Panama City Beach Panhandle
Panama City Beach is a bright, family-friendly Gulf Coast destination known for wide white-sand beaches, gentle waves, and plenty of room to play, swim, and relax together.
Why families love it
Panama City Beach blends wide Gulf-front shoreline with family attractions, waterfront dining, and easy access to state parks, piers, and scenic stretches of the Emerald Coast.
Known for sugar-white sand, St. Andrews State Park, and a long history as a laid-back Gulf getaway.
Popular places to explore
Visitors often start with Russell-Fields Pier for Gulf views and fishing, then head to Pier Park for shopping, dining, and family entertainment. St. Andrews State Park is a favorite for swimming, snorkeling, short nature walks, and spotting wildlife along the water.
Things to do
- Spend a beach day swimming, shell hunting, and building sandcastles along the wide shoreline.
- Walk or fish from Russell-Fields Pier and watch for dolphins in the surf.
- Explore St. Andrews State Park for calmer water, nature trails, and boat access.
- Visit Pier Park for restaurants, sweet treats, shopping, and evening entertainment.
- Book a dolphin cruise, paddleboarding outing, or family-friendly boat tour on the Gulf.
A little local history
Panama City Beach grew from a quiet stretch of Gulf shoreline into one of the Panhandle’s best-known vacation destinations. Over time, improved road access, fishing culture, and family tourism helped shape the area into a classic Florida beach town with a mix of natural beauty and easygoing attractions.
Beach weather links
Check the latest conditions for Panama City Beach: Current Weather · Surf Report · Wind · Water Temperature