Continue reading for The Best of Panama City Beach. Panama City Beach is a waterfront town and vacation destination on the Emerald Coast of Florida. It’s known for it’s miles of sandy white beaches fronting the Gulf of Mexico, and for it’s raucous spring break parties. Popular theme parks include Gulf World Marine Park, offering swimming with dolphin experiences, and Shipwreck Island Waterpark, featuring waterslides and pools. St. Andres State Park is one of 2 protected nature preserves nearby. There is 27 miles of beaches with miles of hiking and biking trails, and 100 public beach access points. It goes without saying that there’s a lot to see and do in Panama City Beach. As you explore, you’ll find that each area has its own unique flavor and character. The waters here are famous with fishermen and scuba divers who enjoy the benefits of dozens artificial reefs located offshore, and with a coastline that angles slightly toward the west, in Panama City Beach you can watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico every day of the year. Our Panama City Beach Travel Guide will give you all the information you need to plan your Panama City Beach vacation.
Learn more about all of Florida’s beautiful beaches here, or visit us on Pinterest.Panama City Beach Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Panama City Beach is from May through October. Though the area boasts an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, late spring, summer and early fall offer some of the warmest air and water temperatures. Plus, by avoiding a visit in March or April, you’ll dodge the deluge of college students who descend on the area’s ivory sands every year for spring break. You’ll save on lodging prices during the area’s low season (November to February), but it’ll likely be too chilly to enjoy the ocean.
Best Panama City Beach Area Beaches
Panama City Beach & Pier
Panama City Beach & PierThe eight-mile stretch of Panama City Beach is one of the most active and popular oceanfront scenes in the city. Panama City Beach is fairly active with swimming and surfing. It is ideal for beach people-watching from under an umbrella, soaking in the ambience of laughter from vacationers building sandcastles and jumping in the waves.
Camp Helen State Park Beach
Camp Helen State Park BeachCamp Helen State Park offers a unique beach experience different from others in Panama City Beach. Those who enjoy white-sand beaches with undisturbed natural beauty will appreciate this beach. The 183-acre park is a day-use area with plenty of activities, like swimming, bird-watching, and nature study. There are hiking trails throughout the park go through a variety of habitats, like a salt marsh, wetlands, sand pine scrub, and coastal dunes.
St. Andrews State Park Beach
St. Andrews State Park BeachWater sports enthusiasts enjoy St. Andrews State Park beach for the abundance and variety of ocean activities available from one spot. The state park encompasses over 1,200 acres and 1.5 miles of beaches. Besides swimming, St. Andrews State Park Beach is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. This beach is popular for visitors who want to head out for a day of scuba diving, canoeing, and kayaking. The beach is relaxing and is known for its sugar-like sand and clear jade-colored water. A pavilion is available for shade and picnics, and a concession stand is on the beach serving snacks and water.
Schooners Beach
Schooners BeachThe beach scene at Schooners is laid-back, with beach volleyball, socializing on the deck of the oceanfront patio, and hanging out by the water. There is often live music to set the scene for the swimming and surfing down by the water. Stop by Schooners just before sundown when a cannon is fired each night.
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Shell Island
Shell IslandShell Island lends is more than just playing in the water. Explore the island to see ghost crabs, deer, and endangered green sea turtles. Both the loggerhead sea turtle and the green sea turtle live on Shell Island and are endangered. There is also plenty of seashells and sand dollars on the beach and the occasional conch shell. There are no services, so you will need to bring everything with you for the day.
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Best Panama City Beach Restaurants
Sisters of the Sea Grill $11 – 30
Shake off the sand and join them for fine seafood, delicious po-boys, and out-of-this-world specialties. Sisters of the Sea’s award-winning dishes include the Sirens’ Song, a rich broth with steamed mussels, shrimp and scallops. It took the Best of Show at the Mississippi Gulf Coast-based Chefs of the Coast. Telephone: 850-708-1890 Web: Sisters of the Sea Grill.
