Holidays in Panama City Beach: Florida’s Real. FUN. Beach.

1. Beautiful beaches for every mood

PCB offers over 27 miles of soft, white sandy beaches with clear, inviting waters. Whether you want a lively atmosphere or somewhere quieter to relax, there’s a beach for every mood. Some favourites include:

• Panama City Beach: the main stretch with plenty of facilities.

• Laguna Beach: a more peaceful spot to unwind.

• Carillon Beach: a charming community with access to calm and clean beaches.

A must-do while visiting is taking a boat trip to Shell Island - a protected barrier island renowned for its natural beauty and ideal for shell collecting.

🏴‍☠️ Pirate tip: Early morning walks along the shore are the best time to hunt for beautiful shells. You’ll often spot people with buckets in hand, enjoying a fun family activity and collecting keepsakes to take home. Just be sure to check there are no little creatures still living inside before you pocket them!

2. Plenty of adventure and nature to explore

If you enjoy the outdoors, PBC offers a wide variety of places to explore. Just a short drive away, you will find beautiful state parks such as Camp Helen and St Andrews, which are perfect for scenic walks, birdwatching, kayaking, and spotting local wildlife.

At St. Andrews, you can hop on an airboat tour and try your luck at spotting alligators and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

For a fun day activity, you could also rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Camp Helen and paddle out onto Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida.

3. Shopping, dining, and entertainment galore

When you’re ready for a break from the beach, PCB offers a fantastic range of shopping and entertainment options. Front Beach Road has a great mix of shops and eateries, but Pier Park really steals the show. From popular brands to quirky local stores, plus a Target perfect for picking up classic American treats, it’s a shopper’s paradise. For food, you’ve got to check out Margaritaville on the beachfront by Pier Park, and you also can’t miss Thomas Donuts - queuing for their incredible variety of donuts has become a local rite of passage.

Entertainment-wise, the recently opened Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is a real highlight, featuring pirates, mermaids, acrobatics, and an impressive indoor water stage. You can also take in stunning views from the SkyWheel or enjoy family fun with mini-golf, bumper boats, and more.

4. Warm hospitality and year-round festivals

Another reason we love PCB is the warm Southern hospitality and the lively line-up of festivals that take place throughout the year. The locals are incredibly welcoming, and there’s always something happening that adds a bit of extra buzz to your trip. Some of the highlights include:

• Panama City Beach Mardi Gras & Music Festival (February)

• UNwineD Festival (March)

• Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April)

• Gulf Coast Jam (late May)

• Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (May and October)

No matter when you visit, there's a good chance you’ll catch some live music, delicious food stalls, and a great crowd enjoying the atmosphere.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton – A touch more luxe, with roomy suites and a prime location by Pier Park. Perfect if you want a bit more space and style.



• Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort – These colourful beach cottages offer serious tropical vibes, resort-style pools, and private patios — ideal for a special stay.



• Calypso Towers Condos – Great for families or groups. These beachfront condos come with full kitchens and living areas, and prices are brilliant when you're sharing.



• Beach Villas – If you’re celebrating with a group, booking a beachfront villa is a great shout. There are loads of options in the area to suit various budgets and group sizes. Panhandle Getaways is a good place to start your search, with a wide range of properties offering beach access, pools, and space to spread out.

Pirate tip 🏴‍☠️: To get the best bang for your buck, plan your stay during the shoulder seasons in late spring or early autumn, when hotel prices are more favourable and the beaches are less crowded.

Breakfast spots

Andy’s Flour Power

Known for their fresh ingredients and simple, delicious dishes, Andy’s Flour Power lives by their motto: “We don’t do fancy, we do fresh. And you can’t fake fresh.” This family-run restaurant serves up classic breakfast and brunch options made with care, featuring some of the owner’s grandmother’s cherished recipes. Hospitality here is next level - the owner also serves the food, adding a warm, personal touch. Plus, it’s also really affordable, with most dishes under £12 and portions that are more than generous.

