The Perfect Summer Vacation in Panama City Beach

If you're looking for the perfect summer vacation spot, look no further than Panama City Beach, Florida! With white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained, PCB is sure to please. In this blog post, we'll give you a rundown of what to do, see, and eat during your stay in PCB. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun!

Nature, Beaches & Parks

Beaches

First on the list is, of course, spending time at the beach! PCB is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so make sure to take advantage. Go for a swim, sunbathe on the sand, build sandcastles with the kids, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore. Whatever you do, you're sure to have a blast.

Dolphin Watching Tour

One activity that's fun for the whole family is a dolphin watching tour. You can find several operators in Panama City Beach that offer tours, so be sure to do some research and find one that's right for you. During the tour, you'll have the chance to see these amazing creatures up close and learn more about them from your knowledgeable guide.

Shell Island

If you're looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of PCB, Shell Island is the perfect spot. This seven-mile barrier island is only accessible by boat and is home to pristine beaches, secluded picnic areas, and plenty of wildlife. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.

St. Andrews State Park

Another great spot for nature lovers is St. Andrews State Park. This park is located on a peninsula and is home to miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as two beaches. Be sure to bring your camera, as you're sure to see some incredible scenery.

Conservation Park

Last on our list of nature-related activities is Conservation Park. This park is a great spot for bird watching, as it's home to over 200 species of birds. There's also a butterfly garden and plenty of walking trails to explore.

photo by shipwreckisland.com

Theme Parks & Attractions

In addition to the beach, there are plenty of other attractions in PCB that are perfect for summertime fun. Visit Shipwreck Island Waterpark and try their amazing water slides, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium to see some strange and unusual artifacts, or take a spin on the Skywheel at Pier Park. For the thrill-seekers in your group, try your hand at parasailing or jet-skiing. And no matter what you do, don't forget to enjoy a delicious ice cream cone from one of the many Ice Cream Shops!  Here are some of our favorite summer highlights:

Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Shipwreck Island is the perfect summer water park, with a variety of activities to keep you busy all day long. Whether it's diving, water sliding, swimming, or whatever else your heart desires, you'll be exhilarated, exhausted, and drenched at the end of your trip to Shipwreck Island. Be sure to try the Rapid River Run which is designed to provide a unique experience each time you ride. And don't miss The Great Shipwreck, a unique attraction consisting of a Spanish Galleon shipwreck replica with a zip line that dives into 8.5 feet of water.

Gulf World Marine Park

The spectacular daily shows at Gulf World Marine Park featuring Dolphins, Sea Lions, Reptiles, Tropical Birds, and other furry creatures will astonish you.  You can explore the indoor and outdoor tropical gardens with penguins and sea turtles or visit the stingray petting pool where you can feed the stingrays.  And don't miss their main highlight, the Swim with a Dolphin program, an excellent way to get up close and personal with these amazing animals while learning more about them.

SkyWheel Panama City Beach

The SkyWheel, an observation wheel that stands nearly 200 feet tall overlooking Panama City Beach, is just one of the city's main attractions, located at Pier Park Shopping Mall.  This giant Ferris Wheel has 42 fully-enclosed, temperature controlled gondolas that seat up to six people, providing an unparalleled view of the city and the surrounding beaches.  There's also a ropes course, snack shack, and 18-hole mini golf course. The SkyWheel is open all year and provides a unique experience for children and adults of all ages.

Panama City Beach Winery

If you love wine as well as fruity liquor beverages, then Panama City Beach Winery is the place for you. Its wines are 100 percent real fruit wines and some of its bottles contain over 9 pounds of fruit. There is no sugar in the aftertaste, so you'll get a wine that is light and refreshing, with a flavor that resembles your favorite fruit.

photo by @backporchpcb

Restaurants

After a long day of fun in the sun, you're sure to be hungry. PCB has no shortage of great places to eat, so you're sure to find something to your taste. Sample some fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants, or grab a bite from a food truck. You can even enjoy a classic summertime treat like cotton candy or funnel cake! Here are some of our favorites:

The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House

Since 1974, The Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House has been serving Gulf seafood, raw oysters, and ice cold beer. They were the first in the area to serve chargrilled Amberjack. Stop by The Back Porch for a fantastic meal with fantastic Gulf views, as well as an unpretentious ambience that will transport you back in time.

Firefly

Visit the Firefly Diner for a fine meal in a casual environment with an ambience that is more like New York City than Panama City Beach. Firefly serves the best local seafood, delicious steaks broiled on an 1800 degree grill, gourmet sushi, and handcrafted pizzas. The goal of quality food and service at Firefly is to satisfy the locals. Perfect for a romantic evening out or a special event.

Saltwater Grill

As soon as you enter the Saltwater Grill, you will be welcomed by an impressive panoramic view of a 25,000-gallon tropical saltwater aquarium. Watch these exotic sea creatures as you enjoy your dinner! Their incredible Gulf fresh seafood and premium steaks are a must-try. Grab a drink at our newly built bar while catching up with your friends. They also have an extensive wine list to compliment your meal.

Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Our last pick is Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, a large restaurant and retail location that serves hearty family-style cuisine with classic Southern recipes in the midst of Pier Park. The restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that you're sure to remember, with endless amounts of Southern-Style main courses and side dishes. The perfect spot for bringing friends and families together over a meal!

Summary

No matter what you do during your summer vacation in Panama City Beach, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

If you're looking for even more ideas, be sure to check out our Panama City Beach Vacation Guide. It's packed with information on things to do, see, and eat while you're in town! And if you need help booking a beach home or rental property, our team of vacation experts would be happy to assist. Give us a call at 850-775-1138 or send us an email at sunandsandpm@gmail.com. We can't wait to hear from you!