Exploring Panama City Beach
Discover the best of Panama City Beach with this easy-to-follow travel guide featuring sugar-white beaches, emerald Gulf waters, incredible resorts, local restaurants, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable things to do—all planned for you. Best HotelsBest ToursExploring Panama City Beach
Discover the best of Panama City Beach with this easy-to-follow travel guide featuring sugar-white beaches, emerald Gulf waters, incredible resorts, local restaurants, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable things to do—all planned for you.
3 Day Panama City Beach Itinerary
Day 1
Start your vacation with a relaxing morning on Panama City Beach’s famous white-sand beaches. Spend the afternoon exploring Pier Park for shopping, attractions and entertainment, then walk Russell-Fields Pier for a beautiful Gulf Coast sunset.
Day 2
Spend the morning exploring St. Andrews State Park, where you can swim, snorkel, kayak, hike or simply enjoy the beach. Then take a boat or ferry to Shell Island, a seven-mile undeveloped barrier island known for white sand, clear water and wildlife.
Day 3
Head out on the water for a dolphin cruise, snorkeling adventure or boat tour, then spend your afternoon enjoying one last beach day. Finish your trip with fresh Gulf seafood and sunset views at one of Panama City Beach’s waterfront restaurants.
Local Tips
✅ Check the beach flags before swimming. Gulf conditions can change, so always pay attention to the current flag system and local beach safety information.
✅ Visit St. Andrews State Park early. It’s one of the most beautiful places in PCB and gives you beaches, snorkeling, wildlife, trails and access to Shell Island all in one area
✅ Don’t stay in just one part of PCB. The beach stretches for 27 miles, and the west end, Pier Park area, central beach and Thomas Drive/St. Andrews areas all have a different feel.
✅ If you’re visiting in March, know the rules before you go. Alcohol is prohibited on the sandy beaches during March, and additional rules may apply during designated high-impact periods.
✅ Plan at least one day on the water. A dolphin cruise, Shell Island trip, snorkeling excursion or sunset cruise gives you an entirely different perspective of Panama City Beach.
Best Time to Visit
March through May and September through October are great times for warm beach weather with less peak-summer crowds.
How Long to Stay
3–5 days is perfect for enjoying the beach, Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park, Pier Park and water adventures without rushing.
Walkability
The city is spread along 27 miles of coastline, so a car is helpful. Areas around Pier Park and beachfront resorts are easy to explore on foot
Family Friendly
Panama City Beach is extremely family-friendly with beaches, pools, water sports, attractions and restaurants.
Pet Friendly
PCB has pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and outdoor spaces, plus a designated Dog Beach near Pier Park at beach accesses 56 and 57
Parking
Public beach parking is available throughout PCB. Major options with beach access include Pier Park and the Piers.
Average Daily Budget
Plan on approximately $200–$450+ per day for a mid-range PCB vacation, depending on your hotel, dining and activities.
Weather
Expect hot, humid summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer often brings afternoon showers and storms.
Top 4 PCB Hotel Suggestions
From beachfront resorts to family-friendly favorites, these are four of my favorite places to stay in Panama City Beach for location, amenities, and easy access to the Gulf.
BEST LOCATION
Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort
One of my favorites for being right across from the beach and next to Pier Park. You also get free made-to-order breakfast and evening reception.
BEACH FRONT RESORT
Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach
A true beachfront vacation resort with Gulf views, multiple pools, a lazy river, family activities, entertainment so no need to leave the property.
ALL SUITE HOTEL
SpringHill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront
A beautiful beachfront option with spacious suites, Gulf views, a resort-style pool and direct beach access. It’s a great resort atmosphere.
FAMILY FAVORITE
Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront
A modern beachfront hotel with direct Gulf access, a huge lagoon-style pool and lazy river, plus free breakfast. This is a good option for families.
BOOK THESE TOP-RATED PANAMA CITY BEACH EXPERIENCES
Shell Island
Sunset Cruises
Snokeling
Fishing
Dophin Tours
Water Sports
Best Food & Drink
1. Schooners
Known as the Last Local Beach Club, Schooners is a laid-back beachfront favorite for fresh seafood, cold drinks, live music and sunset views right on the sand.
5121 Gulf Drive, Panama City Beach
2. Runaway Island
A beachfront restaurant with incredible Gulf views, fresh seafood, indoor and outdoor dining and a huge deck that makes it especially good around sunset.
14521 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
3. Firefly
For a nicer night out, Firefly offers an upscale but relaxed atmosphere with steaks, seafood and creative dishes beneath its signature twinkling tree. The local tourism bureau highlights it among PCB’s standout dining experiences
535 N. Richard Jackson Blvd., Panama City Beach
4. Pineapple Willy’s
One of PCB’s most recognizable waterfront restaurants, with casual beach food, seafood, frozen drinks and its famous pier extending over the sand.
9875 S. Thomas Drive, Panama City Beach
What to Pack
From beach days and poolside essentials to travel favorites, discover the products we recommend to make your Florida vacation more comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable.
Beat The Florida Heat
Cooling towels, fans, water bottles, electrolyte packs and more.
Family Travel Favorites
Parent-approved travel products for kids, babies, and family trips.
Resort and Pool Must Haves
Everything for pool days, spa days, and relaxing Florida vacations.
Luxury Vacation Upgrades
Sometimes it’s the little upgrades that make a vacation feel truly luxurious.