Start your trip at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, which has over 20 water attractions for all ages. Take your pick from adrenaline-pumping waterslides, the wave pool, or the lazy river. Kids will also love the Tadpole Hole, a shallow play area. Don't worry about food, the waterpark houses two restaurants and snack bars.
Gulf World Marine Park offers an up-close-and-personal experience with marine creatures. Your family will enjoy seeing dolphins, sea lions, tropical birds, and various types of fish. The park offers interactive exhibits and shows that are educational and entertaining. You can also participate in a swim experience with dolphins for an additional fee.
St. Andrews State Park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Florida's natural beauty. With emerald-green waters, white sand beaches, and a lagoon, this 1,260-acre state park is ideal for beach activities like sunbathing, swimming, or fishing. Take a stroll along the nature trails and observe the wildlife or have a picnic with family and friends.
WonderWorks is a family-friendly amusement park with hands-on exhibits ranging from a 360-degree virtual roller coaster to laser tag. You will see several mind-bending experiences that involve light, sound, and space. The intriguing venue also offers a variety of shows and experiments that the whole family will love.
Get a pirate's view of Panama City Beach on a swashbuckling sea adventure with Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise. Your family can dress up in pirate gear, dance, and interact with the crew while enjoying the stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico. The two-hour cruise includes face painting, pirate stories, treasure hunt, and a delightful pirate show.
Ripley's Believe It or Not is an unusual museum of strange and odd displays that will make you think twice. Your family will enjoy exploring the different galleries; you'll see varied and peculiar artifacts, including shrunken human heads, a mirror maze, and a space capsule. You can enjoy a four-D theater experience and take home some souvenirs at the museum store.
Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center is a fun destination for family games and activities. The extensive center has a huge arcade and different games; you can try your hand at mini-golf or race around the go-kart track. They have a snack bar and restaurant when you need to refuel.
If you're traveling to Panama City Beach Florida during the peak of summer in July you're in luck, as it is Baseball Time. Head to Frank Brown Park to watch the Panama City Beach Baseball World Series (July). It's a perfect venue for outdoor sports, not just for baseball fans, families will also enjoy the numerous pavilions and playground areas available..
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park has two 18-hole mini-golf courses with different levels of difficulty to keep everyone entertained. The facility also houses a giant maze that you can explore and games to try. The lush green park also boasts peacocks and other animals that will make for a unique setting for photos.
Shell Island is part of St. Andrews State Park, located on the east side of the lagoon. The Island boasts the secluded beauty of pure white sand, fantastic seashells, and crystal-clear water, it is a perfect spot for a family day trip. You can take a short boat ride to the place, and go swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking.
Zooworld Zoological Conservatory is home to more than 250 animals, 80 of which are species that are endangered. You and your family can learn and appreciate the different animals while hand-feeding them. There are educational shows about reptiles and birds, and you can also visit the petting zoo. You'll feel good knowing that the conservatory is committed to preserving Earth's precious creatures.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a family-friendly establishment located in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The Park has several exhibits such as Dolphins, seals, sea lions, a variety of fish, and even reptiles, including snakes and alligators. You can interact with animals, watch shows, and attend educational seminars. The venue also has restaurants, so you can grab a snack while you're here.
Ebro Greyhound Park is a thrilling venue for some exciting dog racing. Bring your family to watch and bet on greyhound races on the spacious stadium. The place also offers a big-screen TV so you can watch adrenaline-pumping live games from different sports while you dine.
The Museum of Man in the Sea showcases the history and adventure of man's journey into the deep. You and your family can immerse yourselves in marine exploration, viewing different types of vehicles and diving equipment, including submersibles and spacesuits. The interactive museum also offers guided tours and exhibits portraying the ongoing discovery of the underwater world.
End your trip on a high note by spending some time at Pier Park. This outdoor mall offers delicious food, shopping, and entertainment options for the whole family. Take a ride on the giant ferris wheel that goes 200 feet in the air, play at Dave & Buster's arcade, or watch a movie with your loved ones. You can also bring some souvenirs home from one of the many shops located in the bustling plaza.
There are different transportation options for moving around Panama City Beach: you can rent a car or hail taxis from many reputed cab companies. The place is bike-friendly and offers rentals of bicycles for visitors. If you're staying at a well-reputed hotel, they will provide complimentary shuttle services to various destinations. The average private car ride costs $2 per mile or $35 per hour. The bike rentals cost around $10 to $25 for 24 hours. The distance from the airport to the city center is approximately five miles, taking roughly ten minutes by car, which can vary depending on the traffic.
If you have more time, make sure to visit the beautiful beaches of Panama City Beach and add an extra day or two. You can also go on a freshwater fishing tour or try scuba diving if you're feeling adventurous. With less time in hand, you could prioritize your favorites from this itinerary and skip the rest. Do note it can get blazing hot during peak summer time, so it's advisable to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
The nearest airport to Panama City Beach is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), located approximately 25 miles from the city center. Another popular airport is the Pensacola International Airport (PNS) which is 95 miles away. ECP airport code serves different airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, and is well-equipped with lounges, Wi-Fi, and shops. If flying international, it may be best to connect through a major city first.