With over 27 miles of pristine white sand beaches, it’s no wonder why Panama City Beach is one of the top beach destinations in the world. But this city is more than its beaches!
Home to two massive state parks, there’s tons to explore outside here. From kayaking to hiking, there are plenty of Panama City Beach activities to delight the outdoors lover in your group. But for those who prefer theme parks and more humanmade fun, they’ll also love Panama City Beach, which features many family-friendly attractions to amaze visitors.
Between one-of-a-kind theme parks and islands that are nearly untouched by humans, there are so many things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida. To help you get started, we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Panama City Beach for you. Stick to these fun and unique Panama City Beach bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this beachside haven!
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1. See the World Turned Upside Down at WonderWorks
Looking for one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach with kids? You’ll definitely want to visit WonderWorks, a 29,000-square-foot amusement park designed for edutainment. Your kids will be having so much fun they’ll hardly know they’re getting in tons of science lessons as they play their way through more than 100 hands-on exhibits.
As the story goes, a once top-secret laboratory in the Bermuda Triangle went horribly wrong. The lab was lifted off the ground and landed upside down on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach. Luckily, all the exhibits stayed intact (and the right side up).
Throughout WonderWorks, you’ll find six Wonder Zones designed to spark your imagination. Encounter a hurricane in the Extreme Weather Zone, learn what it’s like behind the wheel of a monster truck in the Physical Challenge Zone, train like an astronaut in the Space Discovery Zone, encounter art that’ll make you do a double-take in the Wonder Art Gallery, create your own exhibits in the Imagination Lab, and paint with music in the Light & Sound Zone.
There’s even more fun to be had here with additional physical challenges. Climb through obstacles three stories in the air in the Indoor Ropes Course, battle it out in a black-lit maze in the Laser Tag arena, and play a round of bumper cars like no other in Space Fury 360°.
Enter the Wild World of WonderWorks
2. Splash around Shipwreck Island Waterpark
For another cool thing to do in Panama City Beach with kids, you’ll want to check out Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Open throughout the summer, this waterpark covers 15 acres, with plenty of rides, slides, and more to keep your family entertained all day long.
Rock with the motion of the ocean in the Ocean Motion Wave Pool, coast down the Lazy River, or walk the plank at the Great Shipwreck. For bigger thrills, you can partner up for a ride down the Zoom Flume, get the whole family on one inner tube on the White Knuckle River, combat the Raging Rapids, race down the Pirate’s Plunge, or experience a breathtaking plunge on the Tree Top Drop.
You can also play your way around Skull Island, or little ones can get their own day of play at the Tadpole Hole. For more summer fun, the park also offers a season pass, as well as a second-day pass that’s heavily discounted in case you want to go more than once during your Panama City Beach vacation.
3. Discover the Animal Kingdom at Gulf World Marine Park
Dedicated to the study and conservation of marine mammals, Gulf World Marine Park is one of the most unique things to do in Panama City Beach, offering up-close encounters with these majestic creatures you can’t find anywhere else. It’s home to a variety of marine life, from California sea lions to African penguins – but it’s the rare rough-toothed dolphins that often attract visitors the most.
General admission gets you access to see the animals and watch the daily shows, but the main attraction here comes from the animal encounters, which are an additional fee. Guests can meet with or even swim with either bottlenose or rough-toothed dolphins.
But there are other animals to meet here, too. Greet a harbor seal, stingray, sea lion, and penguin. Or do the VIP Sea Life Experience, where you can choose three interactive animal programs, plus lunch and digital photos. The park also offers a special Animal Therapy experience for children with disabilities or sensory processing differences.
Gulf World Marine Park Admission
4. Take an Airboat Tour
Taking an airboat tour is one of the coolest things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida. It gets you up close with the wildlife in a safe, fun way. And you’ll find plenty of airboat tour options in the area.
One of the most popular airboat tour companies is Wild Thang Airboat Tours, which prides itself on offering one of the safest and most fun tours available. On every airboat tour, you’ll be led by a US Coast Guard Master Captain, who will take you out from the company’s private docks on a journey of a lifetime.
During a half-hour tour, you’ll get a scenic ride and a chance to see dolphins and native birds. But because of the time constraint, seeing alligators is unlikely. If you’d really like to see these ancient creatures, you’re better off taking an hour-long ride, where you’ll glide through marshes and creeks to spot baby alligators and maybe their mothers.
You can also take an hour-long tour at night, which is the best time to see alligators. The captain and crew will shine their spotlights on the eyes of the gators, making sure that you get the chance to see these incredible reptiles when they’re most likely to be hunting.
5. Enjoy the Views from St. Andrews State Park
Traveling with a group that can’t decide whether to go to the beach or hike through Panama City Beach’s gorgeous trails? Then, St. Andrews State Park is definitely one of the must-do things in Panama City Beach during your vacation.
