Panama City Beach has long been known for its beautiful beaches, but there is more to this Florida Panhandle destination than a chair in the sand. With miles of shoreline, state parks, fishing, boating, nature trails and plenty of places to eat and explore, it is easy to build a vacation around whatever brings you to the coast.
The beaches are certainly a good place to start. Panama City Beach has 27 miles of shoreline and numerous public access points, making it possible to find everything from busy stretches near attractions to quieter places where the main plan is simply to enjoy the water.
Spend a Day at St. Andrews State Park
One of the area's standout places is St. Andrews State Park, located at the eastern end of Panama City Beach. The park sits between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay and has more than a mile and a half of white sand beach.
There is plenty to do beyond swimming. Visitors can go snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching or take a boat to Shell Island. The park also has two fishing piers and a boat launch.
Shell Island is another popular outing. The undeveloped barrier island can be reached by boat from St. Andrews and offers a chance to spend time on a quieter stretch of beach away from the main resort area.
Get Out on the Water
Fishing is a big part of the Panama City Beach experience, whether you prefer casting from a pier, heading out with a charter or exploring the area's bays and waterways. The region is also popular for snorkeling, diving, kayaking and paddleboarding.
For families, there are plenty of ways to break up beach time without going far. Conservation Park offers thousands of acres of wetlands and trails, while the city's piers provide a different perspective of the coastline and are popular for both fishing and watching the sunset.
Find Your Own Pace
One of the advantages of staying in a vacation home is having somewhere to settle in between adventures. Panama City Beach has everything from smaller accommodations for couples to larger beach houses and condos for families and groups.
A vacation rental can also make it easier to enjoy the destination on your own schedule. Make breakfast at home, spend the afternoon at the beach, head out for seafood in the evening and come back to a place with room to spread out.
A Destination for More Than Summer
Panama City Beach can be a good choice for travelers who want a traditional beach vacation, but it also works for those looking for outdoor activities and a change of scenery. Fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife watching and exploring the parks give visitors plenty of reasons to get beyond the beach.
And when you are ready for a slower day, there is always that long stretch of sand and warm Gulf water waiting.
Whether you are planning a family vacation, a weekend with friends or a few days away from colder weather, Panama City Beach offers plenty of ways to make the trip your own.
Find your next Panama City Beach vacation rental with Landcombers and start planning your Florida getaway.