Four Days Family-Friendly Itinerary in Panama City Beach

  • Day 1: Gulf World Marine Park
    8 minutes (1.3 miles) from Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach

    Get up close and personal with dolphins, sea lions, tropical birds and other marine animals. Experience exciting shows, interactive animal encounters and discover unique exhibits.

  • Day 2: Shell Island
    20 minutes (8.5 miles) from Gulf World Marine Park

    Experience a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Panama City Beach by taking a ferry and visiting the Gulf Coast’s #1 rated beach. While there, go shelling, sunbathing, or take a snorkeling adventure.

  • Day 3: WonderWorks
    15 minutes (4.9 miles) from Shell Island

    If you are traveling with children, visit one of the top-rated family attractions in Panama City Beach. Combining education and entertainment with over 100 interactive exhibits and challenges including a 70ft tall ropes course, the WonderWorks offers a memorable experience that engages the imagination.

  • Day 4: St. Andrews State Park
    11 minutes (4.7 miles) from WonderWorks

    End your trip by visiting a top national park and nature preserve with all possible outdoor activities, including snorkeling, nature trails, and wildlife watching. This is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in search of peace and quiet.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gulf World Marine Park (2-3 hours, $22-$32 per adult, $17-$27 per child)
  • Shell Island (4-5 hours, $22 per person for the ferry, additional cost for rentals)
  • WonderWorks (3-4 hours, $22 per adult, $16 per child)
  • St. Andrews State Park (4-5 hours, $8 per vehicle, up to 2-8 people)
    • Total Estimated Costs: $165-$232

Transportation

Car rental services and ride-sharing options like Uber, and Lyft, are available for travelers. Visitors can expect to spend approximately $160-$250 for a four-day rental car with insurance depending on where you rent from, time of year and your driving record. Ride-Sharing can cost approximately $15-$25 per ride depending on distance and demand.

Useful Tips

Additional recommended family-friendly activities in Panama City Beach include visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, a dolphin-watching boat tour, snorkeling adventures, and chartered fishing trips. If you have more time, consider exploring the nearby cities like Destin and Pensacola. If you have less time, consider skipping WonderWorks or St. Andrews State Park.

Airports

The closest airport to Panama City Beach is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), about 18 miles away from the city center. Located in Panama City Beach, it serves major airlines like Delta, Southwest, United, and American Airlines. Another nearby airport option is the Pensacola International Airport (PNS), around 93 miles away. However, the drive from PNS airport to Panama City beach can take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed