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Things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida

Activity Guide

Things to Do in Panama City Beach

Your complete guide to the best activities, attractions, and experiences in Panama City Beach — from beach bonfires to water parks to the best nightlife on the Gulf Coast.

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Best of PCB

The Best Things to Do in Panama City Beach

27 miles of beach, world-class fishing, family attractions, and the best nightlife on the Gulf Coast. Here's everything you need to know.

Evening

Beach Bonfires

The #1 evening activity in PCB. Professional setup with luxury seating, s'mores, tiki torches, and a dedicated attendant. Available at every beach access.

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Entertainment

Pier Park

PCB's entertainment hub — 120+ stores, restaurants, the SkyWheel, IMAX theater, and Dave & Buster's. Open-air shopping and dining right on the beach.

Dining

Beach Picnics

Styled boho picnic setups on the sand with cushions, a low table, and a full place setting. Perfect for couples or groups.

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Outdoor

Fishing

Deep-sea charters, pier fishing at the M.B. Miller County Pier, and surf fishing along Thomas Drive. The Gulf is rich with red snapper, grouper, and mahi.

Water Sports

Water Sports

Jet ski rentals, parasailing, banana boat rides, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Multiple rental operators along Front Beach Road and Thomas Drive.

Family

Shipwreck Island

PCB's waterpark with slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and kid-friendly areas. Open seasonally from May through September.

Experience

Beach Photography

Professional photo sessions at sunset or during your beach bonfire. Capture your PCB vacation in stunning golden-hour light.

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Water Sports

Dolphin Cruises

Sunset dolphin cruises and snorkeling tours depart from Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews Marina. See bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

Outdoor

St. Andrews State Park

One of Florida's best state parks — pristine beaches, hiking trails, snorkeling at the jetties, and a shuttle to Shell Island. $8 per vehicle.

Family

Gulf World Marine Park

Interactive marine life encounters — swim with dolphins, feed stingrays, and see sea lion shows. A top family attraction in PCB.

Guide

Beach Access Guides

PCB has 100+ public beach accesses along Thomas Drive, Laguna Beach, and Sunnyside. We've mapped the best ones with photos and facilities info.

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Nightlife

Nightlife

Thomas Drive bars, Coyote Ugly, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge at Pier Park, and the clubs along Front Beach Road. PCB's nightlife is the liveliest on the Gulf Coast.

PCB Neighborhoods

Where to Go in Panama City Beach

Thomas Drive (East End) — The heart of PCB. Home to Schooners, Pineapple Willy's, and the best beach accesses (#1-24). The most scenic stretch with restaurants and nightlife steps from the sand.

Laguna Beach — The quiet side of PCB. Condos, townhomes, and natural beach walkovers along accesses #71-85. Perfect for families and anyone seeking peace.

Sunnyside & West End — The far west end near Carillon Beach and Camp Helen State Park. Accesses #86-98 offer uncrowded beaches and stunning sunsets.

Front Beach Road & Pier Park — The commercial strip with the SkyWheel, shopping, restaurants, and attractions. More tourist-oriented but packed with entertainment options.

Panama City Beach neighborhoods

#1 Evening Activity

Beach Bonfires in Panama City Beach

The best thing to do in PCB at night. Professional bonfire setup with luxury seating, s'mores, tiki torches, and a dedicated attendant. Available at every beach access along Thomas Drive, Laguna Beach, and Sunnyside. Packages start at $445.

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Panama City Beach Activities FAQ

What are the best things to do in Panama City Beach?
The top things to do in Panama City Beach include beach bonfires on the sand, visiting Pier Park for shopping and entertainment, water parks like Shipwreck Island, fishing charters and pier fishing, paddleboarding and jet ski rentals, Gulf World Marine Park, and exploring the 27 miles of public beach. At night, beach bonfires and PCB's restaurant and bar scene are the highlights.
What is there to do in Panama City Beach at night?
The best nighttime activity in Panama City Beach is a beach bonfire — a professionally curated fire on the sand with luxury seating, s'mores, and tiki torches. Other evening options include the restaurants and bars along Thomas Drive and Front Beach Road, the SkyWheel and rides at Pier Park, live music venues, and sunset dolphin cruises.
What are the best things to do in Panama City Beach with kids?
Top family activities include beach bonfires with s'mores and sparklers, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Gulf World Marine Park (dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays), the SkyWheel at Pier Park, mini golf courses, WonderWorks interactive museum, and simply playing on the 27 miles of sugar-white beach. The calm Gulf waters are generally safe for kids.
Is Panama City Beach worth visiting?
Yes! Panama City Beach offers 27 miles of public beach, warm Gulf water, affordable accommodations, and a wide range of activities for families, couples, and groups. It's more affordable and lively than nearby 30A, with more attractions and nightlife options. The east end (Thomas Drive area) is the most scenic, while the west end is quieter and more residential.
What are the best free things to do in Panama City Beach?
Free activities in PCB include swimming and sunbathing at any of the 100+ public beach accesses, walking the Pier Park boardwalk, visiting St. Andrews State Park ($8 entry but worth it), watching the sunset from any beach, exploring the Conservation Park hiking trails, and attending free events and concerts at Aaron Bessant Park.

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Friends enjoying a beach bonfire

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