This Florida destination is ideal for both retirees and families, boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually and some of the world's most stunning beaches.

Panama City Beach (PCB), located in the Florida Panhandle, offers 320 days of sunshine each year, family-friendly activities, and some of the most beautiful beaches globally. This affordable community attracts retirees with its mild climate, soft white sands that stay cool, and abundant outdoor activities like fishing, scuba diving, paddling, and dolphin-watching. With state parks, biking and hiking trails, and pristine beaches, adventure is always within reach. Plus, there's an abundance of fresh Gulf seafood to enjoy.

Once an industrial hub during World War II, Panama City Beach is now home to the world’s largest diving facility, the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, and is known as the Wreck Capital of the South due to its numerous well-preserved shipwrecks waiting to be discovered.

For Jayna Leach, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Visit Panama City Beach, childhood vacations were the draw that brought her to this beautiful location permanently. "Once you visit, you'll find yourself coming back to stroll along the 27 miles of immaculate white sand and gaze at the clear waters. With over 100 beach access points, you can easily find a peaceful nook to enjoy a book, or for the thrill-seekers, you can rent a Jet Ski or paddleboard. With numerous miniature golf courses, water parks, and attractions, you can tailor your vacation to fit any desire," she explained to Dinogo.

Eric Pierce, senior test director at the Panama City Naval Base and an active member of the local scuba diving club, originally hails from Key West but has called PCB home for the past 22 years. He mentioned to T+L that it's the small-town charm of PCB that keeps him rooted here. "Even with all the growth, the community remains tight-knit. We have quick access to St. Andrews State Park, which features a protected water area, beautiful springs, excellent fishing spots, and stunning beach sunsets," he remarked.

Top Hotels and Resorts 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort

Opened in 2023, the Embassy Suites features 255 rooms offering uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Mexico. Conveniently located next to Pier Park, the resort boasts a Gulf-facing pool area complete with a waterslide and hot tub, a fitness center, two dining options, and a variety of suite types including one- and two-bedroom suites, family suites with two bedrooms, and multi-room suites with bunk beds. It is also welcoming to pets for guests traveling with their furry friends.

Splash Resort

For families, Leach suggests Splash Resort. This condominium complex offers units ranging from one to four bedrooms with direct beach access. Leach appreciates the amenities designed to entertain kids, including an indoor water park, a lazy river, and a dive-in movie theater. Additionally, the resort features three beachfront pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, beach umbrellas and chairs, and several on-site dining options. If you need anything, a mini grocery store and Alvin’s Island beach store are conveniently located across the street.

Sterling Breeze

When Leach has friends visiting, she often directs them to Sterling Breeze, a condominium complex where she used to stay before relocating to PCB. Featuring a selection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, along with a poolside café and wine bar, outdoor fire pits, and direct beach access, this property has plenty to offer. Each condo comes equipped with a full kitchen for those nights you prefer to dine in. Leach particularly enjoys the Gulf-front infinity pool and the grills available on the balconies for sunset dinners.

Top Activities to Experience

Shell Island

The seven-mile barrier island located just off St. Andrews State Park offers the tranquil atmosphere of a private island without the hefty price tag. Leach considers it one of the region's hidden treasures. Shell Island is accessible only by boat and has no restrooms, running water, picnic areas, or trash cans. However, visitors can find a variety of shells, including moon snails, conch shells, pen shells, periwinkles, whelks, and olive shells, all native to the region. You're also likely to see bottlenose dolphins, as PCB boasts the largest population globally. There are many ways to reach it, including the Shell Island Shuttle, which operates hourly from 9 a.m. and returns at the bottom of each hour, with the final return at 4:45 p.m.

Rent a WaveRunner from Lagoon Pontoons, jump on a pontoon at Shell Island Boat Rentals, or reserve a cruise with Island Time Sailing for a chance to spot dolphins, learn about St. Andrews Bay, and enjoy an in-water snorkeling experience.

