Things to Do in Panama City
41 curated spots from Panama City itineraries
Activities & Attractions
21 curated experiences
Pier Park Shopping & Photo Stroll
Wander the open-air shopping and entertainment district, ducking into boutiques and candy shops, and use the wide pedestrian streets and colorful storefronts for relaxed family photos.
1h 30m · Free to stroll; shopping extra
Aerial Adventure & Zipline at Cobra Adventure Park Area
Spend the mid-afternoon at a nearby aerial adventure and zipline venue with coastal-themed obstacles and beginner-friendly lines; wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes, and expect gentle physical effort rather than intense training.
2h · $40-70 per person
Conservation Park
Take an easy morning walk or short bike ride on flat boardwalks and trails through protected wetlands and pine forests.
2h · Free
Frank Brown Park
Relax in this urban-green space with bay views, short paths, and industrial pier structures.
1h 30m · Free
Front Beach Road Evening Stroll (Central Beach)
Stroll a short section of Front Beach Road near your hotel or dinner spot, browsing small beach shops and snack stands.
1h 30m · Free to walk (snacks/souvenirs extra)
Front Beach Road Resort/Beach Downtime
Spend the afternoon between your hotel’s pool and the adjacent public beach access—swim, nap, read, and capture mid-afternoon candids of the family at play.
2h 30m · Free (included with stay/public access)
Glow Night Clear Kayak Adventure on St. Andrews Bay
In the evening, join a guided clear-kayak tour with LED lights under your boat, paddling calm bay waters to watch fish and other marine life below you; guides provide basic instruction so beginners feel comfortable.[4]
1h 30m · $70-95 per person
Gulf Front Beach Time at Russell-Fields Pier
Head down from Pier Park to the beach by Russell-Fields Pier for a relaxed few hours of swimming, lounging, and photography; walk the pier for classic shots of the shoreline, the structure disappearing into the water, and sunset if you stay late.
2h 30m · $4-8 for pier access, beach free
Harpoon Harry's
Cozy dive bar with live music, pool table; private corner seating.
1h 30m · $12-18 per person
Morning Beach Walk at Laguna Beach Access
Stroll the quieter stretch of sand near Thomas Donut, watching shorebirds and capturing soft-light photos of dunes and gentle waves; this is also a peaceful time to swim if conditions are calm.
1h · Free
Panama City Beach
Stroll powdery white sands, swim in calm Gulf waters, relax on towels; 10-min walk from hotel.
2h · Free
Panama City Beach Public Beach Access (near County Pier)
Set up your beach spot near the Russell-Fields City Pier area for easy access to restrooms, showers, and nearby shops.
3h · Free (parking may be paid or meter in some lots)
Pier Park
Walk this outdoor mall with industrial-style shops, street murals (art element), and benches; photo ops.
1h 30m · Free
Pier Park Shopping & Entertainment District
Wander the open-air mall with clothing stores, souvenir shops, snack stands, and occasional small market-style carts or kiosks.
2h 30m · Free to wander (shopping extra)
Pineapple Willy's Patio Bar
Enjoy live acoustic music from secluded tables; craft beers and ocean views.
1h 30m · $10-15 per person
Russell-Fields City Pier (Panama City Beach Pier)
Walk the pier around golden hour for panoramic shots of the coastline, fishing boats, and sunset over the Gulf.
1h · $4-5 per person to walk (approx.)
Russell-Fields City Pier & Public Beach
Stroll the wide sandy beach and walk out on the long pier for panoramic Gulf views; excellent for first-day orientation, shell hunting, and family shoreline photos.
1h 30m · Free beach access; ~$4 per person for pier walk
Russell-Fields Pier at Sunset
Return to the pier just before sunset for golden-hour family portraits, silhouettes against the sky, and long exposures of waves for a dedicated photography highlight.
1h · ~$4 per person (if walking the pier again) or Free from beach
Shell Island Shuttle (from St. Andrews State Park)
Take the shuttle boat from the park to Shell Island to walk undeveloped beaches, look for shells, and capture wide-open Gulf views.