On one side of the park, you’ll find trails running through pines and along dunes, as well as a two-mile paved road for bicycles. Hike the two half-mile trails of Heron Pond Trail, which takes you through the flatwood pine forest and out toward Sandy Point, or the Gator Lake Trail, which offers scenic lakeside views. Gator Lake Trail is also a great place to spot alligators and wading birds, while Button Bush Marsh Overlook is a perfect vantage point to see birds of all kinds.
On the other side of the park, you’ll find a mile-and-a-half of pristine white sand beaches running along emerald waters. Rent a pontoon boat to spend a day out on the water, book a kayak or paddleboard ride, scuba dive, snorkel, surf, or simply swim. You can also go fishing, provided you have a Florida saltwater fishing license.
Take a Scuba Diving Lesson and Tour
6. Play around Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure
If you’re bringing kids along on your vacation, Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure is one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida. It’s a family entertainment center and theme park that’s fun for everyone, from the little ones to the adults in your group. The theme park’s story follows Swampy Jack, a world traveler who is inviting the park guests along on his adventures.
Grab yourself a Wongo Card and use it to go on all of Swampy Jack’s travels. Get a close encounter with the Swamp Ape, race go-karts through the desert in the Marrakesh Road Rally, soar through the skies on the Eye of the Kraken, go on a winding journey aboard Yacuma, pilot your own submersible vessel into the Red Sea’s Blue Hole, or locate the hidden temple in the Jungles of Angkor Wat mini-golf course.
Don’t forget to cool off with a cold one at Swampy’s Cantina. This casual spot also features a number of traditional theme park treats, as well as some not-so-traditional Gator Bites.
7. Take a Boat Out to Shell Island
On the southeastern end of Panama City Beach, you’ll find a seven-mile-long barrier island called Shell Island. It’s a part of St. Andrews State Park, but it’s undeveloped. Here you’ll find miles of white sand beaches and untouched flora. Due to it being undeveloped, it’s a perfect place to spot wildlife. It’s also an ideal escape away from the hustle and bustle of Panama City Beach and another one of the must-do things in Panama City Beach for any beach lover.
Shell Island is only accessible by boat, but luckily, there’s an easy way to get there for a day of beach-going. You can hop on the Shell Island Ferry, running from March through December. It’s the official service of St. Andrews State Park, so you know you’re in for a safe, secure, and simple ride.
One thing to keep in mind is that because Shell Island is undeveloped, you won’t find any restrooms, shade, or food on the island. It’s best to bring your own, but be sure to pack away anything that needs to be thrown away so it can be properly disposed of off the island.
The calm waters here make for great swimming, but it’s also an ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles are common in the area, and snorkeling and scuba equipment is available for rent at the Pier Store in St. Andrews State Park.
Adventure Cruise to Shell Island
8. Have a Beach Day
If you’re visiting Panama City Beach, you might expect to, well, go to the beach! And luckily, there are tons to choose from in this area, and each has its own unique personality and features.
Over at M. B. Miller County Pier Beach, you can have a romantic day here and stroll along the pier to take in the sunset over the water. This beach is ideal for swimming, fishing, and looking for seashells. You may even spot sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays hanging out nearby.
Rick Seltzer Beach is a perfect pick if you want to be near the action. If you want to be able to stroll onto the beach and then walk off to dinner at a delicious nearby restaurant, this beach should be your pick. But if you want the opposite and are looking to escape the city, head to Crooked Island Beach for a tranquil and restful retreat.
Enjoy a Romantic Sunset Cruise
9. Climb aboard a Dolphin-Watching Cruise
Dolphins are in the waters around Panama City Beach all year round, but the best time to see them tends to be between May and October. You’re more likely to see them when the weather is warm and sunny, too. If you’re vacationing during this time, taking a dolphin-watching cruise is one of the coolest Panama City Beach activities.
Though there are many dolphin tours available in this area, one of the most popular is a tour by Coastal Wildlife Adventures. These tours are especially wonderful because they offer both dolphin cruises and snorkeling tours. During one tour, you’ll be taken out to Shell Island, where you’ll spend two hours looking for dolphins and other wildlife.
But you can also add on an additional hour to go snorkeling. Shell Island is one of the best snorkeling spots in Panama City Beach and a can’t-miss experience. If you’d just like to see the dolphins on a scenic sunset cruise, that option is available as well. This tour company also offers private charters, as well as all-day expeditions for more dolphin-spotting and snorkeling opportunities.
Meet the Panama City Beach Dolphins
10. Be a Pirate on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
Over in the Lighthouse Marina in Panama City, you’ll find one of the best Panama City Beach attractions, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise offers little ones a chance to live out their swashbuckling fantasies while the adults in the group get to enjoy the show and the scenic cruise aboard a pirate ship. If you’re lucky, you might just spot some dolphins jumping alongside your ship!
