12-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Panama City Beach, Florida

  • Day 1: Pier Park
    10 minutes (4.5 miles) from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

    Pier Park is an outdoor shopping mall with over 120 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. There's something for everyone of all ages, including a movie theater and amusement park.

  • Day 2: Shell Island
    45 minutes (14.6 miles) from Pier Park

    Shell Island is an uninhabited island accessible only by boat. The island is known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. It's a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.

  • Day 3: Gulf World Marine Park
    13 minutes (4.4 miles) from Shell Island

    Gulf World Marine Park features a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays. Visitors can attend daily shows and even swim with dolphins. It's a great place for families to learn about marine animals while having fun.

  • Day 4: St. Andrews State Park
    16 minutes (7.4 miles) from Gulf World Marine Park

    St. Andrews State Park is a natural oasis on the Gulf Coast with two pristine beaches and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking in a serene natural environment.

  • Day 5: WonderWorks
    9 minutes (2.2 miles) from St. Andrews State Park

    WonderWorks is an interactive science museum with over 100 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experience an earthquake simulator, a virtual rollercoaster, and a 360-degree ropes course. Kids and adults alike will love exploring this indoor attraction.

  • Day 6: Shipwreck Island Waterpark
    10 minutes (4.4 miles) from WonderWorks

    Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a tropical paradise with a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of waterslides. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day and have fun with the whole family.

  • Day 7: Panama City Beach Winery
    8 minutes (2.5 miles) from Shipwreck Island Waterpark

    The Panama City Beach Winery features a variety of fruit wines made from local fruits. Visitors can enjoy tastings and purchase bottles to take home. It's a great place for an afternoon of relaxation and taste-testing.

  • Day 8: Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
    14 minutes (4.9 miles) from Panama City Beach Winery

    The Coconut Creek Family Fun Park features two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a maze, and a zip line. It's a fun outdoor activity for families and provides a break from the beach and water activities.

  • Day 9: Panama City Beach Conservation Park
    21 minutes (9.1 miles) from Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

    The Panama City Beach Conservation Park is a 2,900-acre park with over 24 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Visitors can observe different ecosystems, including wetlands and sandhills, and see wildlife such as deer and alligators.

  • Day 10: Panama City Beach Art & Culture Festival
    15 minutes (4.8 miles) from Panama City Beach Conservation Park

    The Panama City Beach Art & Culture Festival is an annual event featuring local artists showcasing their work, live music, and cultural exhibits. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local art and culture scene.

  • Day 11: Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
    8 minutes (2.1 miles) from Panama City Beach Art & Culture Festival

    The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise is a family-friendly pirate-themed cruise complete with face painting, treasure hunts, and water gun battles. Kids will love getting into character and hoisting the Jolly Roger.

  • Day 12: Beach Day
    23 minutes (9.3 miles) from Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise

    Spend your last day in Panama City Beach lounging on the beautiful sandy beaches and swimming in the clear Gulf waters. It's the perfect way to end your trip and make lasting memories with your family.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Pier Park (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Shell Island (4-5 hours, $30 per person for boat tour)
  • Gulf World Marine Park (3-4 hours, $35 per adult, $30 per child)
  • St. Andrews State Park (4-5 hours, $8 per vehicle)
  • WonderWorks (2-3 hours, $27 per adult, $19 per child)
  • Shipwreck Island Waterpark (4-5 hours, $40 per person)
  • Panama City Beach Winery (1 hour, Free wine tasting)
  • Coconut Creek Family Fun Park (2-3 hours, $16.99 per person for mini-golf and maze)
  • Panama City Beach Conservation Park (3-4 hours, Free)
  • Panama City Beach Art & Culture Festival (4-5 hours, Free admission)
  • Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise (2-3 hours, $27 per adult, $19 per child)
  • Beach Day (4-5 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $265 per adult, $209 per child

Transportation:

Driving is the most convenient way to travel around Panama City Beach. However, visitors should consider traffic and parking during peak season. Renting a car is recommended for those arriving by air at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Taxi services and ride-sharing apps are available but can be expensive.

The estimated travel costs are as follows: Rental car ($40-$80 per day), gas ($3 per gallon), and parking fees ($5-$20 per day).

Useful Tips:

If you have extra days, consider visiting nearby destinations such as Destin or Tallahassee. If you have less time, prioritize the activities based on your family's interests. Be sure to pack sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, and beach essentials like towels and hats.

Airports:

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the closest airport to Panama City Beach, located 10 miles northwest of the city center. It offers flights from major cities in the US and Canada, as well as several airlines including Delta, United, and Southwest. Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, and shuttles.

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