3h · $25-35 per adult, discounts for kids
Shell Island Shuttle from St. Andrews
Take the passenger shuttle across the pass to Shell Island, then spend time on the undeveloped beach looking for shells, spotting dolphins on the ride, and shooting wide-open seascapes.
2h 30m · Around $25-30 per adult, discounts for kids
ZooWorld
View animals in creative enclosures with art-like sculptures; quiet paths.
2h · $20/personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Another Broken Egg Cafe
Upscale-casual breakfast spot with omelets, benedicts, and southern-inspired dishes; try a crab cake benedict or cinnamon roll French toast before your day’s adventures.
1h · $18-28 per person
Firefly
Go for crab cakes or grilled snapper; intimate bistro vibe with dim lighting.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Thomas Donut & Snack Shop
Classic beachfront donut and snack stand with donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee to-go.
45m · $8-12 per person
Patches Pub & Grill
Relaxed neighborhood pub near St. Andrews State Park offering burgers, wings, flatbreads, and kids’ options in a casual setting.
1h 15m · $15-22 per person
Back Porch Seafood
Fresh shrimp boil or blackened grouper; rustic wooden interior.
1h 10m · $16-24 per person
Diego’s Burrito Factory & Margarita Bar
Build-your-own burritos, bowls, and tacos in a fast-casual setting just off Front Beach Road; plenty of options for picky eaters.
1h · $10-18 per person
Finns Island Style Grub
Casual surf-style spot near the east end serving tacos, burritos, and fresh bowls; try the fish tacos or a poke-style bowl and grab a picnic-style table.
1h · $12-18 per person
Hook'd Pier Bar & Grill
Casual beachfront spot immediately by the pier serving fish tacos, shrimp baskets, and burgers; sit on the patio for Gulf views and order blackened fish tacos or grilled shrimp.
1h · $15-25 per person
Hook’d Pier Bar & Grill
Casual gulf-front restaurant right by the pier serving fish baskets, shrimp, tacos, and salads with outdoor seating overlooking the beach.
1h · $15-22 per person
Mi Ranchito
Open-air, palm-fringed restaurant right on the water; order the corvina a la plancha (grilled sea bass) or the seafood casserole for a very local, coastal taste.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Papa Joe's Oyster Bar
Oysters on half-shell or po'boy; nautical-industrial decor.
1h · $14-22 per person
Pineapple Willy’s
Lively waterfront restaurant on a pier with Gulf views, serving fried and grilled Gulf seafood, po’boys, and signature drinks; grab a table by the rail for the best angles out over the water.
1h 15m · $22-35 per person
Pompano Joe’s Seafood House
Colorful, beach-themed seafood restaurant at Pier Park with grilled fish, coconut shrimp, and kid-friendly options; ask for a table with a Gulf view around sunset.
1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Runaway Island
Order beach pancakes or shrimp & grits; casual harbor-view spot with indoor-out seating.
1h · $12-20 per person
Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
Casual yet attractive beachfront restaurant with a large deck, offering grilled fish, po’boys, and salads; try the fresh catch sandwich and share an appetizer.
1h · $18-25 per person
Schlotzsky's
Order original sandwich or salad; casual counter-service with shaded patio.
50m · $10-16 per person
Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant
Try fresh fish tacos or oyster po'boy; lively but has quiet deck tables.
1h · $15-22 per person
The Pancakery of PCB
Casual, family-friendly breakfast spot with big portions of pancakes, waffles, and omelets; split a specialty pancake stack and keep it simple for kids.
1h · $12-18 per person
Thomas Donut Shop
Grab fresh donuts and coffee; quick, no-frills local favorite.
45m · $8-12 per person
Tomillo Panama
Garden-style, semi-open restaurant with lush greenery and a tropical-chic feel; try the octopus or pork dishes and share a couple of inventive cocktails.
1h 30m · $25-40 per personMore on Panama City
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