Visitors to Panama City Beach generally come for one thing: to have the best beach vacation ever. With legendary warm emerald waters, white sand, 320 days of sunshine every year, and that famous southern hospitality, what’s not to love? Once known as a popular spot for college spring break, Panama City Beach has entirely shed this image through policies like banning drinking on the beach and similar efforts. Now, the uber family-friendly destination is a peaceful seaside destination.
Visiting beaches is by far the most popular thing to do in Panama City Beach and with 27 miles of white sand and tropical water, it’s clear to see why! With 100 public access point to the beach, you’ll have plenty of beaches to choose from in Panama City Beach.
The great thing about the Florida Panhandle? So many wonderful state parks to enjoy the unique Florida outdoor landscape. Walk among palmetto trees, past salty marshes and beach dunes for fun explorations where kids may spot wildlife.
From a summer jazz festival to an epic New Year’s Eve with a beach ball drop to a Jeep Beach Jam, there’s always something exciting happening in this neck of the woods.
Panama City Beach is still a less discovered area where families can be charmed by the colorful beachfront properties, funky surf shops and delicious comfort foods that make the south famous.
Located in Florida’s panhandle, Panama City Beach is a coastal city situated perfectly on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. With islands for exploring, gorgeous state parks, and fun parks for kids, no one in the family will be bored here— unless just lounging on the beach is what you’re in the market for. In which, case it offers plenty for that too.
The ultra clear waters and soft white sand make the beaches of Panama City Beach tough to beat. One of the best for families is Laguna Beach. This quiet, local beach has an additional draw kids will love: Thomas Donut and Snack Shop just across the street. Grab your fresh donuts in the morning, walk across the street and eat them at the beach. Mmm!
Hop aboard a boat and take a short ride over to uncrowded and quiet Shell Island. At this 7-mile long undeveloped barrier island you’ll find sand dunes, coastal scrub forest, pine hammocks, and an inland lake. It’s Florida at it’s most natural, which equals breathtaking beauty. Look out for incredible wildlife such as deer, sea turtles and dolphins.
The pristine coastline of St Andrews with its translucent waters and snow white sand is even more incredible with the shade offered by the pinewoods! This beach is divided into two areas, a larger beach and a smaller beach with shallow, calm waters blocked by a jetty. Fishing, kayaking and snorkeling are all perfect activities for St. Andrews or take the shuttle to Shell Island.
Hit up this huge complex for all your family shopping and dining needs. Kids will love Toy Kingdom, Dave and Busters, Pier Park Amusement rides, Pirate’s Quest Laser Tag, and Popcorn Kingdom while parents can enjoy the local restaurants serving craft brews.
Once private residences for an old textile mill company, Camp Helen State Park is now a wonderful place for swimming, beach combing, bird watching, nature study, hiking and biking on the trails, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Most of those buildings have now been restored and history tours are given on the first Saturday of the month at 10 am.
The closest airport is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. You can also drive from Jacksonville, Birmingham and Tampa. There are taxis all over Panama City Beach and many of the attractions are within walking distance, but renting a car is advisable for getting the most of all the city has to offer.
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