Captain “Fearless” Phil is quite the friendly pirate, and he and his crew are ready to give you and your little ones an afternoon of fun and adventure. Kids will love singing along to pirate songs. Don’t worry – they’re quite a bit more family-friendly than real pirate songs. But that’s not all the fun your kids will get up to.
They’ll sword fight, swab the deck, fire the cannons, and even find a sunken treasure. Better come prepared to get wet because there’s also a water gunfight on board. Then, your kids will shake their booties at a pirate dance party. They will be asking you to come back time and again.
11. Kayak around Camp Helen State Park
Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida, Camp Helen State Park is another one of the best Panama City Beach attractions if you love spending your days by the water. This 180-acre park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is filled with opportunities for exploration.
Before you head into the water, be sure to check out the historic district inside the park. You’ll find a water tower, lodge, rainbow cottages, duplexes, and recreation hall, all restored to allow you to step back into the park’s past.
Afterward, you can look for wildlife, with the park being home to many different kinds of shorebirds, as well as being a stopping point for many migratory species. Going on a hike through the Canopy Trail, which winds through a canopy of maritime hammock overlooking a salt marsh, is a great way to see the wildlife. And with a proper fishing license, you can also go both freshwater and saltwater fishing here.
You’re also welcome to swim in both the Gulf of Mexico and the lake. But to get further out on the water and explore, you can also rent a kayak or paddleboard from the park.
12. Look for Animals at Conservation Park
As the name implies, Conservation Park, one of the best things to do in Panama City Beach, is dedicated to the protection of our natural environment. But the park also serves as a place where people can enjoy the natural beauty of all this flora and fauna from the safety of its trails. The 2,900-acre park protects wetlands and pine forests while also tending to the waters of St. Andrews Bay.
Conservation Park has over 24 miles of trails to explore, as well as over a mile of boardwalks that go through the cypress domes. The 12 different trails range from 0.6 miles to 11 miles, offering something for everyone, from new hikers looking for a breezy walk to experienced hikers wanting to spend the whole day exploring the park.
Because this park is such an important part of protecting Panama City Beach’s wildlife, taking a guided walk is a great way to see all the animals. The park offers guided Audubon bird walks, as well as recreational programs that allow you to get a deeper understanding of the creatures you’re seeing.
13. Explore Pier Park
What is there to do at Pier Park? Only some of the best Panama City Beach activities! This outdoor shopping and entertainment complex boasts 124 stores, from casual favorites to unique boutique shops. Feeling hungry? Anything you could want to eat and drink you’ll find here – from fresh and local seafood to steaks to margaritas.
But Pier Park is more than a place for great food and shopping. It’s also a place for good times and memories that will stick with you long after the trip is over. Become a part of the show at the Grand IMAX Theater, dine and play at Dave & Buster’s, battle it out in a 1,800-square-foot arena at Pirate’s Quest Laser Tag, and test your skills at the Emerald Coast Mirror Maze.
For live music and dancing, head to Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Then, finish off the night with a ride featuring breathtaking views aboard the SkyWheel, which offers clime-controlled gondolas so you can enjoy the panorama all year long.
14. Adventure around Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
For another fun thing to do in Panama City Beach with kids, check out Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. This family-friendly park is a sprawling location filled with cool things to do, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park offers two different mini-golf courses, filled with tons of safari-themed attractions. See cascading waterfalls, putt past gorillas and elephants, and meander your way through a tropical jungle filled with native plants and flowing streams. Make your way around Good Luck Lake, teeming with bass, bream, and carp.
But the main attraction at this park is the Gran Maze, a maze that’s nearly the size of a football field. Use your skills to find the four checkpoints and make it out without losing your marbles. If you finish ahead of your group, you can watch their progress from the Observation Deck or play a round of the Maze Runner game or Monkey Ring Toss.
15. Meet the Animals at ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory
ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory offers you a chance to get up close to the animals in a way that you can’t find anywhere else. Home to over 350 animals and 250 species of plants, this park lets visitors check out critters and creatures from all over the world in one place. But the biggest draw to ZooWorld is that you can even interact with the animals.
Cuddle a capybara, hold a kangaroo, pet a sloth, snuggle a lemur, or get up close to a baby alligator. You also have the chance to feed larger animals, like a pool of over 80 alligators or a giraffe. Another way this park lets you get close to the animals is by walking through the Budgie Bush-Walk Aviary, a free-flight aviary with tons of exotic birds. You can even bring in a Budgie Stick to feed the birds!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Panama City Beach, Florida. What’s your favorite thing to do in Panama City Beach?
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Jacqueline Gualtieri Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.
