Panama City, Florida sits along the Emerald Coast region, offering easy access to sugar-white sand beaches, clear Gulf water, and a wide variety of dining, shopping, and family-friendly attractions. This area is a great fit for guests who want classic beach days paired with plenty of options off the sand—whether that’s exploring local hotspots, planning a day on the water, or mixing in nearby coastal communities for a change of pace.
Beyond the shoreline, you’ll find a strong lineup of outdoor experiences—fishing charters, sunset cruises, and water sports—plus nature escapes when you want to slow things down. The region also stays lively throughout the year with seasonal markets, concerts, food festivals, and holiday celebrations, making it easy to build an itinerary that fits your group’s pace.
Things to See & Do:
• Beach & Water: Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, Lake Powell, Camp Helen State Park, St. Andrews Bay
-- A great mix of Gulf-front beach days, calm-water bay and lake time, and state-park scenery when you want a quieter shoreline.
• Museums & Culture: Man in the Sea Museum, Panama City Center for the Arts, Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida, Paul Brent Gallery
-- Easy ways to add a little culture to the itinerary—local history, rotating exhibits, and art-focused stops.
• Golf: Bay Point Golf Club, Signal Hill Golf Course, Holiday Golf Club, Hombre Golf Club
-- Several strong course options nearby, from casual rounds to a more “make a day of it” golf outing.
• Outdoor Adventure (Fishing, Hiking, Biking): Conservation Park trails, Russell-Fields Pier, fishing charters from Panama City Beach marinas, St. Andrews State Park trails, Camp Helen State Park trails
-- Perfect for pier fishing, shaded trail walks, and getting out on the water for fishing or dolphin cruises.
• Local Restaurants & Shopping: A mix of classic coastal seafood, casual spots for quick bites, and easy shopping hubs for everything from souvenirs to bigger retail runs.
Restaurants: Hunt’s Oyster Bar, Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill, Captain Anderson’s Restaurant, Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant, Runaway Island, Thomas Donut & Snack Shop
Shops: Pier Park (Ron Jon Surf Shop, Target, Dillard’s), Gulf Coast Town Center, Panama City Mall, local beach stores and outfitters
Popular Sites & Activities:
• Pier Park (shopping, dining, entertainment)
• Russell-Fields Pier (sunset walks and fishing)
• Conservation Park (hiking and nature trails)
• St. Andrews State Park (beach + nature)
• Scenic Highway 30A day trips (beach towns and coastal views)
Annual Festivals & Events:
• Seabreeze Jazz Festival (spring)
• Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (spring and fall)
• Pirates of the High Seas Fest (fall)
• Panama City area Oktoberfest events (fall)
• UNwineD (spring)
• South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival (Walton County, spring)
• 30A Songwriters Festival (Walton County/30A, winter)
• Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival (Walton County/30A, fall)
• Baytowne Wharf Wednesday Night Concert Series (Walton County/Sandestin area, seasonal)
• Holiday events and tree lightings (winter)
We provide a full list of Things to Do & See and local Restaurants & Shops to experience for our guests including in a personalized Guest Manual in your check-in details provided prior to your stay!