Scuba Diving

As the home to the Naval Surface Warfare Center and training facilities for all military branches, Panama City Beach is surrounded by waters rich in artificial reefs and shipwrecks ready to be discovered. With over 50 wrecks and artificial reefs located close to shore at depths of 90 to 100 feet, divers can encounter a variety of marine life including goliath groupers, sea turtles, sharks, and large schools of deep-sea fish. The structures are also home to microorganisms like corals, sea stars, and invertebrates. The abundance of wrecks, proximity to shore, accessible depths, and diverse marine life make PCB one of the top diving destinations in the U.S. Divers can also explore locations along the Panhandle Shipwreck Trail and collect stamps on a special passport at shops such as Diver’s Den.

Pierce enjoys the convenience of visiting St. Andrews State Park after work for a few beach dives. "It's affordable, and I can go often. The marine life at the jetties is incredible. I've encountered schools of rays, various angelfish, and nurse sharks. A great Saturday for me includes a couple of dives followed by a visit to Patches just outside the state park, where I can sit on a picnic bench soaking wet, enjoy a delicious burger, and listen to some live music," he shared.

Water Parks and Miniature Golf

For water park excitement, Leach recommends Shipwreck Island, which boasts 15 acres filled with lazy rivers, zip lines, and a variety of wave and kiddie pools. She notes, “It's one of the most beautiful water parks with lush tropical foliage, and they consistently add new rides each year. I grew up visiting this park, and it was always a fantastic experience for the whole family.”

Pierce enjoys the plethora of miniature golf courses along the beach. He mentions, “You can’t miss Goofy Golf, one of Florida's oldest continuously operating miniature golf courses, which has remained almost unchanged since it opened in 1959. I love the quirky statues of ancient monuments, monsters, and aliens. My wife and I usually play a round and then head to Shore Dogs for a Chicago dog loaded with toppings,” Pierce shared.

Beach Day

With 100 beach access points, enjoying a day on the sand is effortless. Visitors can find Jet-Ski rentals, parasailing, paddleboards, and stretches of pristine sand just waiting for a towel and a good book. PCB is flanked by two state parks — St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park, the latter housing a unique coastal dune lake. You can alternate between the serene beach areas and trails where you might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or one of the many shorebirds inhabiting the park. In between these state parks lies 27 miles of uninterrupted, quartz-rich white sand and emerald waters.

Pierce appreciates the convenience of fishing spots along the beach and suggests stopping by Half Hitch Tackle for bait and tips before casting your line. Leach also praises the beach's accessibility, noting that the “Fun for All” initiative promotes inclusivity. Beach Access 22 will be fully accessible, featuring a Mobi-mat from the parking area that enables those using beach wheelchairs to enjoy the sand and water firsthand,” Leach explained.

Man in the Sea Museum

For an interactive museum experience that dives into the history of military diving and cutting-edge underwater technology, check out the Man in the Sea Museum. This 5,000-square-foot facility showcases artifacts recovered from sunken ships dating back to the 1500s, as well as diving helmets and boots you can try on. Don't miss Sealab 1, the first underwater military habitat — step inside to discover what life was like in this extraordinary vessel. Pierce, a regular visitor, mentioned, “Many people have come here for diving school or research in diver equipment development and biomedicine, and this museum serves as a single point to experience all that fascinating history.”

Best Shopping 

Pier Park 

This open-air shopping district features major retailers like Ron Jon Surf Shop, Dillard’s, and Target, alongside an array of charming boutiques, restaurants, and attractions. As Leach put it, “There’s something for everyone in the family.” Enjoy entertainment options like an IMAX theater, a ropes course, and the SkyWheel. Dining spots such as Margaritaville, The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House, and Five Guys satisfy your cravings while exploring. You'll find kiosks selling souvenirs like henna tattoos, saltwater taffy, and beach-themed jewelry. Explore toy stores, flip-flop shops, and places to pick up your iconic Panama hat. To cap off your day, take a local's advice: grab a bar seat at Margaritaville, order a drink, and soak in the sunset over the Gulf.

