We’ve been to Panama City Beach a dozen times — these are the exact spots we come back to every trip! Whether you’re traveling with kids, your partner, or on a solo beach reset, these places are worth it.
Sections
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Places I love to Eat in PCB
Entertainment
Places to stay and places to shop
Things we packed to make our trip easier
Places I love to Eat in PCB
These are some of my favorite places to go when we vacation here!!
We came here for my parent’s anniversary several years ago. It is one of my favorite places. It’s fancier than others I’ve been to, but well worth it for the good food and great experience
Firefly - Restaurant in Panama City Beach, FL
Try the oyster shot. I ordered it for my husband as a joke. He loved it!!
Bayou Bill's Crab House
This was my husband’s favorite spot. He loves oysters though.
DUSTY'S OYSTER BAR & EATERY, Panama City Beach
One of my favorite places places to get ice cream while I’m there. I just like watching them make it.
Marble Slab Creamery
Get one to share, or keep it all to yourself. That was a mistake. They’re HUGE!!! But sooooooo good. Get there early, there’s always a line!
The Yard Milkshake Bar
My husband says they have the best Bloody Mary. Their food is good too.
The Wicked Wheel
The best drinks! Ice cold/frozen drinks and free cup! Right on the beach, walk up from the beach, get a drink and go back. Food is good too.
Pineapple Willy's Restaurant
We did this a while ago, but you get to go taste a bunch of their wines, they’re so good. I think they have some like key lime. Great experience!
Panama City Beach Winery
My FAVORITE place to eat. They have the best coconut shrimp!!
Pompano Joe's Seafood House
Good food and they always had karaoke going on. Fun vibe!
Shuckums Oyster Pub & Seafood Grill
Thomas Donut is chaotic in the morning but so worth it.
Thomas Donut & Snack Shop
Entertainment
If you haven’t done it, do it!! You will not regret it. So much fun!
Sea Screamer
Half priced happy hour on WEDNESDAY ALL DAY!!!
Dave & Buster's Panama City Beach
We are heading down in August, getting our pictures taken with this wonderful human. We went to school together, next time you’re in the area and want professional photos, hit her up!!!
Life's A Beach Photography
Such a cute piece of history. Walkable. Bad parking.
Historic Downtown Panama City
Spend the day here for like $8 per car, it’s beautiful. So much to do.
St. Andrews State Park
So two things, one rent a boat or go on the ferry, but if you go one the ferry you have to walk a ways to get to the little beach everyone goes to, to find shells. Two; go in the winter for a completely different experience. HUGE SHELLS. That haven’t...
Shell Island Beach
This mini golf place is probably one of my favs. They have a chance to win on the last hole. I don’t remember what you win, but it’s so much fun.
Hidden Lagoon Super Race Track and Golf
Don’t sleep on this. Especially at sunset.
SkyWheel Panama City Beach
This is not one of those if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all. I’ve been to several and they’re all different. If you haven’t been to this one, def give it a try!!
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
You can fish off the pier for like $4 a day. But it’s a nice place to walk too!
Russell-Fields Pier
They have the most to do! If you haven’t done the giant maze, do it. Kids, no kids, doesn’t matter. I’m an adult and had a blast.
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
It was a neat experience. It’s definitely more geared towards children. But as an adult, I did find it fun.
WonderWorks Panama City Beach
Everyone loves to challenge themselves! It was a good time. We DID NOT escape. HA!
Escape The Room PCB
Make sure you find some time to parasail!
Paradise Watersports
Places to stay and places to shop
If you’re going to book a stay, book through VRBO. They’ve been our trusted booking site for 10+ years. Anything goes wrong, they handle it and are on the phones with the host. Amazing service, great experiences!!
Vrbo
This is our fav place to stay!!! It’s walking distance from pier park, and has a tiki bar, right onsite!!
Calypso Resort | Panhandle Getaways
Best place for shopping, dinning, and over all good time. So much to do.
Pier Park
Love this for cheap souvenirs!
Alvin's Island - Panama City Beach #7
We rented ours from VRBO, but overall loved this condo. This was where we stayed our very first trip.
Panama City Beach Condo Rentals
We stayed one time here in the winter. I loved it. The unit we stayed in had two kings suites! Two doorways to the balcony. It was great.
Long Beach Resort
I always visit when we go. Make me some nice tea while we are there. To relax. Make sure to stop in!!
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Panama City Beach
If you’re more of a Airbnb person, here is a great way to stay, cheap and not a hotel!
Panama City Beach Vacation Rentals & Homes - Florida, United States
Things we packed to make our trip easier
Just go ahead and get one and save you back. Don’t try and pull one of those folding wagons!
VEVOR Beach Dolly Big Wheels 29.9x15.4"
This is a good size for the price and easier to put up than those pop up ones!
Beach Canopy
If you have babies, this! I’ve also used it at home and put his pool in it.
Monobeach Baby Pop Up Beach Tent UV Shade
I’m a ginger and this is the only sunscreen I will use!!!
Neutrogena Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 Face & Body
If you have kids, these are the best! They clip in the back so you don’t have to fight with hair tangles.
Kids Swim Goggles Clip In Back
These sandfree beach mats are the bomb! Kept sand off our area for the most part
Sand Free Beach Blanket
Not exactly the ones pictured but we went to the beach and the sand was so hot! Make sure to get some water shoes!
Women's Water Shoes
It’s gonna be hot, you’re gonna need electrolytes. We love this brand!
Liquid I.V.
My fav baby sunscreen. My baby is also a ginger and we love this brand.
Hello Bello Sunscreen
These!! Can fit on a regular chair as a high chair or take it to the beach for baby to sit on.
