Here are the top things to do in Panama City Beach, all near your Emerald Coast vacation rental!
Along with Panama City Beach’s must-visit attractions, the way to make the best of your visit to this Florida gem is by exploring its hidden gems. A mix of the popular options and under-the-radar spots is what will truly make your visit memorable.
Planning a visit soon? In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the top things attractions and hidden gems in Panama City Beach so that you can build your itinerary with the best the city has to offer.
Before we start, a little about us…
At Emerald Coast Retreat, our love for Panama City Beach is translated into our commitment to crafting unparalleled Emerald Coast vacation rentals for our guests. We offer a curated selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.
And if we may say so, we’re experts in all things Panama City Beach. In our destination blog, we’ve covered everything from nightlife gems to where to find pickleball courts, with more posts always on the way to make your vacation even better. So stay tuned!
Let’s dive into it!
Top Emerald Coast Attractions
White-Sand Beaches
Panama City Beach is famous for its 27 miles of stunning white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico—the main attraction that draws countless visitors each year. The city’s shores are the heart and soul of PCB, offering people of all ages a chance to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, scenic beauty, and lively coastal vibes in certain areas.
These stretches of sand and crystal-clear waters are perfect for a wide range of water-based activities, including jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, kiteboarding, and banana boating.
Below, we’ve highlighted the most popular beaches in PCB:
- Pier Park Beach: Located near the bustling Pier Park, this beach is renowned for its soft, sugar-white sand and turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for beachgoers who enjoy a lively atmosphere with convenient access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- St. Andrews State Park: This state park is one of the area’s most picturesque natural attractions, known for its pristine beaches, unique coastal ecosystems, and diverse recreational opportunities. Beyond its uncrowded 1.5 miles of white-sand beaches you can explore the park’s trails, which wind through dunes, coastal scrub, and marshes and are home to captivating wildlife such as migratory birds, sea turtles, raccoons, and even deer.
- Laguna Beach: Located west of Pier Park, Laguna Beach offers a quieter option for beachgoers. This area is home to vacation rentals with fewer high-rise buildings and it boasts a relaxed vibe. With several public access points to the turquoise waters and powdery white sands, Laguna Beach provides the perfect setting to find a secluded spot and enjoy the best of Panama City Beach away from the larger tourist crowds.
- Rick Seltzer Park: Located on Thomas Drive, this public park is a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a less crowded, well-maintained area to enjoy the beach. Amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas with pavilions. The calm, shallow waters make the beach in front of the park ideal for families with children, perfect for swimming and wading.
Pier Park
Pier Park is a vibrant outdoor shopping and entertainment complex located just steps from the beautiful Gulf Coast, features over 120 stores, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in Panama City Beach.
Highlights include a variety of shopping options, with popular favorites like American Eagle Outfitters, Old Navy, LOFT, Dillard’s, and JCPenney, For family fun, entertainment spots such as the Grand IMAX Theater for movies, Dave & Buster’s for arcade games, and the Emerald Coast Mirror Maze and Laser Tag offer hours of excitement. Dining options are plentiful, making it easy to satisfy any craving. Pier Park is also known for its regular events and seasonal festivals, including the Mardi Gras & Music Festival, Christmas Parade, and New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop.
SkyWheel Panama City Beach
We’ve already mentioned much of the fun to be found at Pier Park, but one attraction in PCB’s entertainment area deserves a special shout-out. The SkyWheel Panama City Beach is an iconic Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast from nearly 200 feet up. In addition to panoramic beach and sunset views, the SkyWheel complex includes other entertainment options, such as mini-golf and the SkyTrail Ropes Course.
To make the most of your ride, consider taking a flight on the SkyWheel Panama City Beach VIP Gondola for an elevated experience. Another unique option they offer is a special gender reveal experience. By custom lighting the SkyWheel in pink or blue (or both, for twins), you can discover the gender of your soon-to-be-born in an unforgettable way.
Conservation Park
Conservation Park is a 2,900-acre natural haven offering a tranquil escape filled with trails, wetlands, and diverse ecosystems. Established to protect local habitats and serve as a water reclamation area, the park has become a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers alike.
