Exploring Family-Friendly Panama City Beach, Florida in 15 Days

  • Day 1: St. Andrews State Park
    20 minutes (10 miles) from the Beachfront Hotel

    St. Andrews State Park is a family-friendly destination with something for everyone, including nature trails, a lagoon, and scenic views. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water, go fishing or enjoy the white sand beach.

  • Day 2: Panama City Beach Winery
    8 minutes (2 miles) from St. Andrews State Park

    Take a tour of Panama City Beach Winery and enjoy the taste of Florida wines made with local fruits. Take home a bottle or two or sip a glass while relaxing in the cozy tasting room.

  • Day 3: WonderWorks
    5 minutes (0.2 miles) from Panama City Beach Winery

    At WonderWorks, discover a wide range of interactive exhibits with something for all the family with laser tag, an indoor ropes course, and lots of unique simulations.

  • Day 4: ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory
    10 minutes (4.6 miles) from WonderWorks

    Get up close and personal with over 200 species of animals at ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory with Jungle Habitat, Safari Junction, and a petting area. Bring some popcorn for the Lemurs.

  • Day 5: Gulf World Marine Park
    7 minutes (3.1 miles) from ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory

    Gulf World Marine Park is an oceanarium and animal park where you can enjoy watching live shows, interact with dolphins and sea lions, and learn about marine creatures with exhibits and touch tanks.

  • Day 6: Pirate Cruise
    5 minutes (1 mile) from Gulf World Marine Park

    Embark on a family pirate adventure aboard the Sea Dragon sailing through St. Andrews Bay enjoying music, treasure hunts, and dolphin watching with the added excitement of a pirate cannon.

  • Day 7: Shipwreck Island Waterpark
    15 minutes (6.2 miles) from Pirate Cruise

    Cool off in the Splash Pad or slide down the Tipping Bucket Tower on the slides and rides of Shipwreck Island Waterpark with a large wave pool and lazy river offering fun for all ages.

  • Day 8: Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
    6 minutes (2.2 miles) from Shipwreck island Waterpark

    Coconut Creek Family Fun Park provides a serene and well-maintained family golf course with fun obstacles and challenges, along with a small animal exhibition with turtles and fish.

  • Day 9: Panama City Beach Paddle Boarding
    4 minutes (0.4 miles) from Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

    Learn to paddleboard and enjoy the scenic beauty of the sea grass and marine wildlife of St. Andrews Bay & Grand Lagoon. With professional instruction, this is an activity the whole family can enjoy.

  • Day 10: Signal Hill Golf Course
    16 minutes (6.5 miles) from Panama City Beach Paddle Boarding

    Take some time to relax and play a round of golf at Signal Hill Golf Course with 18 holes spread over 5,617 yards, featuring rolling fairways and plenty of shot-making opportunities.

  • Day 11: Panama City Beach Fishing
    10 minutes (3.8 miles) from Signal Hill Golf Course

    Embark on a Fishing Charter to complete your family experience. Panama City Beach offers half-day and full-day tours for reef fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling.

  • Day 12: Ripley's Believe It or Not
    8 minutes (2.2 miles) from Panama City Beach Fishing

    Dive into the world of weird and strange exhibits at Ripley's Believe It or Not, featuring exhibits from around the world with interactive displays and games.

  • Day 13: Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise
    5 minutes (1 mile) from Ripley's Believe It or Not

    Enjoy another exciting adventure on the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, complete with a family-friendly pirate show, and treasure hunt while you sail through the waves and spot dolphins.

  • Day 14: Gulf Coast Splash Pad
    15 minutes (10 miles) from Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise

    Cool off on a hot day at Gulf Coast Splash Pad, featuring two large water slides and interactive fountains spraying water with various costumes to rent.

  • Day 15: Beachfront Adventure Park
    12 minutes (4.6 miles) from Gulf Coast Splash Pad

    Conclude your adventure vacation at Beachfront Adventure Park and get your fill of miniature golf, ropes course, and zip-lining.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • St. Andrews State Park (2-3 hours, $8 per vehicle)
  • Panama City Beach Winery (1 hour, $5 and up for a bottle of wine)
  • WonderWorks (2-3 hours, $32.99 per adult, $26.99 per child under 12)
  • ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory (2-3 hours, $16.99 per adult, $10.99 per child under 12)
  • Gulf World Marine Park (2-3 hours, $32.99 per adult, $26.99 per child under 12)
  • Pirate Cruise (1-2 hours, $32.95 per adult, $24.95 per child under 12)
  • Shipwreck Island Waterpark (4-5 hours, $39.99 per adult, $29.99 per child under 12)
  • Coconut Creek Family Fun Park (2-3 hours, $15-$18 per person)
  • Panama City Beach Paddle Boarding (2-3 hours, $30 per hour per paddleboard)
  • Signal Hill Golf Course (4-5 hours, $42-$46 per person on weekdays or weekends)
  • Panama City Beach Fishing (4 hours, $600 for 4 people)
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not (1-2 hours, $16.99 per adult, $11.99 per child under 12)
  • Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise (1-2 hours $20 per adult, $13 per child under 12)
  • Gulf Coast Splash Pad (2-3 hours, $5 per person)
  • Beachfront Adventure Park (2-3 hours, $10-$18 per activity)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1310.83 for a family of four

Transportation

You can get around Panama City Beach via car, bike rentals or public bus transportation. Uber and Lyft are also available in the area, although you may need to pay extra fees for larger vehicles. The best way to get around is by car or bike rental. You may need to factor in parking fees, which range between $5-$10 per day.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, add extra activities such as visiting Gulf World Marine Park or go for water skiing. If you have less time, skip one of the activities and focus on others that align more with your interests. Consider visiting during the offseason, when prices are lower, and crowds are thinner. Be sure to pack wisely for outdoor activities, and don't forget the sunscreen!

Airports

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is closest to Panama City Beach at approximately 17 miles to the airport (ECP) from downtown Panama City. Other regional airports such as Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS) are approximately 50-60 miles farther.

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