Firefly $31 – 60
Firefly is a unique dining experience in Panama City Beach, Florida. Their commitment to excellence shows in their ever-evolving menu, their atmosphere, and their dedicated staff. From the moment you step through the beautiful wooden doors, you know this is not your typical beach restaurant. Telephone: 850-249-3359 Web: Firefly
Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill $11 – 30
Runaway Island Beachfront Restaurant offers local seafood specialties, live entertainment and frosty drinks all with 2 floors providing a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. The outdoor deck lets you take in the Florida sun and landscape of the “World’s Most Beautiful Beaches”. All while you sit back, relax and enjoy. Telephone: 850-634-4884 Web: Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill.
The Front Porch Under $10
Home of the best burger on the beach. Welcome to the Front Porch where they build the best burger you’ve ever had. They start with only the freshest ingredients and build it just the way you like. Make sure to make it a combo and try their one of a kind fries. Telephone: 850-276-7068 Web: The Front Porch.
The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill $11 – 30
The Wicked Wheel Bar and Grill is home of the Emerald Coast’s Wicked Good Fried Chicken – voted Best of Bay – marinated, hand battered and deep fried in cottonseed oil. Try their New Orleans Style Thin-Cut Catfish which is sure to have you going back for more, and their delicious All-Natural 1/2 lb. Angus Burgers are a favorite with the locals. Put some South in Your Mouth with their southern sides, including beans & rice, collard greens, cheese grits & more. Telephone: 850-588-7947 Web: The Wicked Wheel Bar & Grill.
Best Panama City Beach Bars & Nightlife
Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
Totaling over 6,000 sq. ft. of wood, the outdoor deck lets you take in the Florida sun and landscape of the “World’s Most Beautiful Bea-hes”. All while you sit back, relax and enjoy. Great Food. Great Drinks. Great Stories. It’s all part of the Runaway Island experience. Go visit them today for lunch or dinner. After all, life is short… Run Away. Telephone: 854-634-4884 Web: Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill.
Spinnaker Beach Club
Spinnaker Beach Club is one-of-a-kind! Right on the beach… a family friendly restaurant during the day. At night, a laid-back place to relax, enjoy live music, dancing and classic beach club entertainment. The view is breathtaking. The food is delicious. The entertainment is second to none. Telephone: 850-34-7892 Web: Spinnaker Beach Club.
Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill
Experience real Panama City Beach flavor and style at Hook’d Pier Bar and Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill is a dog friendly restaurant with a full bar, offering live music on the weekends. With superior service and consistent flavors, they have remained the locals’ dining destination with friends or family. You’re sure to find something that will suit your appetite on their menu. You won’t find anything better! Telephone: 850-233-8232 Web: Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill.
Shades Bar & Grill
With the largest selection of on-tap draft beer in the Florida Panhandle, Shades knows that whatever your drink, they’ve got you covered! They also are proud to offer the most current seasonal selections of premium draft beer including local specialty beers such as Grayson 30A Beach Blonde! Telephone: 850-231-9410 Web: Shades Bar & Grill.
The Craft Bar
Their extraordinary craft beer selections on tap include some of the rarest and most sought after beers in the nation, making The Craft Bar the only place in Northwest Florida to serve many of these special kegs. They also have an impressive bottle collection and the ability to sell beer “to-go” with their innovative Crowlers. Telephone: 850-588-7309 Web: The Craft Bar.
The Best of Panama City Beach Area Hotels
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This guide really shows how much more Panama City Beach offers beyond spring break. I like how you break down the different beaches and parks, especially St. Andrews and Shell Island. It makes the area feel much more diverse than people often assume.
Panama City Beach has a wide range of experiences that often get overlooked. From protected parks to quiet islands, it offers a nice balance of nature and activity. Highlighting those differences helps travelers see the full picture.
