), clean, and comfortable. The property was great-fast elevators, nice pools, and food/drink options."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Calypso 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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