Panama City Beach offers 27 miles of sandy beach, nature trails, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities. For planning, it is worth considering these separately: beach access points, trails through cypress domes, and a museum with a history of diving each offer a different way to spend your time. First, consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay; this will help you prioritize activities according to your interests.
Beach Access Points and Coastal Activities
Panama City Beach has almost 100 beach access points. The city maintains the access points from number 24 through 76B. Bike racks are available at select access points: 26, 34, 45, 47, 58, 65, and 76A. If you want to bike to the beach, you can compare the access point numbers with the listed rack locations. Municipal maintenance coverage and locations may change; check the latest information before your visit. Kayaking is also among the coastal activities. If you plan to go, find out about providers and launch conditions in advance.
Trails, Boardwalks, and Nature
Panama City Beach Conservation Park is a 2,900-acre protected area. More than 24 miles of trails wind through cypress domes, and there are also boardwalks more than a mile long. The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. As operating rules and trail infrastructure may change, it is a good idea to check the latest rules before your visit. The long trails and boardwalks offer different ways to explore the protected area. St. Andrews State Park also offers hiking opportunities.
SeaLab and the History of Diving
At the Man in the Sea Museum, the restored SeaLab focuses on the history of experimental underwater habitats. It was the first experimental underwater habitat developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1960s. The museum also shows a 40-minute documentary about diving and SeaLab. The habitat and the film explore the same subject in different ways: one is a restored underwater habitat, while the other is a longer cinematic exploration of diving and SeaLab. Visitors interested in the history of diving can make this a specific part of their travel plans.
Views, Pier, and Entertainment
The PCB Wheel offers bird’s-eye views of Panama City Beach from air-conditioned gondolas. Check the latest operating and access information before your trip. Russell-Fields Pier is more than 1,500 feet long; its infrastructure may change due to repairs or renovations, so it is helpful to check its current status before visiting. Pier Park is an open-air complex near the beach with 124 shops, dining options, and a variety of entertainment. Individual businesses and attractions may change. These offerings provide different experiences: views from a gondola, a long pier, or a complex with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Plan Your Stay
Next, check the location of the hotels you are considering in relation to the activities you want to visit.
Explore more destinations: Sunnyside, Upper Grand Lagoon, Mexico Beach, Callaway, Panama City.
Return to the main travel overview: Bay.
