When you’re planning a vacation to Panama City Beach, it’s pretty much a given that you’re going to want to visit, well, the beach! There’s plenty of shoreline to share with your fellow travelers, but are the beaches in PCB public or private? Here’s everything you should know about the Panama City Beach beaches, so you’re fully prepared once you check in to one of our Panama City Beach condo rentals.
Beaches in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach has several incredible beaches for you and your family to explore. St. Andrews State Park is a popular spot for many visitors, as you can not only take advantage of the beaches but can also fish, kayak, or snorkel. Rosemary Beach is a more secluded and unspoiled location, perfect for a beachside picnic. Carillon Beach is another isolated spot where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the jewel-toned waters.
Of course, there’s Panama City Beach itself, which is one of the most popular spots for beachgoers.
Public Beaches
If you’re searching for the best public beaches in Panama City Beach, you’re in luck. All of the beaches in Bay County are public. You’ll find 96 public access points along the shoreline, but there are just 4 public parking areas:
- St. Andrews State Park on the East side of Thomas Drive (4607 State Park Lane)
- MC Miller County Pier (12213 Front Beach Road)
- Rick Seltzer Park (7419 Thomas Drive)
- Pier Park/Russell-Fields City Pier (16101 Front Beach Road)
It can often be difficult to determine which sections of the beach are actually public, and there have been cases in the past where visitors have stepped into private territory without knowing it. As a general rule, the beach up to the high tide line is public under state law.
Beach Regulations
When you’re hitting the beach in Panama City Beach, Florida, there are a few rules to follow to ensure you and your fellow beachgoers have an amazing time. First, you’re able to bring tents to keep you cool and protected from the sun, but any objects left on the beach between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. are subject to removal, so make sure you take all of your belongings with you!
If you’re swimming and you see a red flag, use extreme caution or get out of the water altogether, as rip currents could be present. Spot double red flags? That means the Gulf of Mexico is closed to the public. While your family can have fun at the beach, you’ll need to leave your furry friends behind. Dogs are not allowed on Bay County beaches, but you can take them to the pet-friendly area on the west side of the Russell-Fields City Pier.
Hitting the beach for a special occasion? You’re allowed to hold a wedding without any special permits. You will be responsible for setting up and taking down all your own decorations. Feel free to have a bonfire to end your celebration as long as you’ve secured the appropriate permits beforehand.
Stay in Our Panama City Beach Condo Rentals
Exploring the shores of Panama City Beach is one of the best ways to get your family out in the sunshine and enjoying your vacation together. You can soak up the sun on the shore or get in the waves and splash around. Relax with a good book or try out some watersports. The possibilities are truly endless, and you can customize your beach trip exactly how you want it.
But before you can experience all the fun of Panama City Beach beaches, you’ve got to have a place to stay! Our Panama City Beach vacation rentals are conveniently located near the shores, so you can get out the door in a hurry. We’ve got options for any group, so you’re sure to have exactly what you need for a memorable getaway.