I appreciate how detailed this is without feeling overwhelming. The sections on beaches, food, and nightlife make it easy to plan a full trip instead of just a beach day.
Panama City Beach works best when visitors see it as more than just a shoreline. The mix of dining, outdoor spaces, and entertainment gives travelers plenty of options throughout their stay. Organizing it this way makes planning much smoother.
The restaurant and bar recommendations are a great addition. It’s helpful to see local favorites included alongside popular spots, especially for people visiting for the first time.
Food and nightlife play a big role in the Panama City Beach experience. Including a range of local and well-known spots helps travelers find places that match their style and budget. It adds another layer to what the destination offers.
I love how detailed this Panama City Beach guide is! The restaurant section really caught my attention, especially the seafood spots and places with Gulf views. We’re planning a trip with kids, but we also want to check out some nightlife once they’re asleep or with family. Do you think Panama City Beach works well for both families and adults who still want fun evenings out?
Absolutely—Panama City Beach is great for travelers who want both family-friendly beaches and fun nightlife options. During the day, places like Pier Park, St. Andrews State Park Beach, and the main Panama City Beach stretch offer calm water, soft sand, and activities that kids enjoy. In the evenings, spots like Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill, Spinnaker Beach Club, and Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill offer live music, sunset views, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere for adults. That balance is one of the reasons Panama City Beach is such a popular Gulf Coast vacation destination. If you tell me what month you’re visiting, I can suggest the best beaches, events, and restaurant choices for your trip!
This guide really opened my eyes to how much there is to do in Panama City Beach beyond the main stretch of sand. I never knew there were so many parks, reefs, and quieter areas like Camp Helen and Shell Island. The sunset views sound amazing too! If someone wants a beach that’s less crowded but still easy to reach, which one would you suggest starting with?
I’m glad you found the guide helpful! If you want something quieter without going too far, Camp Helen State Park Beach is a great choice because it offers natural scenery, soft sand, and fewer crowds. Shell Island is another beautiful option if you don’t mind taking a shuttle or boat, and the wildlife there makes it unforgettable. Both offer a different experience from the main Panama City Beach strip while still being close enough to enjoy the restaurants, shopping, and nightlife afterward. If you share what kind of beach day you enjoy—relaxing, snorkeling, hiking, or sightseeing—I can point you to the perfect spot!
This post brought back great memories! We visited Panama City Beach years ago and absolutely loved it. I didn’t realize there were so many different beaches and parks nearby. Do you think it’s better to stay closer to the main pier area or near St. Andrews State Park for a quieter experience?
Thank you! I’m so glad the post brought back happy memories — Panama City Beach has such a special mix of fun and relaxation. If you enjoy restaurants, shopping, and people-watching, I’d suggest staying near the main pier area since everything’s within walking distance. But for a calmer, nature-filled escape, St. Andrews State Park is perfect — the beaches there are beautiful, the water is clear, and you can kayak or snorkel right from the shore. Many visitors love splitting time between both areas to enjoy the best of each!
Wow, this guide really shows how much more Panama City Beach has to offer beyond spring break! I love the idea of visiting Camp Helen State Park — it sounds so peaceful. Do you think PCB still has a family-friendly vibe, or is it mostly a party destination these days?
That’s such a thoughtful question! Panama City Beach has definitely evolved over the years — while it’s still known for lively fun, it’s become very family-friendly too. Places like St. Andrews and Camp Helen State Parks offer quiet, natural escapes, and the area has tons of family-run restaurants and safe public beach spots. If you visit outside of March or early April, you’ll find a totally different atmosphere — relaxed, scenic, and full of things to do for all ages. It’s truly one of Florida’s most versatile beach destinations!
