Florida’s panhandle is home to just about everything this side of Disney World, from beautiful beaches to historic forts to aquatic life to go-kart racing. But there’s nothing like visiting a place to see it for yourself. So, when in Panama City, you can’t miss its most iconic sites on a guided tour. which is why we have decided to list out the top ten things to do in Panama City Florida
To start, the 30-minute city tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city, as well as its history. Kids will love the wildlife tour, which takes you to some of the area’s most popular attractions, including the St. Andrews State Park and the Gulf World Marine Park. Panama City sits on the western shore of the panhandle of Florida.
The city was first planned in 1953 and grew rapidly throughout the 1960s. In recent years, the city’s population has been in decline, though that trend appears to be turning around. The city has a beautiful beach, a mix of high-rise hotels and beach houses, and a historic downtown with a quaint boardwalk.
The City is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, with hundreds of thousands of people descending into the city every year. So, what are the best things to do there? Panama City Florida is a great place to visit if you have never been there before. There are so many things to do, and so much to see that you would have a very difficult time trying to do and see it all.
If you are planning on going to Panama City Florida for the first time, then you have to read this article. We are going to talk about the best things to do in Panama City Florida. We are going to tell you what you should try to see, and what you should try to do while you are there.Here are just a few things to do, that are sure to make your visit to Panama City one to remember.
1. Hit The Panama City Beaches
In the sweltering heat of summer, the beach is the place to be. Tourists and locals flock to the beaches, causing lines at the ice cream stands and traffic jams on the highways. But the Panama City beaches are more than just a place to cool off. If you want to make the most out of your beach vacation, you should consider joining an active tour group. Not only will you explore the city, but you will also get a taste of the beach lifestyle.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of the best tours you can take.The most important reason to take a vacation in Panama City Florida is to have fun. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the beach, try some water sports, or have some fun in the sun, there is something for everyone.
Beaches around Panama City have been a place for relaxation and recreation since the beginning of time. Strolling along the sand in the summer. If you’re visiting Panama City, Florida, you can’t miss the beach. Close to 150 miles of coastline are available to explore, and each beach is different. Some of the beaches are made of white-sand, while others are made of black-sand.
As you can guess, the black-sand beaches carry a lot of minerals in the sand. If you’re looking for a beach that is easy to walk on, then you might want to stay away from the black-sand beaches. The white-sand beaches are pretty standard and the best to be on.
2. Panama City Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is an affordable park for all ages to enjoy. It is located at the corner of Lyons Rd and NW 136th Ave. The Coconut Creek Family Fun Park is a small theme park in Panama City that has been there since the early ’80s. It has a pretty nice selection of rides and the people absolutely love it because it is very affordable and inexpensive and is a great place to have some fun.
It is great for kids and has lots of kiddie rides options, and other rides for the older ones. The park is a great place for a family day out, or for friends to hang out. It is a great amusement park for families and it is open seasonally from February to November, with a Halloween-themed event held on selected dates in October.
It also boasts 30 rides, both old standbys, and new thrill-seeking options. The new rides range from a high-speed roller coaster to a treehouse-themed area for the kiddos. While the rides tend to be the main attraction, the park is also home to an arcade and a buffet-style restaurant.
3. Take a Boat Cruise to Shell Island
Shell Island Tours are a great way to see a little of the Panama City, Florida area. As the name implies, the island is made almost entirely of shells. The island is actually a vast shell mound left by the Calusa Indians. Shell Island Tours leave from the Panama City Marina and are a 3.5 hour trip to the island and a 4-hour trip back to the dock.
The tours include a narrated tour of the island, a delicious picnic lunch, and time to explore the island on your own. There will also be a short history of the island and its flora and fauna. The best way to get from Panama City to Shell Island is by boat.
You can take a ferry to the island from a dock on the channel at the south end of the Panama City Marina; the same dock where some of the cruise ships dock.
4. Camp at St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in Panama City, Florida. There are many interesting things to do here, so you’ll never run out of fun things to do. From learning about the area’s history to hiking right off of the beach, St. Andrews State Park has much to offer.
One of the most interesting activities at St. Andrews State Park is learning about the area’s rich history. There is a museum here, and it has many exhibits that explain the time before European settlers found the area. You can learn about the indigenous tribes that once called this part of Florida home.
5. Enjoy the Best of Panama City Pier Park
Pier Park is Panama City Florida’s only waterfront shopping mall, and it is home to a variety of restaurants, entertainment options, and the area’s only IMAX theater. It opened in 1986 and has been a tourist destination ever since.
