12-Day Panama City Beach Florida Itinerary: Family Friendly

  • Day 1: Arrival and Check-In
    From Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: 15 miles (20 minutes)

    After arriving at the airport and collecting your bags, head to your accommodation for check-in. Spend the evening getting settled in and planning out the rest of your trip.

  • From Accommodation: 2.6 miles (8 minutes)

    Enjoy a day at Gulf World Marine Park, where you can view various marine life exhibits, attend interactive animal shows, and even swim with dolphins. This attraction is perfect for families with children of all ages.

  • Day 3: Pier Park
    From Accommodation: 3.5 miles (12 minutes)

    Spend a day at Pier Park, a popular outdoor shopping center with a mix of local and chain stores, restaurants, and even an amusement park. Enjoy some retail therapy, go on a thrill ride, and grab a bite to eat all in one convenient location.

  • Day 4: Water Sports at Panama City Beach
    From Accommodation: 0 miles (0 minutes)

    Spend a day soaking up the sun and taking part in various water sports activities at Panama City Beach. Parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and more are all available for rent right on the beach. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

  • From Accommodation: 7.4 miles (20 minutes)

    Take a day to enjoy the waterpark at Shipwreck Island. With various slides and pools, both adults and kids can find something to enjoy here. Be sure to bring your own towels and snacks to save some money.

  • From Accommodation: 11.2 miles (25 minutes)

    Spend a day surrounded by nature and wildlife at St. Andrews State Park. Take part in activities like fishing, hiking, and bird watching, or simply relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of the park.

  • From Accommodation: 3.3 miles (11 minutes)

    Explore the Gulf of Mexico and its marine life with Gulf Power Marine Center's eco tours, guided snorkeling trips, and dolphin watching tours. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and learn about the local environment.

  • From Accommodation: 2.8 miles (10 minutes)

    Enjoy a fun and unique mini-golfing experience at Shipwreck Golf. With an 18-hole course designed around a shipwreck theme, this is a great activity for families with kids of all ages. Be sure to bring some snacks and water as well.

  • From Accommodation: 2.6 miles (8 minutes)

    Take a day to experience the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, where you can dress up like a pirate, participate in a treasure hunt, and even shoot a water cannon. This interactive adventure is sure to delight kids and parents alike.

  • From Accommodation: 14 miles (25 minutes)

    Spend an evening strolling through the picturesque Streets of St. Andrews, a historic area of Panama City filled with local shops, bars, and restaurants. Enjoy some live music, sample the local cuisine, and soak up the charming atmosphere.

  • From Accommodation: 4.4 miles (15 minutes)

    Spend a day visiting the various animals at ZooWorld, a zoological park and conservatory dedicated to the welfare and education of its animal residents. With over 260 animals and opportunities for up-close encounters, this is a must-visit destination for animal lovers.

  • Day 12: Departure
    To Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: 15 miles (20 minutes)

    After checking out of your accommodation, head to the airport for your flight home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gulf World Marine Park (4-5 hours, $30)
  • Pier Park (4-5 hours, varies based on expenses)
  • Water Sports at Panama City Beach (full day, $50+)
  • Shipwreck Island Waterpark (4-5 hours, $40/adult, $30/child)
  • St. Andrews State Park (full day, $5 per vehicle plus another $10-15 for activities)
  • Gulf Power Marine Center (2-3 hours, $30-45)
  • Shipwreck Golf (2-3 hours, $10-15 per person)
  • Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise (2-3 hours, $30/adult, $20/child)
  • Streets of St. Andrews (evening, varies based on expenses)
  • ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory (3-4 hours, $15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $255-280+

Transportation

While many of the attractions on this itinerary are located within a short drive or even walking distance of each other, it may be necessary to rent a car or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for some of your outings. Expect to spend around $20-30 per day on transportation costs.

Useful Tips

While this itinerary includes a wide variety of activities, it is by no means comprehensive – there are many other attractions, restaurants, and beaches in the Panama City Beach area worth exploring if you have more time. Conversely, if you have less than 12 days, consider cutting out some of the less essential activities on this itinerary to make more time for relaxation.

Airports

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is the primary airport serving the Panama City Beach area. Located 20 minutes northwest of Panama City Beach, ECP is served by major airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest.

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