Panama City Beach looks like the perfect mix of laid-back fun and Florida sunshine! I love how there’s something for everyone—from nature lovers exploring Shell Island and Camp Helen State Park to those looking for nightlife at Spinnaker Beach Club or Runaway Island. The beaches sound incredible, especially with that soft white sand and emerald water. And I didn’t realize there were so many great dining options—Sisters of the Sea and Firefly both sound amazing. If I wanted to skip the big spring break crowds, which month would you say still has warm weather but a calmer vibe?
That’s a great question! If you want to avoid the spring break crowds but still enjoy warm, sunny beach weather, the best time to visit Panama City Beach is late April through early June or September through early October. The water is warm, the weather’s perfect for swimming or kayaking, and you’ll have plenty of space to relax without the crowds. Those shoulder-season months also bring beautiful sunsets and smaller lines at restaurants and attractions—so you get all the fun of PCB with a much more relaxed vibe!
Panama City Beach looks like such a fun and sun-soaked destination! I love that it offers both lively spots like Schooners Beach and peaceful natural escapes like Shell Island and Camp Helen State Park—it really seems to have something for every kind of traveler. The idea of watching the sunset over the Gulf every evening sounds absolutely magical. And with so many great restaurants and beach bars, you could spend days just eating and relaxing by the water! Do you think fall is still warm enough for swimming, or is that more of a sightseeing season?
Yes, fall in Panama City Beach is still beautifully warm! September and early October are perfect if you want to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the beach without the summer crowds. The Gulf water stays nice and warm well into the fall, and the sunsets are absolutely stunning that time of year. Plus, you’ll find great rates on hotels and fewer lines at popular restaurants like Runaway Island and Firefly. It’s really one of the best times to visit—plenty of sunshine, warm water, and a laid-back local vibe!
I had no idea Panama City Beach had so many unique spots beyond just the main beach! Camp Helen and St. Andrews State Park sound like hidden gems for nature lovers. I’ve always thought of PCB as a spring break destination, but now I’m realizing it’s great for families and couples too. Do you think early fall is a good time to visit for smaller crowds and warm water?
You’re absolutely right — Panama City Beach is much more than its spring break reputation! Early fall is actually one of the best times to visit. The Gulf waters stay warm through October, and you’ll enjoy fewer crowds at top spots like St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen. It’s a perfect season for long beach walks, sunset views, and even dolphin watching. Have you been to the Emerald Coast before, or would this be your first visit to Florida’s panhandle?
Wow, I didn’t realize Panama City Beach had 27 miles of shoreline! Shell Island sounds especially cool with the sea turtles and seashells. Is it easy to get there, or do you need to join a tour?
Great question! Shell Island is only accessible by boat, so most visitors either take the Shell Island Shuttle, rent a pontoon boat, or join a tour. I recommend the shuttle if you want something simple, but if you’d like to explore at your own pace, renting a pontoon is a lot of fun. Would you be more into a guided day trip or doing your own exploring?
Hello Leahrae, BEAUTIFUL in every way, your website itself, the images of beautiful locations in Florida, the foods, entertainments and the comprehensive information. WOW!
Anyone desiring to go to Panama City Beach and find your site, will be very happy with your all inclusive information.
I smiled when Sea World was mentioned. I had the pleasure of being there and seeing the antics of the sea lion, dolphins and their trainers – what fun and laughter it was! This made me remember!
Thank you, this was well thought out and presented.
Thank you so much EJ, glad you enjoyed!
Hi Leahrae,
I love your website! Panama Beach City sounds amazing. I love American burgers so must check out the cafes you mention.
Bed and breakfasts are a great way to holiday so I am going to check out the B&B’s you mention here. It sounds adorable. I live near the beach and its where my fantasies take me haha. Thanks for enlightening me,
Kev
You are very welcome Kevin. I love the beach as well, and that is where I am the happiest. Thanks for visiting Panama City Florida Tourism Guide.
Hi Leahrae, i really love reading your information about all these places, and Panama city Beach sure looks like a place where I would enjoy visiting and having such a great time. There are a lot of things to do! Not sure a couple of days will be enough. I hope I get the chance to go there one day. Thanks for such wonderful posts and guides. Greetings.
