Panama City Beach is one of my favorite places to vacation. I just finished my fourth trip there, and I know there are many more trips to come in my future. Travis’ parents have been visiting PCB, Florida, for years and years. They couldn’t even tell me how many years they’ve been there. It’s become tradition for his family to get together there every year. With their help, I’ve made this list of things to do in Panama City Beach, as well as a list of great restaurants to try during your visit. Trying new restaurants is one my favorite parts of going on vacation!
Things to Do in PCB
Go parasailing.
Rent jet skis.
Dare to board the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise.
Play miniature golf.
Lay out and tan.
Build a sandcastle.
Go shopping at Pier Park.
Try the Sea Screamer sightseeing cruise.
Visit Wonderworks — a 4-story interactive lab house.
Walk the pier at Pier Park.
Go on a deep sea fishing trip.
Visit the animals at Zoo World.
Go swimming.
Go paddleboarding.
Get a henna tattoo.
Visit the “Nothing Over a Dollar” store.
Go to the arcade.
Check out Race City Amusement Park.
Visit the carnival.
Visit Shipwreck Island Water Park.
Take an airboat out to see alligators.
Go snorkeling.
Rent a scooter or electric car for the day.
Go on a dolphin tour.
Visit Shell Island.
Try scuba diving.
Get lost in the Gran Maze, an outdoor human maze the size of a football field.
Swim with dolphins at Gulf World.
Take a helicopter tour.
Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum.
Play games at Dave & Buster’s.
Take a walk along the beach.
Restaurants to Try in Panama City Beach
There are tons and tons of great restaurants in PCB, so this is just a list of the ones I’ve personally tried and loved. I’m sure I’ll add to this list in years to come!
Margartiaville — I loved the fish tacos, and the atmosphere. The nachos appetizer is huge!
Boon Docks Restaurant — We go here every single year. It’s tradition, and a good one because they have some great food.
Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant — Travis and I usually go on a date night to this restaurant. It’s a bit more fancy, and the food is just so good! Try the clam chowder. Oh, and the fried grouper!
Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar — I’ve been to several ice cream spots in PCB, but this one is by far my favorite. They have so many neat flavors to try. My favorite is the Cookie Monster! Good luck deciding on just one — they have over 40 flavors!
Salty Sue’s Seafood, Oysters, Steak & BBQ Restaurant — Best. Fried. Pickles. They have other good food too, but those pickles are definitely what keeps me going back!
J. Michael’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar — No matter how many times you go or how long you stay, you’ll probably always spot something else interesting on the walls in this local-favorite. I loved the shrimp and pasta!
Runaway Island — Sit outside during sunset. Thank me later.
Rum Runners — Great for a night out with friends. This place has good food, good drinks, and good music.
Dirty Dick’s Crab House — If you love snow crab legs as much as me, you’ll want to check this place out!
Are there other things you like to do in Panama City Beach or maybe a favorite restaurant we should try? Leave a comment and let us know.
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I like Panama City Beach, but I haven’t been in years…. It’s hard to visit a destination when it turns into a party town all spring and summer!
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Yes, I could see that. But we still love it, and we know which condos/hotels to stay away from!
Really? Do tell! We’re planning a trip for next summer. Lookig at a house in the Sunnyside area (never been to PCB area at all). Is this a good area for families with kids?
I’ve been in the summer and fall and loved it both seasons. I would recommend trying to stay away from spring break weeks, but otherwise this is a great place for families with kids!
Sunnyside is very family friendly! And since you are looking at a house and not a high rise condo the beach shouldn’t be that crowded!
Thanks for the recommendation Christie!
Which ones are bad?? We are planning our second trip there. We stayed at Seachase last year and it was really cheap for 6 nights compared to the hotel we were going to stay at.
We stay at Celadon, which is at the far end of “The Strip” (last high-rise). Very quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of Thomas Drive. The condos next door (Splash) have slides and stuff for kids. About 2.5 miles past Pier Park.
You are terribly misinformed. This year with the enactment of new laws for Spring Break it was peaceful and calm. During the summer months we have families. I have never seen them behaving any differently than they do everywhere else. I not only visit but I own a condo in PCB and am there about every two weeks. You are cheating yourself and your family.
We vacationed there a few weeks ago and loved it! I love the gulf coast so much! Our condo was right by Runaway Island and we ate there twice! Their pina coladas are to die for! Ha!
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I saw that! It made me so excited for our trip!
Great advice! Thanks for adding to the discussion.Thanks for putting this together! It looks very cool so far. I’ll be checking back to see the full plans.
I’m currently planning a trip for 6 adults and 4 kids. Where are some of the best places to stay? Thanks in advance!
How fun! We don’t have a specific condo we stay at. We switch it up almost every year — really, whatever we can find that’s right on the beach, cheapest, and will hold everyone.
You should try Venture Out for a big group! You can rent a three bedroom house as cheaply as a condo. There are lots of things to do on site, and it is a true safe, gated community where the security people patrol and check each car coming in. There are two pools, free mini golf, tennis, shuffleboard, a fishing pier, and each condo usually has games, toys, bicycles, beach stuff for your use. They also usually come with golf carts for getting around. Kitchens and laundry in the houses save you money, plus there are nice, private showers at the bath houses if you want to all shower at once,
Splash Condos have a big indoor/outdoor pool area. Really, any of the condo complexes are great. A lot depends on what you are looking for. If you want a quieter area you need to stay on the East End.
Thanks for the tips Carol!
we are coming to PCB for a dance competition this summer and would love to hear your thoughts on places to stay- we will be at the convention center in panama- thanks!!
We stay at different places every time, so I don’t have any suggestions. We’ve loved everywhere we’ve ever stayed. Good luck in your competition!
I am planning to go Panama City Beach, Florida and i can also book condo panama city beach, that is suggested by my friend. It is very beautiful and amazing destination or location for visiting. Thanks for sharing this useful and awesome information for all travelling lovers. It is very useful and nice post.
Now I’m considering this for a vacation this summer. Can’t decide where to go in Florida! Just know I want a great beach!
We will probably be there the first week of July! 🙂
Panama City Beach is absolutely beautiful and a great place to have fun with the family! The panhandle of Florida has so much to offer everyone, whether it be the gorgeous beaches or fun attractions! It sounds like you really know the area!
Each year I learn more about it Morgan. We are heading there again this summer, and I can’t wait!
I absolutely love visiting panama city! I think going snorkeling and the dolphin tours were along my favorite! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds fun!