Panama City Beach has the longest stretch of pure white Gulf sand on our list — 27 miles of it. Whether you're here for the beach, the theme parks, the nightlife, or the incredible seafood, PCB has something for everyone. It's bigger and louder than the others, and that's exactly why people love it.
🏖️ Best Beaches in Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach Public Beach
The main beach — and there's a lot of it. 27 miles of Gulf-front white quartz sand stretching along Front Beach Road (US-98 Alt). This is the heart of PCB's beach scene, with lifeguards in season, water sports vendors, parasailing, and all the energy of one of Florida's most-visited beach destinations.
St. Andrews State Park
The crown jewel of PCB. This 1,260-acre state park at the eastern tip of the peninsula has pristine, uncrowded beaches, crystal-clear water, snorkeling on the jetties, hiking trails through pine flatwoods, and stunning lagoon views. Consistently rated one of the best beaches in the country. Day-use fee applies.
Shell Island
An uninhabited barrier island accessible only by boat, Shell Island is a surreal experience — over 7 miles of completely undeveloped Gulf beach. Dolphin sightings on the crossing are virtually guaranteed. Water taxis run from St. Andrews State Park marina throughout the day.
🏨 Where to Stay in Panama City Beach
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.
PCB Gulf-Front Hotels & Condos
hotelPanama City Beach has the widest range of Gulf-front accommodations on the Panhandle — from budget motels to full-service condo towers. Booking.com covers the full spectrum. The stretch of Front Beach Road between Pier Park and St. Andrews State Park offers the best balance of access and value.
Check Availabilityvia Booking.comVacation Rentals via VRBO
vacation-rentalPCB has one of the largest vacation rental inventories on the Gulf Coast — thousands of condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. VRBO is the best place to search. Large groups get exceptional value in the 4–6 bedroom Gulf-front condos here.
Check Availabilityvia VRBO🍽️ Where to Eat in Panama City Beach
Schooners
Self-described as 'the last local beach club' and that's basically accurate. Right on the sand, live music every night, cold beer, fresh Gulf seafood, and a crowd that ranges from college groups to families to retirees. The fish tacos and fresh grouper are the go-to orders.
Thomas Donut & Snack Shop
A PCB institution since 1971. The line runs out the door on summer mornings and every local will tell you the same thing: go early, get the glazed, and eat them warm in the parking lot. Old-school, no pretension, absolutely essential.
Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
A dive bar masquerading as a seafood restaurant, or a seafood restaurant masquerading as a dive bar — either way, it's one of the best raw oyster bars on the Panhandle. Cash only, paper plates, and oysters that come straight off local boats. An institution.
Firefly Restaurant
The nicest restaurant in PCB, full stop. A sophisticated menu with exceptional local seafood, a serious cocktail program, and an intimate dining room that feels a world away from Front Beach Road. Reserve well in advance in summer.
🏄 Activities in Panama City Beach
Shell Island Water Taxi
The quintessential PCB experience. Take the water taxi from St. Andrews State Park to Shell Island — a completely undeveloped barrier island with wild beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling near the jetties, and dolphins that routinely swim alongside the boat. Pack a lunch and spend the day.
Book This Activityvia GetYourGuidePier Park
PCB's main entertainment and shopping complex — a massive outdoor mall with 100+ stores, 30+ restaurants, a movie theater, a giant Ferris wheel, and continuous live events. Located right at the edge of the beach. More Vegas than beach town, but genuinely fun for groups.
Ripley's Believe It or Not & Gulf World Marine Park
PCB has a full lineup of classic Florida tourist attractions — dolphin shows, a marine park, Ripley's museum, mini golf, go-karts, and more. The Gulf World Marine Park dolphin encounters are particularly popular with families.
Deep-Sea Fishing Charters
PCB's fishing fleet is one of the largest on the Gulf Coast. Half-day party boats let you fish for bottom species without a full charter; private offshore trips target red snapper, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Fishing Booker has the best selection of vetted captains.
Book This Activityvia GetYourGuide🗺️ Getting to Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach sits at the eastern end of the Florida Panhandle, accessible via US-98/98 Alt (Front Beach Road) from the east or west. From I-10, take Exit 296 (Chipley) south on FL-77 for about 35 miles to PCB, or Exit 304 south on FL-79. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) serves PCB directly — a modern airport with Delta, American, Southwest, and United service. It's the most convenient air option. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is about 90 minutes west. Most public beach parking along Front Beach Road is free.
Join the Gulf Coast Insider
Beach intel, local restaurant finds, hidden spots, and travel tips — straight from someone who actually lives on the Gulf Coast. No spam, ever.
Join 2,000+ Gulf Coast insiders. Unsubscribe anytime.