Thank you Edwin for visiting Panama City Florida Tourism Guide. Yes, you would want to visit for at least a week to relax, soak up the sun, and visit some sights!
Mmmm the food sounds really good there and my wife would love the dolphins. Are you able to swin with the dolphins? That has always been a dream of hers
Yes, Dan she can swim with the Dolphins 🙂 You would really find this to be a great beach vacation for both of you.
SO much to do and see and so little time! I’ve never been to Panama before so this guide is really useful. I think my kids would love the Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Panama City Beach looks great!
Yes, you need at least a week really to enjoy the beach and see the sights. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is for all ages 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Wow Leahrae. Let me first say that i love travelling and what a nice tour guide. The article is simply amazing and the information is sufficient for any vacationist. Have one small question though, like many tourist destinations there is always an Ugly side brought by people with bad intentions; On the scale of 1-10 how safe is it?
Thanks a bunch and stay blessed.
I am really going to rank this high at a 9 for safety. I find absolutely no issues when I visit here. It might be a different story during Spring Break with the rowdies. I have traveled then too, and it is just obnoxious college kids. Thanks for reading!
Wow, you have an impressive list of comments, blogs and action on your website Leahrae.
have you done anything in Hawaii?? Been there a couple of times- Real paradise.
Now, I’m biased, as Northern Ireland has some fantastic beaches. Only problem is bbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr the waters are soooooo cold!
Anyway, success to you!
You have it all wrong! The water is not cold on the gulf side of Florida, only on the Atlantic side 🙂 The temperature is way different, and yes I do have posts on Hawaii 🙂 I am glad you like Beach Travel Destinations, thanks for visiting!
You’ve definitely made me place Panama City on the to-do list!
Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Florida is the beach, but you suggested some destinations that seem like they’re great.
How long do you think it would take to experience all the attractions that you suggested? A weekend, or a week?
You definitely need a week, gotta have some beach time too! And the beaches of the Emerald Coast, well the sand is snow white and it is beautiful!
Hey
You are really an expert in travel destinations. I am a keen traveller and enjoy exploring new destinations. Up to now – Florida wasn’t included in my list yet but after reading your thorough post – I have to change my list and include it as I feel really tempted to go there due to variety of entertainment options. From my experience I know that it is much more convenient to book hotel in such like tourist attractors in advance – long in advance in order to get better prices and better places to stay (especially if one wishes to stay somewhere near the beach). Is it the same with Panama City?
No, you do not have to reserve so far in advance. For a place like Las Vegas, yes, but no where in Florida do you need to book that far in advance. Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed!
Hey Leahrae,
I’ve never been to Florida but I’ve always wanted to! Mostly because I have a girlfriend who lives there who I met here at work.
Panama sounds great and reading your article makes me want to go there, especially to the beach. Are there specific times that we need to stay away from the beach though? Helpful when I’m planning my trip 😀
I’d say the water is pretty chilly from the end of October thru February. Any other time, it’s great 🙂
Hi,
This is a really informative post. I have never been to Florida but it seems like this could be a great family vacation. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed!
Your Site is REALLY well Done…the back pages are a bit affiliate like and your First page is REALLLLLLLLY long, but Very good information…
I love the Descriptions and the pictures with each but the Comments Section makes scrolling take a Bit. Would be nice to section it off a little.
I know the product pages are the Hook, but if you could stagger the pictures a bit would be a little more appealing to me…
Thank you so much for your constructive comments 🙂 …and for visiting Beach Travel Destinations.
Runaway Island beach bar grill????
O man, that sounds sooooooo good. I love bbq, and being somewhere exotic and having food like that just seals the deal for sure. If your traveling, you might as well travel in style and eat at the best places. Thanks so much for this.
