Panama City Beach, Florida has always been a popular destination for tourists, many of whom come to sunbathe on the beach during their spring or summer vacations. However, there is a wealth of fun activities for families to enjoy year-round. Check these out next time you’re in town.
Educational Excitement
Although PCB enjoys sunny weather most of the time, should there be a rainy day, WonderWorks is a top destination for indoor fun. This unique ‘edu-tainment’ complex, shaped like an upside-down museum (complete with upside-down palm trees!), offers a wide variety of engaging activities for both kids and parents. Get electrified with a Tesla coil, experience a hurricane simulation, or even lie on a bed of nails – everything here encourages learning in a fun way.
Test your sense of direction in the Gran Maze of Coconut Creek, a football-field-sized maze that fascinates both the young and the young-at-heart. Navigate through various nautically themed markers – buoys, lookout stations, and even a replica orca – as you work to find your way out.
For a more relaxed educational experience, visit the Man in the Sea Museum, a 5,000-square foot facility dedicated to the history of scientific and recreational diving. Some exhibits are hands-on, allowing visitors to climb and interact with the displays.
Nature and Beauty
At the top of the list for nature-lovers is the beautiful St. Andrews State Park. Once a military installation, the park now hosts numerous wildlife species, complete with docks for fishing and boating, overnight campsites, and many walking trails. Gator Lake is an excellent spot for observing Florida’s famous reptile. Bring binoculars to explore birding opportunities, or a fishing rod to catch some fish, all while enjoying the tranquility of winding paths through untouched forests and beaches.
From St. Andrews, you can take a boat to Shell Island, a pristine stretch of stunning white sand beaches with gentle waters, dolphins to spot, and abundant bird life. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter a sea turtle. Although access to Shell Island requires a boat, expect this popular destination to be shared with fellow nature lovers.
Not far from Laguna Beach lies Conservation Park, a woodland area outfitted with twelve walking trails of varying lengths weaving through pristine forests and restored wetlands. Here, visitors can expect to see woodpeckers, warblers, and various songbirds, along with the chance to spot snakes, squirrels, deer, foxes, or raccoons, depending on the chosen trail. Some trails may provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Water, Water, Everywhere…
Much of the fun in Panama City Beach revolves around its many aquatic activities. Whether you prefer swimming at the beach, snorkeling, scuba diving, or boating, there are countless opportunities for families to enjoy these exquisite waters. Grand Lagoon, St. Andrews State Park, and the outer beaches each offer unique experiences in the sea.
While observing dolphins can be done from shore with binoculars or from boats, sometimes the most thrilling way is to dive right in. Blue Dolphin Tours offers intimate group experiences for up to six people, allowing you to swim with wild dolphins. Most importantly, you’ll be able to capture underwater selfies or simply enjoy their graceful movements as they swim nearby.
If you’re seeking more boat-based action, consider the delightful Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, a two-hour adventure that begins with the pirate’s call of “Aye, Aye, Matey!” or a hearty “Yaaaarrrrrgh!” Be prepared for some swashbuckling fun as you fire the cannon or look out for dolphins during the cruise.
For breathtaking ocean views from high above, embrace a ride on the new SkyWheel at Pier Park, which soars 200 feet above PCB, offering spectacular 360-degree panoramas of the coastline and the Gulf.
Fun (and Fine!) Dining
The excitement continues even when the kids start to feel hungry, as many dining spots in PCB combine great food with entertaining experiences. For instance, at Sisters of the Sea, diners can meet or even swim in a pool with mermaids, and occasionally stumble upon roaming pirates. Kids enjoy swimming while they await meal service, allowing parents to sip margaritas in peace.
When it’s all about satisfying hearty appetites, David’s Sno-Balls offer delicious Louisiana-style options such as po-boys and beignets, but the standout item is undoubtedly the stuffed Sno-Ball, available in a variety of delightful flavors.
For the freshest seafood experience, visit Anderson’s Fish Market, which promotes ‘hook and cook’ options for whatever you catch that day. They also clean and fillet your catch if you prefer to take it home. Alternatively, enjoy checking out the big glass displays showcasing a variety of fresh fish and seafood, including ready-to-eat dips and other treats.
iBestTravel has produced this article for Visit Panama City Beach. All editorial views are those of iBestTravel alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.