The mall has more than 60 shops and restaurants, including an arcade, a movie theater, and two places to shop for surf gear. It is located between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay, and it features a variety of events throughout the year. It is home to the “World’s Largest Lobster Pot” and a restaurant that serves Cajun-style seafood and steaks.
Whether you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, or simply want to soak up some sun with the family, Pier Park in Panama City Beach, Florida makes for a great day trip. Stretching for an impressive mile along the shores of beautiful Panama City Beach, The Pier park is more than just its Large shopping mall but also has a little something for everyone.
Banana Boat Ride: one of the highlights is an 80′ tall tower that lets you take in the views of the beach, blue water, and nearby city skyscrapers, all at once. A short walk from the tower will take you to the Banana Boat Ride, where the giant yellow fruit takes you on a ride over the water. You can also rent a fancy Sea screamer.
6. Sunset Cruises in Panama City Florida
You can’t beat a view of the sunset on the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But watching it from a boat is even better. Luckily, you don’t have to sail far to enjoy the view. The Sunset Cruise on the WaveRunner takes you on a beautiful cruise around the northern end of St. Andrews Bay on a WaveRunner, providing a full view of the sunset as you enjoy the warm breeze of the Gulf.
The best sunsets in Panama City Beach are best viewed from a boat. Before you head to the beach, consider booking a sunset cruise, which allows you to enjoy both a beautiful view of the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico and a meal or drinks. While the city has plenty of restaurants with waterfront views, nothing beats the romance and adventure of a sunset cruise.
Some cruises feature a light dinner with snacks and drinks; others might have a full dinner with a steak, lobster, or other meat entrees.
7. Gulf World Marine Park
The Gulf World Marine Park is a three-story aquarium in Panama City Beach, Florida. The park is home to dolphins, sea lions, manatees, tropical birds, and other marine life. It’s also home to a collection of world-class exhibits and shows.
Two exhibits, the “Islands of Aloha” and the “Tropical Rain Forest” are both great places to visit if you love animals, and both are new since the previous year. For guests that love the water, the “Tidal Touch Tank” is a must, and for those that love the thrill of being under the water, you can always take a submarine ride.
If you are planning a trip to the Panama City Florida area, then you should be sure to include a visit to Gulf World Marine Park on your itinerary. This educational marine life park has been a family favorite for years, and is the perfect way to get up close to some of the world’s most exotic creatures (many of which are endangered).
8. Experience the wildlife in Conservation Park
A trip to the Conservation Park of Panama City Beach, Florida is a must-do for anyone who enjoys water parks, amusement parks, great food, and a great time. What started out as a popular vacation spot for senior citizens has transformed into a hot spot for families of all kinds, as well as a haven for spring breakers and adventure seekers.
Here is a brief overview of what makes this destination so special, and what you can expect to see on your next trip.Conservation Park is an urban wildlife sanctuary where visitors can learn about animals they may be unfamiliar with. Visitors can interact with these animals in the park’s wildlife center, enjoy guided tours, and learn about animals and how they can help with conservation efforts.
It is a 120-acre wildlife refuge that is home to a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. Located on the West End of Panama City Beach, it provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, gopher tortoises, Alligators, herons, hummingbirds, and songbirds.
The park is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset and is made accessible by the Emerald Coast Conservation Authority.
9. Panama City Beach Winery
The Oceanfront Panama City Beach Winery is a large, beautiful, and modern building that was specifically designed to accommodate large crowds of wine lovers as well as provide them with a memorable wine tasting experience. You can walk the grounds of the winery to admire the grapevines and rows of grapes that grow year-round.
The interior of the winery is equally impressive, with a large bar in the tasting room that features a sleek, black granite top with embedded light-blue glass to look like the ocean on a sunny day.
10. Enjoy your rides at Shipwreck Island Waterpark
It’s no secret that water parks are some of the best places to cool off on a hot day, and Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Panama City Beach, Florida is one of those great places that combines rides with a tropical beach feel.
You can get your day started off with some thrill rides with the “Tsunami” ride, which takes you up a 45-foot tower, then drops you down at a quick speed. It is always a blast!The water park opened in 1986 and has been a source of fun for residents of Panama City Beach for years.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a family-owned and operated water park that is one of the best in Panama City. With slides for all ages, a lazy river, and a wave pool, Shipwreck Island is a great place for a fun day at the beach.
Conclusion
Panama City is one of the top beach destinations in not just Florida but in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. From the boardwalk that stretches for miles along the sparkling Gulf of Mexico to the secluded coves, private islands, and parks, this charming town boasts white sand beaches, plenty of water adventures, and a year-round mild climate.
However, to maximize your vacation in Panama City Beach, you should choose a place to stay that is within walking distance of attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.