Thomas’ Donuts

A true local gem, Thomas’ Donut & Snack Shop is famous for its friendly atmosphere and unbeatable doughnuts. You’ll find all the classics here, but what stands out are their unique flavours such as Guava & Cheese, Key Lime Cream, and even a nod to Puerto Rican culture with their Toasted Coquito doughnut. Be sure to get there early, as queues can get long, but it’s worth the wait for these delicious treats!

Perfect for lunch

Back Beach BBQ

Back Beach BBQ is a favourite for mouth-watering, slow-smoked barbecue made with locally sourced ingredients. This cosy spot serves tender, flavour-packed meats prepared using traditional techniques, perfect for a quick and easy bite. Popular dishes include the loaded potato, Texas-style brisket, mac ’n’ cheese, and BBQ baked beans - all full of smoky goodness and generous portions.

Pompano Joe’s Seafood House

Located beachside at Pier Park, Pompano Joe’s offers fresh Gulf seafood with a Caribbean twist and stunning ocean views to match. A Travellers’ Choice pick on Tripadvisor with a solid 4.3/5 rating, it’s a firm favourite among visitors for its lively atmosphere, friendly service, and top-notch coastal fare, with most mains coming in under £20. That said, there are definitely pricier options if you're in the mood for a treat.

Great for dinner

Firefly

Widely regarded as one of PCB’s top restaurants, Firefly blends a relaxed atmosphere with refined coastal cuisine. It’s not the cheapest, but the quality really stands out - think fresh local seafood, steaks, and sushi. My favourite thing on the menu was their signature crab soup, a must-try if you go. With its softly lit interior, glowing tree, and fairy lights, it’s a lovely spot for a special night out.

Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill

For a more budget-friendly option with lovely Gulf views, Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill is a local favourite. Located right on the beachfront, it has a relaxed island-style vibe and an extensive menu featuring mahi-mahi tacos, New Orleans BBQ shrimp, burgers, and tropical cocktails. Well-rated by visitors, it offers great flavour and atmosphere without the premium price tag.

Drinks are calling

Schooners - The Last Local Beach Club

Schooners is the ultimate spot for drinks right on the beach, offering spectacular Gulf views and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Every evening, locals and visitors gather to watch the sunset, marked by the firing of an old cannon. With live music, vibrant nightlife, and souvenir drink cups, it’s perfect for sipping your favourite cocktail while soaking up the beachside vibes.

McGuire’s Irish Pub

A lively, well-loved Irish pub that opened this year, McGuire’s is known for its friendly vibe, live music, and daily happy hour. They offer different drink specials almost every night, including martinis for under £4 on Tuesdays. It’s a great spot to unwind with a pint or cocktail after a day on the beach.

1. Volunteer with Stay it Forward

One morning, we joined the Stay it Forward programme, a community initiative to help protect PCB's environment. Volunteers plant sea oats along the dunes, which stabilise the shoreline, reduce storm damage, and support local wildlife. It’s a rewarding way to make a positive impact during your visit.

Since Hurricane Michael in 2018, the programme has also supported clean-up and restoration efforts in nearby areas like Mexico Beach and St. Andrews State Park. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and everything you need, including tools and a free t-shirt, is provided. Events typically take place in the morning and last a few hours. To get involved, just keep an eye on their website for upcoming planting days.

2. Take a scenic helicopter tour

For a truly memorable perspective of the coastline, a helicopter ride with Panhandle Helicopters offers sweeping aerial views of Panama City Beach and its surroundings. Spotting dolphins from above was a definite highlight - and some in our group even caught a glimpse of an alligator while flying over St. Andrews State Park.

Prices start around £22 for a short ride, but for a more complete experience, we’d recommend the Breakfast Point tour (from £141) to see a bit of everything. Alternatively, the Shell Island Tour (from £126) offers stunning coastal views at a slightly lower price point, a great way to save without missing out.