Decor by the Shore

The Decor by the Shore trail simplifies the search for independent boutiques, offering a curated journey through the charming mom-and-pop shops of PCB. Pick up your passport at any participating store or the visitor center and collect stamps as you visit each one. Explore Pieces on the Beach, a spacious 5,500-square-foot marketplace featuring items from 22 different vendors, ranging from shells and driftwood art to antiques. Visit The Salt Shed for gardening supplies, home decor, locally crafted art, handmade soaps and pottery, clothing, and jewelry. Hip.Sea showcases vintage treasures revitalized by a mother-daughter duo. Leach mentioned, “There’s a map connecting you to all the shops, and you can collect a stamp at each one. Then, when you return to the visitor center and show your stamps, you’ll receive some awesome Panama City Beach swag.”

Best Nightlife 

Beach Bars

Panama City Beach boasts some of the finest beachside bars where you can enjoy live music. Schooners, dubbed the “Last Local Beach Club,” features a lively entertainment lineup and marks each sunset with a cannon blast. On the other hand, Sharky’s has been serving up tiki concoctions like the iconic Shark Attack since 1986, offering live music and karaoke every night.

Dat Cajun Place

Located just a short walk from the beach, Dat Cajun Place features nightly live music and its famous chargrilled oysters — you might even see them shucked by the national oyster-shucking champion, Honor Allen.

Havana Night Bar and Grill

Pierce considers this spot one of his top choices in PCB. “It serves some of the finest Cuban cuisine I've experienced this far north. The ropa vieja, the homemade Cuban sandwich, and the slow-cooked pork — everything is authentically traditional.” On Friday and Saturday nights, Havana Night Bar and Grill comes alive with vibrant salsa bands playing bongos, congas, and karaoke.

Ms. Newby’s 

No trip to PCB is complete without experiencing the iconic Ms. Newby’s. For over fifty years, they've been serving their famous Hunch Punch both inside and at the drive-thru. You can enjoy live music, karaoke, darts, and pool, along with a full package store and a bar that has no cover charge. The festivities continue until 2 a.m. every day, and they even host church services on Sundays.

Best Restaurants

Hunt & Gather 

This quirky establishment feels a bit out of place on the beach, showcasing a menu full of big game dishes alongside a life-size leg lamp from “A Christmas Story.” However, a deeper look at the offerings reveals collaborations with local farms, highlighting the area's seasonal harvest (think: red snapper ceviche, kimchi roasted oysters, and massive dayboat scallops drizzled in brown butter). Hunt & Gather features a cozy atmosphere with only a few tables and a bar that operates on a first-come, first-served basis, but the wait is certainly worthwhile. The wine selection is carefully curated, the beers are predominantly local, and the lamb osso buco is slow-roasted to perfection, paired with a hand-foraged mushroom risotto that simply melts in your mouth.

Andy’s Flour Power 

The French toast at Andy’s Flour Power has reached legendary status — its crispy exterior, custardy center, fresh sliced strawberries, and dusting of powdered sugar make breakfast here unforgettable, especially when enjoyed with one of their signature bloody marys. They also offer rolled omelets with various fillings and a range of eggs Benedicts. If you visit on the weekend, the breakfast burrito topped with chipotle sour cream is a must-try. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery on your way out for a sweet treat to enjoy later.

Back Beach Barbecue

The enticing aroma of smoked meats and the sight of a pitmaster tending to 12-hour slow-cooked ribs, chicken, brisket, and pork will likely pull you into Back Beach Barbecue. You can order by the pound or enjoy a sandwich with any of their meats served on a bun, accompanied by pickles and homemade slaw. Simple sides include creamy mac and cheese, red potato salad, and brisket Brunswick stew, along with pitmaster Shane Kirkland’s grandmother’s famous collard greens. Local beers are available for on-site enjoyment or packaged to take away. Just make sure you leave with a pint of their delicious banana pudding. If you’re an early riser, Back Beach Barbecue offers breakfast tacos, biscuits, and brisket hash burritos daily from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m., or until they sell out.

