Things to Do
Located in Northwest Florida just 98 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Panama City Beach is a great spot for an incredible vacation! With its white powder sands, formed from the Appalachian Mountain crystals centuries ago, it forms the incredible beaches called "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches". It's easy to see why. With an average of 320 days of sunshine, subtropical average temperatures of 74 degrees and the outstanding Gulf beaches, many come and never leave! Panama City Beach has many award winning parks, scuba diving wrecks with tons of history, is home to one of the largest sport fishing fleets, contains one of the highest concentrations of Bottlenose Dolphin in the world, world famous fishing including Blue Marlin, Snapper and Pompano, 50 artificial reefs, Home of the Florida Ironman Triathlon and home of the only deep-water diving museum. Panama City Beach is truly a magical place for locals and visitors!
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Public Beach Access Points
All of the beaches in Bay County are public. Bay County maintains 96 public access points stretching from the east end of Thomas Drive to the west end of Front Beach Road. Visitors should not park in areas marked by no parking signs or on private property. There are 4 public parking areas with beach access; Pier Park/Russell-Fields City Pier, MB Miller County Pier, Rick Seltzer Park and St. Andrews State Park. Panama City Beach features 27 miles of white sand beaches, so pick your spot and enjoy! Take a load off and catch some rays (no pun intended) on the World's Most Beautiful Beaches! Click photo for more info!
Tents On The Beach
Tents are welcome on the beach, however, tents and other personal items that are left unattended between the hours of 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM Central Standard Time are subject to removal by the authorized beach services contractor under the Leave No Trace ordinance. Camping, Fires and sleeping overnight is not permitted. If you would like to plan a bon fire or late evening venture to the beach, there are companies along the beach permitted to setup chairs, umbrellas, hammocks and fires for you!
Where To Find Shells
Shells can be found all along Bay County beaches both on shore and in the water. Early mornings are the most productive shelling times because the beaches are less crowded. Particularly popular shelling sites include St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island and Crooked Beach.
Fishing On The Beach
A fishing license is required to fish in all waters in the Panama City Beach area unless fishing from a licensed fishing pier or charter boat operated by a licensed captain. A 3-day out of state license can be purchased for $17 at all area Walmart stores, most bait and tackle shops and the Bay County Tax Collector's Office. Please be respectful to other beach goers and fish away from swimmers and always dispose of trash or other foreign objects. Leave No Trace!
Alcohol On The Beach
Persons 21 or older are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages on the beach 11 months out of the year. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the sandy beach during the month of March. Glass bottles are strictly prohibited year round. Please be sure to dispose of all garbage in the easily accessible bins lined all along the 27 miles of beautiful beaches. Help us in keeping our beaches beautiful for many more enjoyable vacations to come!
Dogs On The Beach
Dogs are not allowed on Bay County beaches with the exception of a pet-friendly area located on the west side of the Russell-Fields City Pier located across from Pier Park. Signs are posted to mark the designated area where dogs are allowed. Please be sure to pick up after your fur-baby! Click photo for more info!
St. Andrews State Park
Located nearly three miles east of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park offers 1200 acres of beautiful beachside landscapes, abundant wildlife and adventures for the entire family. The park is popular for many migratory birds and butterfly species. Besides the 1.5 miles of truly beautiful white sand beaches, St. Andrews offers hiking through the pines, along dunes and coastal plant communities. The park also offers several camping and RV options for short and long-term stays. Hours of operation are 8AM CST until sundown, 365 days a year. St. Andrews has a fee of $8.00 per carload to enter. Address: 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32408. Phone: (850) 708-6100. Click photo for more info!
Camp Helen State Park
Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Oak Canopy Trail. The trail winds through stately oak trees and mossy maritime canopy. The park is home to several species of wildlife, so you may see wild tail deer, squirrels, possums and even a black bear. Camp Helen is also well known for incredible birdwatching. You can observe bald eagle, osprey, kingfisher and Cooper’s hawk. Truly magnificent! Hours of operation are 8AM CST until sundown, 365 days a year. Camp Helen has a fee of $4.00 per carload and $2.00 per pedestrian or bicyclist to enter. Address: 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413. Phone: (850) 233-5059. Click photo for more info!
Conservation Park
While in Panama City Beach, make sure to visit Conservation Park, where you can hike, bike and enjoy nature of all kinds. The park spans 2900 acres and has 24 miles of trails where you can explore northwest Florida’s lush environment under dense awnings of cypress trees. The park’s boardwalks allow visitors to observe wetlands and several kinds birds and wildlife in their natural environment. A very relaxing hike or bike ride! Hours of operation are from dawn to dusk 7 days a week. Address: 100 Conservation Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413. Click photo for more info!
Frank Brown Park
The possibilities for outdoor fun are endless at Panama City Beach’s many parks. Frank Brown Park offers many sporting area events and water park fit for the whole family. Frank Brown Park offers over 15 sporting event fields from softball to t-ball, tennis, basketball and shuffle-board courts, indoor gymnasium, playground, pavilion, 22 acre festival site, youth fishing pond, 1.5 miles of greenways & trails, fenced dog play area and aquatic center! Something for everyone! Click photo for more info!
Aaron Bessant Park
The amphitheater at Aaron Bessant park can seat 7500 people and also has 10 acres of festival lawn. It has hosted many well-known and up-and-coming artists, presidents and so many other events. Year round concerts of many different genres are held here. Events such as Seabreeze Jazz Festival, UNwineD, Fourth of July Concert & Fireworks, Oktoberfest, Emerald Coast Cuizin' Car Shows, Hot Air Balloon Glow, Beach Home for the Holidays, Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, and many more, all call this park home! Click photo for more info!
- WonderWorks
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- Island Time Sailing Cruises
- Shell Island Shuttle
- ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical
- Gulf World Marine Park
- Escape Zone 60
- Indy Speedway
- Gulf Coast Jet Boats
- Pier Park
- Just Jump Trampoline Park
- Club La Vela
- Adventures at Sea
- Shipwreck Island Waterpark
- No Name Lounge
- M.B. Miller County Pier
- The Aqua Park
- Paradise Adventures Catamaran
- The Grand Pier Park
- Historic St. Andrews
- Kartona Electric Speedway
- XD Darkride Experience Pier Park
- Goofy Golf
- Panama City Beach Winery
- Buster's Hangar 67
- Ms. Newby's
- Pelican's at Sheraton Bay Point Resort
- Splash Bar Florida
- Swampy Jack's Wongo Adventure
- Skywheel Panama City Beach
- 30A
- Caliza
- Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
- Airboat Adventures
- Sea Screamer
- Gator Lake
- Pier Park Amusement Rides
- Cobra Adventure Park
- Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center
- Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
- Race City
- Russell-Fields Pier
- Capt. Anderson's Marina
- Man in the Sea Museum
- Hidden Lagoon Super Race Track & Golf
- Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
- C Level Bar & Grill
- Vinny's Pizzeria
- Andy's Flour Power Cafe & Bakery
- Gypsea Crepes
- J. Michael's Seafood Restaurant
- Alice's on Bayview Seafood Restaurant
- Schooners Last Local Beach Club
- Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
- Hang Five Beach Bar & Grill
- Barefoot Bar & Grill
- Off the Hook Bar & Grill
- Pineapple Willy's
- Pier Park
- Pier Park North
- Alvin's Island
- Big Willy's
- Carousel Supermarket
- Florida Linen
- Half Hitch
- The Salt Shed & Company
- Magnolia Plaza
- Shoppes At Edgewater
- Beachwalk Center
- Beach Shopping Center
- Breakfast Point Marketplace
- Crossings at Inlet Beach