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

  • Day 1: St. Andrews State Park
    15 minutes (8.4 miles) from Panama City Beach

    Start your trip off with a visit to St. Andrews State Park, a beautiful nature preserve that offers swimming, fishing, kayaking, and nature trails. Admire the scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico from the pier, and take a picnic to enjoy at the shaded picnic area. Don’t forget your sunscreen and insect repellent!

  • Day 2: WonderWorks
    7 minutes (2.5 miles) from St. Andrews State Park

    Take your family to WonderWorks, a fun and interactive museum that features over 100 interactive exhibits. Enjoy laser tag, a ropes course, a 4D motion ride, and more. WonderWorks is perfect for a rainy day or a break from the sun.

  • Day 3: ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory
    10 minutes (4.6 miles) from WonderWorks

    Spend the day at ZooWorld, a 10-acre zoo housing various species from around the world. Your kids will love getting up close and personal with various animals, including alligators, monkeys, and giraffes. The petting zoo is an especially fun experience for the little ones.

  • Day 4: Gulf World Marine Park
    7 minutes (2.5 miles) from ZooWorld

    If your family loves marine animals, head over to Gulf World Marine Park. Watch live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and tropical birds. Don’t miss the chance to swim with dolphins or feed stingrays. The kids will have a blast!

  • Day 5: Pier Park
    15 minutes (8.3 miles) from Gulf World Marine Park

    Shop, dine, and play at Pier Park, which boasts numerous brand name stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Relax with a movie at the Grand Theater or enjoy live music on the outdoor stage. A perfect way to spend the day for the whole family.

  • Day 6: Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
    10 minutes (3.7 miles) from Pier Park

    Get competitive and challenge each other to a round of mini-golf at Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. Also offering a ropes course, a zip-line, and a nature trail, Coconut Creek is a great way to spend a fun-filled afternoon with your family.

  • Day 7: St. Andrews Bay
    15 minutes (7 miles) from Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

    Take a break from the beach and rent a boat or go on a guided tour of St. Andrews Bay. Observe wildlife, explore the mangroves, and enjoy a snorkeling adventure in crystal clear waters. Pack a cooler and enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded beach.

  • Day 8: Shipwreck Island Waterpark
    15 minutes (7.5 miles) from St. Andrews Bay

    Perfect for a hot summer day, Shipwreck Island Waterpark is home to thrilling water rides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. There is plenty of fun for all ages, and the many places to eat and relax make it a great spot to spend an entire day.

  • Day 9: Shell Island
    30 minutes (11 miles) from Shipwreck Island Waterpark

    Spend the day exploring the secluded beaches and natural wildlife of Shell Island, a 7-mile long barrier island. Observe dolphins, collect shells, and go snorkeling in the clear waters. Pack a lunch or rent a pontoon boat and explore Captain Anderson’s Marina.

  • Day 10: Aaron Bessant Amphitheater
    5 minutes (1.3 miles) from Shell Island

    Enjoy a free concert under the stars at the Aaron Bessant Amphitheater. Bring a blanket and picnic or enjoy food and drinks from the vendors. Check their schedule for movies, symphonies and family-friendly events.

  • Day 11: Golfing
    10 minutes (4.1 miles) from Aaron Bessant Amphitheater

    Take a break from the beach and hit some balls at one of Panama City Beach’s gorgeous golf courses. The Hombre Golf Club and The Nicklaus Course at Bay Point offer scenic views and challenging holes for all skill levels. Tee off at the crack of dawn to beat the heat.

  • Day 12: Escape Time Escape Rooms
    15 minutes (7.6 miles) from golfing

    Test your family’s problem-solving skills at Escape Time Escape Rooms. With multiple themes to choose from, work together to solve the riddles and puzzles to escape before the clock runs out!

  • Day 13: Hidden Lagoon Super Race Track and Golf
    5 minutes (1.9 miles) from Escape Time Escape Rooms

    Go-karts, mini-golf, and bumper boats – oh my! Head to Hidden Lagoon for a family-friendly day of racing and games. If you’re feeling brave, try out the 70ft SkyCoaster. The water park is set to open in the coming years so stay tuned!

  • Day 14: Beach Day
    15 minutes (5.5 miles) from Hidden Lagoon Super Race Track and Golf

    No trip to Panama City Beach is complete without a day at the beach. Take advantage of the sugar white sand and crystal clear water for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Rent umbrellas and chairs or bring your own. Enjoy some snacks from the vendors or pack a cooler with your family favorites.

  • Day 15: Panama City Beach Winery
    5 minutes (1.6 miles) from the Beach

    Before heading back home, visit the Panama City Beach Winery to sample their selection of wines as well as gourmet snacks and local treats. The gift shop also offers various souvenirs and wine-inspired gifts to take back with you. Sip and savor the last moments of your Panama Beach City, Florida vacation.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • St. Andrews State Park (3 hours, $18 per vehicle)
  • WonderWorks (3-4 hours, $30 per person)
  • ZooWorld (3-4 hours, $19.95 per adult, $13.95 per child)
  • Gulf World Marine Park (3-4 hours, $39.99 per adult, $29.99 per child)
  • Pier Park (2-4 hours, prices vary by store and restaurant)
  • Coconut Creek Family Fun Park (2-4 hours, prices vary by activity)
  • St. Andrews Bay (4-6 hours, $125-$200 for boat rental)
  • Shipwreck Island Waterpark (4-6 hours, $40 per person during peak season)
  • Shell Island (6-8 hours, $35-$250 for boat rental)
  • Aaron Bessant Amphitheater (2-4 hours, free)
  • Golfing (3-5 hours, prices vary by course)
  • Escape Time Escape Rooms (1-2 hours, $25 per person)
  • Hidden Lagoon Super Race Track and Golf (2-4 hours, prices vary by activity)
  • Panama City Beach Winery (1-2 hours, prices vary)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $435-$605 per person

Transportation

Consider renting a car to get around the city easily. Rideshares, taxi cabs, and public transportation services are also available. Expect to pay approximately $100 a day for a rental car, or use rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft for shorter trips. Traffic can be heavy, so plan accordingly.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Panama City or Destin. Take a sunset cruise, go fishing, or check out the shopping and nightlife. If you have less time, adjust the itinerary to fit your schedule. Try to book activities and attractions ahead of time to avoid long lines and crowds. Always bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent as Panama City Beach is known to be very warm and humid.

Airports

The nearest airport to Panama City Beach is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). ECP is located 18 miles from the city center and is serviced by various major airlines.

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