Beach Hotels in Panama City Beach, FL

Planning a seaside getaway to the Floridian coast is always a good idea, and booking a stay in Panama City is no exception. This major city is located in Bay County and rests comfortably along the pristine Gulf shores. Though a popular destination for Spring Breakers, this coastal city offers more than just beaches and brews— Panama City has everything you’d need for the perfect couples retreat, as well as families on the hunt for outdoor fun. Read on for the top tastes, beautiful beaches, and sun-soaked activities you won’t want to miss during your stay in sunny Florida.

First things first: food. Upon arrival, you’ll first want to try a few of the local flavors before sinking your teeth into the wealth of global cuisine offered in town. Down by the water, you’ll have no trouble sniffing out oyster bars, bayside grills, and other such seafood fare. After clearing your plate of lobster and crab cakes, you might feel like a stroll to get your steps in. Make your way along Beck Ave to find a fun cocktail bar serving up sophisticated cocktails, and micro brewed beers alike.

For a truly unforgettable experience take the kids to the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise, where they can enjoy two whole hours of wild pirate activities while you relax in the sun or below decks (in air conditioning!). Just remember to keep your eyes out for dolphins! With snacks, music, and adult beverages offered on the ship, everybody will have a great time on this playful pirate-themed cruise. Then, get up close and personal with some of the most exotic animals in the world all offered at Zoo World Zoological Park. Off of Front Beach Road, this Zoo focuses on conservation and is home to over 260 animals as well as programs, fun shows, and activities for the kids— all within a beautiful tropical setting!

Head down to Panama City Beach and Pier— the perfect choice for a fun beach day while being in the center of all the activity and within close proximity to tons of beachside restaurants and bars. But that’s not the only sandy option, as the city has a variety of postcard-worthy beaches to choose from along its 27 miles of coastline. So for a bit of nature and an afternoon of shell collecting, pop over to Shell Island, home to ghost crabs, deer, and both the loggerhead sea turtle and the green sea turtle!

There’s never enough time to explore everything this seaside city has to offer, so be choosey and have fun— it’s a vacation after all! Don’t forget to check out our top beach hotels nearby in West Palm Beach, Hilton Head Island, and Jekyll Island.