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Welcome to Panama City Beach, the ultimate Florida vacation spot! With its pristine white beaches, delightful sub-tropical climate, and playful bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the waves, this charming city in northwest Florida has it all. Located about 47 miles east of Destin and approximately 100 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Panama City Beach has gained fame as a popular destination for college spring breakers. However, things have changed recently with the implementation of new regulations prohibiting alcohol on the beach during the month of March. As a result, the city has experienced a decline in wild parties, which is great news for families and couples looking for an affordable and enjoyable warm-weather retreat.
Panama City Beach is more than just its beautiful 27-mile alabaster beaches. This vacation destination offers a lot more to explore. It is surrounded by two state parks, namely St. Andrews and Camp Helen, which provide ample opportunities to enjoy nature. Additionally, Panama City Beach boasts one of the world’s largest sport fishing fleets, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Another fascinating aspect is the high concentration of bottlenose dolphins found here, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Panama City Beach is best visited from May to October when you can enjoy warm air and water temperatures. This time of the year offers plenty of sunshine, with an average of 320 sunny days annually. It’s advisable to avoid visiting in March or April, as that’s when college students flock to the beach for spring break. By choosing a different time, you can escape the crowds and have a more peaceful experience on the ivory sands. However, if you visit during the low season from November to February, you’ll find lower lodging prices, but the ocean might be too cold for swimming.
Here are some of our favorite things to do while visiting Panama City Beach. Take your pick!
PCB, also known as Panama City Beach, offers beach enthusiasts a true paradise with its 27 miles of beautiful coastline and almost 100 different spots to access the beaches. Finding the perfect spot to lay down your towel won’t be a challenge at …
Discover the wonders of PCB’s natural beauty at Conservation Park. This park serves as a protective area for wetlands, wildlife, and pine forest, ensuring that treated water reaches St. Andrews Bay in an environmentally balanced manner. Spanning …
Panama City Beach, like other coastal cities in Florida, offers excellent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this vibrant city has something for everyone. You can choose to …
Gulf World Marine Park is a must-visit for dolphin enthusiasts. While the park is home to various other creatures like sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, and sea lions, dolphins take center stage and are the highlight of any visit. Visitors often …
Travelers in Panama City Beach have a special affinity for dolphin tours. While Gulf World Marine Park offers opportunities to see and interact with dolphins, locals and visitors agree that observing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat …
PCB is primarily known as a beach destination, but there are plenty of things to do in the area if you want a break from the sun and sand or if the weather isn’t cooperating. One popular attraction is Pier Park, which offers a mix of shopping, …
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ripley’s in Panama City Beach is a popular choice for families with young children on rainy days. While it is not exclusive to this location, it offers a variety of unique attractions that appeal to visitors. Inside …
Escape the crowds of Panama City Beach and treat yourself to a refreshing getaway on Shell Island. This beautiful barrier island stretches for 7 miles, nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Andrew Bay. Unlike the bustling mainland, Shell …
Shipwreck Island Waterpark never fails to impress families with its wide range of attractions. Spread across 20 acres, this family-friendly facility offers something for everyone. Dive into the thrilling wave pool or relax on a lazy river that …
St. Andrews State Park offers a wide range of attractions and activities that will bring joy to all members of your family. Not only does the park have a beautiful white sand beach that stretches for almost 2 miles, but it also features …