Explore its 24 miles of trails, perfect for hiking and biking, with boardwalks winding through wetlands and cypress trees for a fully immersive experience. Along the way, keep an eye out for native birds and turtles. Maps and trail markers guide visitors, while the park’s entrance provides information on local flora and fauna, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit.
Dining With a View
Exploring the flavors along the Emerald Coast is always a true pleasure, particularly when it comes with spectacular views of the Gulf’s sparkling waters. Panama City Beach is home to fantastic seaside restaurants that offer mouthwatering dishes, fresh Gulf seafood, refreshing drinks, and a relaxing scenic ambiance. Savoring coastal flavors while watching the clear waters and feeling the salty breeze is a must-do experience in PCB.
For a fantastic dining experience, some of our favorite, must-visit spots in town are The Grand Marlin, Pineapple Willy’s, Capt. Anderson’s, Off the Hook Bar and Grill, Under The Boardwalk Bar & Grill, Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant, and Runaway Island Beach Bar and Grill—each offering mouthwatering cuisine paired with incredible views.
Dolphin Tours
One of the most memorable experiences in Panama City Beach is taking a Dolphin Cruise. Several tour operators offer dolphin-watching cruises that take you into the Gulf’s gentle waters to witness the playful and intelligent bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Knowledgeable guides provide insight into the behaviors and characteristics of these enchanting creatures while ensuring minimal impact on their environment.
Some of the top-rated tour operators include Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, Island Time Sailing, Blue Dolphin Tours, Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruises, and Salty Fins Dolphin & Snorkeling Tours. For an unforgettable experience, consider a sunset dolphin cruise, where you can not only see these captivating creatures but also enjoy a stunning sunset from a unique perspective.
Hidden Gems near Emerald Coast Vacation Rentals
Little Village
Located in the heart of historic St. Andrews, Little Village is a unique blend of charming boutiques, dining spots, and entertainment. Known for its relaxed, community-centered vibe, this lakeside venue offers a curated selection of fair-trade clothing, jewelry, and art sourced from both local and global artisans. The open-air space, adorned with vibrant decor, flower beds, and cozy seating areas, provides a wonderful alternative for enjoying the outdoors in a less-touristy setting.
Little Village is also celebrated for its community events. On Thursdays, they host game nights and live music sessions that showcase local talent across a variety of genres.
Shell Island
From St. Andrews State Park, you can take a shuttle or rent a boat to nearby Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island perfect for a secluded beach experience.
With seven miles of untouched coastline, the island is a popular spot for shell hunting, dolphin sightings, snorkeling, and picnics. The beaches on Shell Island are some of the most beautiful in the region, featuring powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. The lack of commercial development keeps the beaches uncrowded, allowing you to feel as if you’re in a private paradise.
Duplin Winery
Duplin Winery offers a unique Southern winery experience infused with charm and entertainment. Located at the former Hombre Golf Club site, this off-the-beaten-path attraction is the third and largest location of the family-owned Duplin Winery.
Wine lovers can enjoy the winery’s famous Muscadine wines through tastings, food pairings, and a variety of interactive activities in a beautifully designed space that includes an elegant rustic pavilion and lakefront views. The winery also features a Sweetzer wine slushie bar with flavors like Raspberry Mango and a fudge bar stocked with assorted sweets.
Todd Herendeen Theatre
The Todd Herendeen Theatre is a dinner and show experience featuring performances by Todd Allen Herendeen and his “Follow That Dream” (FTD) band. Known for its Branson-style entertainment, the theater showcases a variety of shows inspired by classic rock, country, and gospel music, with Todd Herendeen performing memorable tributes to legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison.
Each ticket includes a complimentary dinner served before the show, adding to the theater’s appeal as an all-in-one evening experience. In addition to classic tribute shows, the theater also hosts Southern gospel concerts, bringing in a blend of music that appeals to a broad audience.
Where to Stay in Panama City Beach?
Nestled along the pristine shores of Panama City Beach, we take pride in curating unforgettable vacation experiences for every guest.As a premier provider of PCB vacation rentals, Emerald Coast Retreats offers a handpicked selection of properties, ranging from beachfront condos to spacious rental homes, each meticulously designed to provide the utmost convenience and comfort for your stay.
Our local team is committed to ensuring that your escape to the Emerald Coast is nothing short of extraordinary.
