How do 27 miles of pure white-sand beaches and alluring turquoise waters of the Gulf sound for a vacation spot? Yeah, we thought so.
Besides the beach, you might be looking for plenty of other attractions and activities, and here with the sand, sun, and waves, Panama City Beach does not disappoint. Follow this extensive guide to get a good idea about what you and your family can do to get the most out of your Panama City Beach visit, from places to eat and shop to fun times at various parks.
From the best restaurants in Panama City Beach to the top Panama City Beach attractions, this guide will cover everything you need to know about things to do in Panama City Beach.
We’ll also discuss shopping in Panama City Beach and detail the most luxurious Panama City Beach condo rentals and other Panama City Beach rentals from Dunes of Panama that will bring your Florida vacation to the next level.
Beaches
When you stay at one of Panama City Beach rentals at Dunes of Panama, one massive plus among many is that the resort fronts a wide section of Panama City Beach. You’re just steps away from sinking your toes into that exquisite soft sand, with plenty of beach space.
It’s easy to have fun at Panama City Beach, and it’s easy to get the gear you need with Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop directly across the street. You’ll find precisely what you need to rent to enjoy your favorite beach activities.
On-site Adventures at Sea offers beach chair and umbrella rentals for the ultimate convenience!
At nearby St. Andrews State Park, there’s also kayaking and fishing. Looking for more secluded spots? Try Rosemary Beach or Carillon Beach.
Dining
When it comes to Panama City Beach dining, you’re in luck: the area is filled with upscale and casual eateries offering a wide variety of selections, from classic fish dishes to Caribbean fare to authentic local cuisine.
You’ll find Panama City Beach restaurants with outdoor seating, beachfront views, live music, and even with children’s menus, meaning there is something for everyone on PCB.
We’ve got some Panama City Beach restaurants that might not be too far from your accommodations that offer the atmosphere, menu selections, drink variety, and top service you’re looking for.
First is Sharkey’s Beachfront Restaurant. From shrimp appetizers to fish and chicken sandwiches to specialty dishes and entrees such as blackened redfish, shrimp & grits, and 14-oz. hand-cut ribeye steak, Sharkey’s offers a 15,000-sq. Ft. dining deck perfect for sunset meals, tropical tiki bar, live music, home to the largest-in-the-U.S. open-air palapa constructed with thousands of cabbage frond palms and cypress poles, and a 30-year history that boasts fresh local seafood and past performances by Meatloaf, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Rick Springfield.
Seafood, steak, and martinis…The Saltwater Grill is fine dining at its best, with entrees to please all palates. Snapper, scallops, grouper, parmesan-crusted chicken, filet mignon, and prime rib are among its entrees, with a kids’ menu that includes cheese pizza, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and penne pasta. Match your perfect dinner with the perfect drink: scotch, bourbon, rum, tequila, gin, and vodka cocktails are just a few options. Everyone loves the panoramic 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium upon entering this famous establishment.
Schooners offers dining right on the beach! From its beach cam, so you can watch the tide or even beach volleyball games from a simple menu featuring local dishes such as tuna steak, Gulf fresh grouper, fish tacos, and several refreshing margaritas, Schooners is the perfect place to end your day at the beach. Holiday dinners such as those for Easter, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day, along with local bands and a nightly cannon shoot to celebrate another day add extra attraction to this historic East End restaurant.
Plenty of other Panama City Beach restaurants to choose from, covering casual (Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill), traditional English fare (British Eatery), Southern cuisine (Beau’s), steak, BBQ, and burgers (Salty Sue’s), and Caribbean style (Pompano Joe’s), to name just a few.
Shopping
While the beach will always be the main attraction for your Panama City Beach vacation, what to do once you’re all sunned and surfed out? Shopping, of course!
Without leaving whichever Panama City Beach condos you’ve chosen too far in the rearview mirror, you’ll be able to visit Panama City Beach shopping centers, casual stores, surf shops, and boutiques carrying locally made jewelry, apparel, beach accessories, home décor, trinkets, unique souvenirs, and more!
Some stores you’ll find conveniently nearby Dunes of Panama include Hip Sea (beach items, apparel, home decorations); Moby Dick’s (souvenirs, accessories, apparel); Beach Island (beach clothing, jewelry, trinkets); Mr. Surf’s Surf Shop (art, apparel, beach rentals); and Pier Park (mega outdoor shopping mall).
Plan Your Visit!
Planning your dream vacation to Panama City Beach doesn’t have to be difficult! When you book with Dunes of Panama, it’s simple! View our Panama City Beach vacation rentals, reserve your favorite, and prepare for a getaway full of lifelong memories!
Attractions
As you might expect, Panama City Beach has no shortage of attractions beyond the white sand and blue waters.
From dolphin shows to tropical gardens, you’ll experience the best in local marine life and vegetation at Gulf World Marine Park. You’ll find a stingray petting pool, a Swim with the Dolphins opportunity, a sea lion show, and an interactive penguin encounter.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a great place to cool off and have fun when you might be looking for a break from the beach. Enjoy a wave pool, lazy river, tube rides, slides, and the “Great Shipwreck”: a 17th-century sailing ship replica where you can zipline right into a lagoon pool.
At Ripley’s Believe It or Not specialty museum, you’ll find one-of-a-kind exhibits such as strange art and a mirror maze, learn about the Titanic, and participate in a sensational 7D Moving Theatre. Unique fun you won’t find anywhere else! Another attraction great for the kids is Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, with a mini-golf course and a football field-sized Gran Maze.
Other great attractions in the area include a zoo, conservatory, parks for hiking and biking, and the entertaining SkyWheel featuring a mini-golf course, a ropes course, and a spectacular Skywheel observation wheel towering 200 feet above the venue.
Other things to do in Panama City Beach that the whole family will love include dolphin sunset cruises, a boat ride to Shell Island, airboat tours, and bonfires on the beach.
Book a Panama City Beach Condo Rental with Dunes of Panama
When proximity to the beach, attractions, and shopping is essential to your vacation, you’ll find the convenience and luxury you’re seeking at many two- and three-bedroom Gulf and beachfront Panama City Condos at Dunes of Panama.
Besides being right across the street from stretches of beautiful beach, you’ll be spoiled with such amenities as a fully equipped kitchen, King-sized beds, poolside gazebos, outdoor BBQ grills, a washer/dryer, a private balcony, and free wireless internet.
Experience all the fun things to do without leaving the property, such as three Gulf-front pools (one heated); tennis, volleyball, pickleball, and shuffleboard courts; a fitness center; picnic tables for BBQ dining; and swing sets.
Contact the team at Dunes of Panama today to learn more about our rentals and to book your stay.
