Located within the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach–often referred to simply as “PCB”–is known for its 27-miles of white sandy beaches stretched along the Gulf’s turquoise waters. Actually making up one end of The Emerald Coast, Panama City Beach is as picture-perfect as it is an iconic Florida vacation destination. An ideal choice for families, couples, and friends looking for a classic beach getaway, PCB’s collection of coastal neighborhoods, beaches, and natural preserves and parks offer classic pier-side attractions, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunity for outdoor exploration.
What was once a sleepy coastline, the area’s beautiful beaches and early resorts began attracting visitors in the 1930s. Steadily growing into the tourism hub we know it as today, the boom of hotels and the ultimate incorporation of the city itself allowed more visitors to chase after much-needed rest and relaxation, as well as a heavy dose of fun in the Florida sun. Today, Panama City Beach welcomes about 4.5 million visitors to its shores every year, and while there is plenty to see and do while you’re in town, the common denominator that keeps drawing in tourists is the beach!
Panama City Beach has nearly continuous 27 miles of gorgeous, white sand that people travel hundreds to thousands of miles for. As beautiful as a destination’s beaches are, it means nothing if they’re mostly closed off to guests–but not in PCB! There are almost 100 public beach accesses throughout the 27-mile span, allowing visitors plenty of chances to easily reach the shimmering Gulf waters and spread out a bit better than other destinations.
In addition to public beach accesses, Panama City Beach has several piers that are popular for fishing or simply strolling down, which are great for observing wildlife, catching sunsets, or if you just want to stretch your legs. Arguably the most popular pier is the Russell-Fields City Pier due to its proximity to Pier Park, a large outdoor entertainment, shopping, and dining complex where you’re sure to find both local and nationally-known shops and restaurants, as well as the area’s 200-foot-tall, PCB Wheel. Other popular piers are the M.B. Miller County Pier and the St. Andrews State Park Pier.
While many come for the beach, the natural side of Panama City Beach is what truly surprises visitors and keeps them returning for years to come. St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre coastal preserve sitting between the Gulf and St. Andrew Bay that offers a totally different pace for travelers, allowing them to explore hiking trails, view wildlife, and much more. Its miles of undeveloped shoreline make it a perfect place to kayak, snorkel, scuba…the list goes on and on–enough for its very own travel guide!
Located within St. Andrews State Park is Shell Island, a 7-mile-long barrier island that visitors can reach by ferry. A popular in-season stop, Shell Island is completely undeveloped (meaning no restrooms, shade, or food, so plan accordingly) and provides visitors with a natural setting to swim, snorkel, and observe the abundant amount of wildlife there.
Sitting at the other end of Panama City Beach is Camp Helen State Park. Visitors can visit this 180-acre park during the day, where they can swim, beach comb, hike, and fish in both saltwater and freshwater sources. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities, as exploring Florida’s largest coastal dune lake is a must! Panama City Beach Conservation Park is another great natural space where there are 24-miles of trails and over a mile of boardwalks perfect for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers–a perfect way to add a quieter, scenic side to your beach vacation.
Out on the water, Panama City Beach is built for adventure. Visitors can choose from a wide range of watersports, including jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Boat tours are especially popular, offering opportunities to cruise along the coast, spot dolphins, or even venture out to nearby barrier islands.
PCB is also known as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Southeast. Often called the “Wreck Capital of the South,” the area has over 50 dive sites, including artificial reefs and shipwrecks just offshore, attracting divers of all experience levels. In addition to the abundance of dive sites, the Gulf’s clear waters and diverse marine life make every dive unique and memorable. Interested in diving history? Make sure to add the Man in the Sea Museum as a stop on your trip’s itinerary!
A favorite for families thanks to its wide variety of attractions beyond the shoreline, Panama City Beach is chock-full of things to do to keep the whole group having fun. Cool off at the Shipwreck Island Waterpark, challenge your friends and family to a game of mini-golf or laser tag, or even catch a dinner show at Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage. From local amusement spots for coaster rides and other fun activities, to well-known experiences like Top Golf and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, there is always something to do in PCB!
Panama City Beach is considered a year-round destination, but the spring and early summer bring not only that beautiful, warmer weather that everyone is after, but the lively energy as well. Considered to be the most popular time for travelers eager to enjoy the beach and being out on the water, spring and summer are when the Gulf becomes especially inviting.
PCB is one of the most popular spots for college students on spring break, and while families can definitely take advantage of their own school schedules, summer is normally the best time to visit. Mid-to-late summer offers the full, classic beach vacation experience, with hot, sunny days perfect for long stretches on the sand and time out on the water.
For a more relaxed pace, consider visiting in the fall. Sure, this season falls within the hurricane season, but visitors will enjoy slightly cooler temperatures along with fewer crowds and potentially cheaper accommodations.
Winter is the quietest season for its mild weather and laid-back vibe. If you’re looking to simply walk the beach, explore the outdoors, and enjoy the destination without the crowds, winter might just be for you!
Panama City Beach has an array of accommodation types that will fit every group. From beachfront resorts with direct access to the beach to spacious condos perfect for families and groups, there are options to match every style of getaway. Decide to stay along the Gulf to wake up with sweeping water views, or plan on taking advantage of the added convenience and walkability of properties closer to shopping and entertainment hubs.
Palmera Vacation Club members have the incredible opportunity to not only book stays back to beautiful Hilton Head Island, but to plan vacations around the world with Palmera’s 6 Ways to Travel. Having both the RCI Exchange and Quest Travel Club tools are game changers when planning future getaways, and you’ll have the opportunity to either use your vacation club points or cash to book.
We’ve included a few examples of where you can stay using either of these tools below:
