12 Days in Panama City Beach Itinerary

  • Day 1: St. Andrews State Park
    15 minutes (9 miles) from Panama City Beach

    Start your trip by exploring the natural beauty of St. Andrews State Park. This park boasts hiking trails, fishing piers, and stunning beaches. Spend the day swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, kayaking in the lagoon, or fishing. Don't forget to bring sunscreen and a packed lunch.

  • Day 2: Gulf World Marine Park
    10 minutes (3.6 miles) from St. Andrews State Park

    Learn about the marine life in the Gulf of Mexico with a visit to Gulf World Marine Park. See live shows featuring dolphins and sea lions, swim with stingrays, and interact with penguins. Take a break from the heat by watching the indoor bird show.

  • Day 3: Shipwreck Island Waterpark
    5 minutes (1.1 mile) from Gulf World Marine Park

    Beat the heat and enjoy a day of thrills at Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Spend the day riding water slides, lounging in the lazy river, or playing in the wave pool. There is something for all ages at this attraction.

  • Day 4: Panama City Beach Winery
    6 minutes (2.2 miles) from Shipwreck Island Waterpark

    Discover the local wine scene at the Panama City Beach Winery. Sample a variety of wines, including fruit and dessert wines. Take a tour of the winery to learn about their winemaking process. Don't forget to stock up on your favorites to bring home.

  • Day 5: Pier Park
    8 minutes (2.5 miles) from Panama City Beach Winery

    Spend the day shopping, dining, and people watching at Pier Park. A popular outdoor shopping center, Pier Park features nationally recognized stores, live music, and seasonal events. Catch a movie at the Grand Theatre or visit the Mirror Maze and Laser Craze attraction.

  • Day 6: Shell Island
    10 minutes (4.8 miles) from Pier Park

    Escape to the secluded beaches of Shell Island by taking a ferry from St. Andrews State Park. Spend the day snorkeling, collecting shells, and enjoying the crystal-clear water. Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles on the boat ride over.

  • Day 7: Captain Anderson's Marina
    8 minutes (3 miles) from Shell Island Ferry

    Catch your own dinner with a deep-sea fishing trip from Captain Anderson's Marina. Choose from a half-day or full-day trip and try your luck at catching snapper, grouper, and more. If you prefer to stay on land, visit their seafood restaurant for some fresh seafood.

  • Day 8: Panama City Beach Conservation Park
    15 minutes (7.6 miles) from Captain Anderson's Marina

    Explore the natural beauty of Panama City Beach at the Conservation Park. This park features over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including alligators and migratory birds.

  • Day 9: WonderWorks
    10 minutes (3.8 miles) from Panama City Beach Conservation Park

    Enjoy a day of educational fun at WonderWorks. This interactive attraction features over 100 exhibits and interactive displays designed to educate and entertain guests of all ages. Experience an earthquake, ride a virtual rollercoaster, or compete in a laser tag challenge.

  • Day 10: Panama City Beach Golf Course
    15 minutes (5.6 miles) from WonderWorks

    Perfect your golf game at the Panama City Beach Golf Course. This 27-hole championship course features coastal dunes, lush fairways, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Reserve a tee time and enjoy a day on the links.

  • Day 11: Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
    5 minutes (1.3 miles) from Panama City Beach Golf Course

    Challenge your family and friends to a day of mini-golf, go-karts, and more at the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park. This park features two 18-hole mini-golf courses, a giant maze, and a ropes course. Race around the go-kart track or test your skills at the arcade.

  • Day 12: Beach Day
    5 minutes (1.7 miles) from Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

    Spend your last day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Panama City Beach. With over 27 miles of pristine white sand and emerald green water, you are guaranteed to find the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Pack a picnic lunch or grab a snack from a nearby beach vendor.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • St. Andrews State Park (4 hours, $8 per vehicle)
  • Gulf World Marine Park (3-4 hours, $39.99 adult, $29.99 child)
  • Shipwreck Island Waterpark (6 hours, $44.99 adult, $39.99 child)
  • Panama City Beach Winery (1 hour, Free)
  • Pier Park (3-5 hours, Free)
  • Shell Island (6-8 hours, $25 per person for ferry ride)
  • Captain Anderson's Marina (4-8 hours, $70-150 per person for fishing trip)
  • Panama City Beach Conservation Park (2-4 hours, Free)
  • WonderWorks (4-6 hours, $32.99 adult, $24.99 child)
  • Panama City Beach Golf Course (4-6 hours, $108 per round)
  • Coconut Creek Family Fun Park (3-4 hours, varies by activity)
  • Beach Day (6-8 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $280-360 per person

Transportation

While a car is recommended for getting around Panama City Beach, there are also several options for public transportation, including bus and taxi services. Uber and Lyft also operate in the area. Expect to spend around $15-30 for a taxi ride from the airport to Panama City Beach, depending on the distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to explore the nearby town of Seaside or visit the Gulf World Marine Park's sister park, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, in Fort Walton Beach. If you have less time, shorten your trip to 7-10 days and cut out some of the activities, such as the winery or golf course.

Airports

The main airport in Panama City Beach is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP). It is located about 20 miles northwest of Panama City Beach and serves several major airlines, including Delta, Southwest, and United. The airport code is ECP.

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