5 Ways to Enjoy Your Panama City Beach Vacation

5 Ways to Enjoy Your Panama City Beach Vacation

There are so many vacation destinations in Florida that travelers can easily skip popular destinations and opt for less crowded ones for a fraction of the price. Panama City Beach is a laid-back coastal city that’s perfect for all types of travelers. Once you’ve booked your Panama City Beach hotel, check out my list of ways to enjoy your vacation.

Soak Up the Sun on White Sand Beaches

Panama City boasts over 27 miles of beaches for visitors to choose from, and each offers something different for travelers. Shell Island is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and animal lovers will enjoy finding ghost crabs and other native Floridian creatures here. Shell Island’s inland lake is also home to several endangered species, like Choctawhatchee Beach mice and green sea turtles.

Travelers visiting Shell Island must take a shuttle from St. Andrews State Park. Take everything you need with you when you visit, since there aren’t restrooms, food stands, or trash bins on the island. 

Camp, Explore, and More at St. Andrews State Park

One of the most visited and most popular state parks in Florida is St. Andrews State Park. This spot is perfect for campers, with over 176 electric campsites. You can take a tent or go with an RV up to 40 feet. Explore the trails to see local wildlife, including alligators. The general store offers bike, kayak, and canoe rentals for visitors looking to explore the preserve. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and scuba diving at the park. St. Andrews State Park is only open to campers after dark, so plan accordingly.

Fun Attractions for All Ages

Once you’re explored the beach or spent the day at the park, check out some of the local attractions for all ages in Panama City Beach. Families can spend the day learning and having fun at attractions like WonderWorks and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Bubble Loco Fight Club costs $5 per person, and it’s a unique way to have fun. Dave & Buster’s allows you to eat and play under the same roof.

Shop to Your Heart’s Content

No vacation is complete without some retail therapy. Panama City Beach offers unique boutiques, shopping malls, and more. Pier Park is a colorful open-air shopping mall, featuring all of your favorite big-name national chains, along with mom-and-pop shops. You can find handmade pieces to remind you of your vacation or just grab key essentials, all in the same place. Beach House Market is a smaller option with about 20 shops under one roof.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Some of the best eating establishments in Panama City Beach aren’t even restaurants. The local seafood markets feature the freshest catches of the day prepared steamed, seasoned, and ready for your plate. Anderson’s Seafood Market is a local favorite and is known for the best tasting shrimp. Beachside Deli at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort offers amazing beach views and allows guests to enjoy their meals in their bathing suits. If you’re looking for something other than seafood, Angelo’s Steak Pit is the perfect choice.

Regardless of when you travel to Panama City Beach, you’re in for a memorable vacation.