This article was produced in partnership with Visit Panama City Beach

With 27 miles of beautiful white sand beaches, countless restaurants and hot spots, two state parks, and thousands of acres of conservations area, there’s always something fun to do in Panama City Beach. But with so much going on, where do you start? Try getting a feel for the area with this list of 10 must-do activities in PCB, then explore from there!

Photo Credit: Kim Hill

Hit the Beach

Sink your toes into the powder soft, sugar-white sand beach. Then, see your toes through the crystal clear waters when wading into the Gulf of Mexico. A waterfront town in northwestern Florida, it's a great family destination or couple's retreat.

Photo Credit: Pam Corey

Look for Dolphins

Take a morning dolphin exploration cruise to Shell Island and spend the afternoon snorkeling, swimming and collecting souvenir shells. Approximately 7-miles of undeveloped barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the St. Andrew Bay, here you'll find Florida at its most natural, where graceful sand dunes, coastal scrub forest, pine hammocks, and an inland lake provide the perfect home for deer, nesting shorebirds, and all kinds of coastal creatures.

Photo Credit: Brent Moore

Watch the Wildlife

Stroll the Blue Heron Trail at St. Andrews State Park to bird watch for snowy egrets, great egrets, blue herons and little blue herons while spotting white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, gopher tortoise and the occasional alligator. Known for its sugar white sand and emerald green water, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon.

Photo Credit: Tony Blaize

Get Face to Face with Marine Creatures

Meet Roux, a rescued baby bottlenose dolphin at Gulf World Marine Park where you can swim with the dolphins and watch a variety of marine shows from sea lions at play to SCUBA demonstrations. Afterwards, visit the 400 fluttering butterflies in Butterfly Pavilion, a colorful, flower-filled habitat.

Photo Credit: Innisfree Hotels

Enjoy Nature

Bike through the winding paths of Panama City Beach’s Conservation Park and enjoy a scenic picnic overlooking thousands of acres of protected wetlands. A variety of recreational activities can be found here for the enjoyment of cyclists, hikers and nature lovers.

Photo Credit: Steven Worster

Get Cultured

Take in a country, jazz or rock concert at the new Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater, located in the heart of Panama City Beach. A beautifully manicured park, the venue is an outdoor setting for the ages and the centerpiece of the arena.

Photo Credit: VISIT FLORIDA Editor

Enjoy Some Family Time

Shop the boutiques at Pier Park and reward the kids with ice cream and rides at the adjacent Miracle Strip at Pier Park amusement area. With classic rides like a Ferris Wheel and Carousel, and an assortment of vintage rides and modern amusements, there’s something for people of all ages.


Take a Thrill Ride

Make a splash at Shipwreck Island Water Park on its Pirate’s Race attraction or 65-foot Tree Top Drop and then relax and take in the sunshine on the Lazy River. The tropical themed venue is filled with attractions that'll bring a smile to every member of your family.

Photo Credit: Dru

Go Fish

Cast a line off Russell-Fields Pier (City Pier) or its twin M.B. Miller County Pier for red snapper, Spanish mackerel, grouper or black fin tuna. Deep sea fishing is also a popular activity as you battle the ocean swells for today's fresh catch.

Photo Credit: Greg Grimes

Look Beneath the Surface

Strap on your SCUBA gear and dive in to discover Panama City Beach’s natural, historical and artificial reefs. The USS Strength, a World War II Minesweeper that was originally sunk for Navy diver training purposes, is a popular dive site rich in marine life, as is the Black Bart, a wonderfully intact supply ship sitting upright in 75-feet of water.