Thomas' Donut & Snack Shop

Since 1971, Thomas' Donut & Snack Shop has been a must-visit spot on the beach. Breakfast offerings include biscuits drenched in gravy, bagel sandwiches loaded with applewood bacon, and rich, creamy cheese grits. There’s also pizza and ice cream available. However, the real draw is the donuts and kolaches, with lines forming as early as 6 a.m. The classic glazed donuts sell out quickly, while the seasonal pumpkin spice variant captures the essence of fall, and the Key-lime-filled donut is a delightful balance of tart and sweet. The kolaches, inspired by Czech settlers from the 1800s, have a unique twist from the Thomas family. Arrive early, as they are in high demand.

Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant & Waterfront Market

Since 1967, Capt. Anderson’s has been a family-run favorite for fresh Gulf seafood and a chance to observe one of the nation's largest sportfishing fleets as they unload blue marlin, red snapper, mackerel, trout, pompano, and cobia. Leach fondly recalls dining here with her family while watching the boats arrive. “It’s a lively setting, and they still serve my all-time favorite seafood dish: scamp imperial topped with fresh lump blue crab.” The restaurant operates six days a week and boasts a comprehensive wine cellar along with a Greek section on their menu, honoring the Patronis family's heritage.

Best Time to Visit

October provides the perfect combination of warm weather and fewer crowds. The Gulf of Mexico retains the summer heat, while the beaches become less busy as schools reopen. Leach shared her top must-see events throughout the year. In April, don't miss UnWined, a two-day event featuring wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, an art marketplace, and beverages from around the globe. “It’s like a garden party where you can sample wines, craft beers, and spirits, along with delicious dishes prepared by local restaurants,” Leach remarked.

June brings a musical vibe: the Summer Concert Series offers free concerts every Thursday at Aaron Bessant Park until mid-August. Leach's favorite is the Gulf Coast Jam, a country music festival held on the first weekend of June. “The entertainment is unmatched. I’ve seen big names like Martina McBride and Luke Bryan right here in Panama City Beach,” she shared.

The picturesque October weather sets the stage for the Pirates of the High Seas & Renaissance Fest, where pirates and mermaids take over the beach. This three-day event is free to the public and features fireworks, live mermaid performances, a fire circus, parades, a treasure drop, and an evening Cirque Adventure. You'll also find noblemen and squires showcasing sword and whip skills among the festival-goers.

Planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Don't miss the Beach Ball Drop. This festive event transforms Pier Park into a lively gathering spot with closed streets, live bands performing late into the night, and vendors offering treats from cotton candy to beer. Families are prioritized, as there are two separate Beach Ball Drops at 8 p.m. and midnight, perfect for getting the kids home for bedtime. Plus, the night sky lights up with fireworks over the water at midnight, marking another wonderful year by the beach.

Getting There

Located just about 15 minutes from the heart of Panama City Beach, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is your gateway. Major airlines like Delta, American, United, and Southwest provide nonstop flights into PCB from various U.S. hubs. Once you arrive, you can easily catch a shuttle, Uber, or Lyft, or opt to rent a car from any leading rental agency. If you're driving, Highway 98 runs straight through the beach and connects to Highways 77, 331, and 79, as well as Interstate 10, giving you plenty of route options to reach your destination.

Getting Around

There's no need to rent a car if your main goal is to enjoy the beach; you'll find numerous restaurants and shops within walking distance. You can easily rent bikes or golf carts from various shops along the shore. For additional convenience, visitors can utilize the Bayway trolley, which is equipped with wheelchair lifts and operates seven days a week throughout Panama City Beach for just $1.50 per ride. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, as well as taxis, are also available. However, if you plan to explore Historic Downtown Panama City or 30A, renting a car is essential.