I agree 100% and you will find all of that in Panama City Beach!
Once again, you are awesome!! And I see you made it back to the U.S.!! I love how you cover all aspects of the city you review. Panama City looks pretty cool. but then you make all the cities look great. Incredible work.
Thank you so much Brent, I am glad you are enjoying Beach Travel Destinations!
Such an informative post. My family and I visited the emerald coast two Christmas ago and we absolutely enjoyed it. However, I wish I had this wealth of information before we visited. We have could have really benefited from it. We plan to visit again this year and I will definitely check out some of your recommendations. What is your favorite restaurant in Panama city?. You list so many options but I curious to know which one you like best.
Definitely Dee’s Hangout. You have to go there. Wonderful food. Panama City Beach really is a great place with so many things to do. Thanks for visiting my Panama City Tourism Guide.
Hallelujah!
Thank you for the post, its going into my face book. I feel like this is definitely on my bucket list now. You have everything needed for a vacay! I have a little one and visiting the Gulf world and shipwreck park sounds perfect. I have everything I need on this article, I had never thought of visiting panama city until now.
The best part for me is the weather, seems like a great place to visit during spring or fall, summer seems too hot.
But this was superb! I like that you have covered everything from dining, fun to transportation.
Kudos!!!
Thank you and am glad it is useful for you. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
You are seriously an expert on the Panama City lifestyle based on your page here – I am impressed! I have been to several parts of Florida, but never here. (That may change soon! With all you have to offer from bars and night life to conservational parks, travelers can find something to do in all their respective interests. If/When I decide to vacation here, I will be sure to reference your page! Thanks!
I think that Panama City Beach has it all. It has the gorgeous beach as well as a lot of other activities to keep you busy. Thanks for reading Gina!
Hi, have just checked out your page and have to say I was very impressed with it. I have never been to Florida or ever had the inclination to go but for anyone who is looking to go you have such a great page that reads great and has so much relevant and important information that people would find very helpful and all your links are great too. I had a look at a few other pages on your site, especially the beaches at Adelaide and your pages on Tenerife.
I have been to Tenerife 4 times and am due to go again at the end of April. A girly holiday to Costa Adeje and the last four times I stayed at the Bahia Principe Costa Adeje which is a beautiful hotel and very clean. Would recommend it to anyone and would go back again and again.
I love Tenerife as well 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed reading about Panama City Beach. I hope you visit soon!
Hi again Leahrae,
In previously reading another article at your excellent travel site which focused in on all that is offered at Daytona beach, by comparison considering the many things that are offered Panama City seems a more ideal place to visit. Especially if you’re not a stock car racing fan which to me is one of the main highlights of visiting the Daytona Beach area.
You mentioned the active night life, destination for college kids on spring breaks and partying! I also noticed a vast number of restaurants, nightclubs, places for family activities on the surrounding beaches and waterfronts, plus the large number of hotels.
I can assume that the weather is about the same in terms of quality with Panama being on the western side of Florida versus Daytona being east and on the Atlantic Ocean.
Can I assume only visiting Florida once and in April that considering more the humidity that mid-summer it might not be fun for everyone, especially if they’re not used to the hot Florida heat versus say a spring visit?
Panama City indeed looks like a place for practically everyone. It would be hard to get bored visiting that city on a vacation.
Thanks for the thorough review, Leahrae, something I have always seen on your website!
Jeff
Yes, Jeff I would agree that April would be better…less heat, less humid for sure. And less people. And yes, Panama City Beach has something for everyone. Thanks for reading Beach Travel Destinations.
I’ve been to Florida many times – mostly Daytona Beach, Sarasota and Clearwater. But I’ve never been to Panama City, and judging by your article, I’m missing out! Thanks so much for all the information – you’ve included absolutely everything a person would need to plan a FANTASTIC vacation at Panama City!
Thank you so much and I am glad you found the information useful. You will have to go to Panama City next 🙂