10 Things to Do in Panama City Beach Besides the Beach

There’s a reason most vacations to Panama City Beach start with the beach. But there’s a lot more to PCB than putting a chair in the sand.

If you’re looking for things to do in Panama City Beach besides the beach, you’ll find nature trails, state parks, shopping, dolphin cruises, fishing, live music, local restaurants, family attractions and events throughout the year.

If this is your first trip to the area, you may also want to start with our First-Timer’s Guide to Panama City Beach. And if you’re still deciding when to travel, take a look at What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Panama City Beach?

Once you’re here, these are some of the ways we recommend exploring PCB beyond a traditional beach day.

St. Andrews State Park is one of the best places in the area to experience the natural side of Panama City Beach.

The park offers much more than another stretch of sand. Visitors can walk through coastal landscapes, watch for wildlife, fish, snorkel, paddle, picnic or simply spend some time exploring away from the busier parts of PCB.

It’s especially worth adding to your itinerary if your family likes mixing outdoor activities with a day near the water.

Want to see a completely different side of Panama City Beach?

Head north of the beachfront high-rises to Panama City Beach Conservation Park.

The park encompasses approximately 2,900 acres and includes more than 24 miles of trails through wetlands and pine forest, along with boardwalks, picnic areas and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Trails range from short walks to much longer routes, so you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it.

It’s also one of the better options when you want to get outside without spending another full day on the sand.

Pier Park is one of PCB’s main shopping and entertainment areas and is an easy way to fill an afternoon or evening away from the beach.

You’ll find shops, restaurants, entertainment, movies and attractions in a walkable area directly across from the Russell-Fields City Pier.

It can also be a good option for families whose vacation group doesn’t always want to do the same thing. Some people can shop while others find entertainment, grab something to eat or walk across Front Beach Road to the pier.

Seeing a dolphin from the beach is always exciting.

Going out looking for them is even better.

Dolphin tours are one of the most popular ways to get out on the water around Panama City Beach. Trips often explore St. Andrews Bay and the waters surrounding Shell Island, and depending on the excursion, may also include sightseeing or snorkeling.

There are everything from larger sightseeing boats to smaller private excursions, so look around and choose the type of experience that makes sense for your group.

You don’t have to get on a boat to get a different view of the Gulf.

Across from Pier Park, Russell-Fields City Pier extends more than 1,500 feet into the water. Visitors use the pier for fishing, sightseeing, sunsets and spotting marine life below.

If you’re already spending time at Pier Park, walking the pier is an easy addition without having to plan another major excursion.

The Gulf may get most of the attention, but boating and fishing are a huge part of the Panama City Beach experience.

Depending on your group, that might mean booking a fishing charter, renting a pontoon, kayaking, paddleboarding or taking a sightseeing cruise.

If you plan to swim or participate in water activities during your trip, make sure you understand the local beach warning flag system and check conditions before entering the Gulf. Our Panama City Beach Safety Guide explains what the different warning flags mean and includes additional beach-safety information.

Trying local restaurants should be part of the vacation, not something you squeeze in between activities.

Panama City Beach has everything from seafood restaurants and beach bars to Southern comfort food and casual family dining.

We may be a little biased, but we think you should save at least one meal for Pineapple Willy’s, or our sister restaurant, The Wicked Wheel.

We’ve been welcoming Panama City Beach visitors since 1984, serving our World Famous BBQ Ribs, seafood and frozen daiquiris directly on the beach from Panama City Beach’s original pier.

If you’re planning to stop by, you can view the Pineapple Willy’s menu online before you come.

PCB doesn’t shut down when the sun starts setting.

Live music can be found around town throughout the year, particularly during the busier travel seasons. Pineapple Willy’s regularly hosts live entertainment and special events at Willy’s Pier Bar as well.

Before your trip, check our Live Music & Events calendar to see what is scheduled while you’re in town.

Florida weather doesn’t always cooperate with vacation schedules.

A passing storm doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire day in your hotel or condo.

PCB has indoor attractions, arcades, movies, shopping and other entertainment options that can help salvage a rainy afternoon. Pier Park is one obvious option because several activities are concentrated in the same area.

The trick is to choose your rainy-day backup before you actually need it.

That’s one of the recommendations we make in our First-Timer’s Guide to Panama City Beach: leave a little flexibility in your schedule instead of planning every hour of the trip.

One of the easiest ways to make a PCB vacation feel different from your last visit is to see what’s happening while you’re here.

Panama City Beach hosts festivals, concerts, sporting events, food and drink events, holiday celebrations and other special events throughout the year.

Before your trip, check both the citywide events calendar and the Pineapple Willy’s calendar. You may find something happening during your vacation that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on a Panama City Beach vacation is trying to fit everything into one trip.

Pick a few activities your group really wants to experience, leave some open time and remember that you came here to relax too.

Spend a morning exploring Conservation Park. Take a dolphin cruise. Walk the pier at sunset. Find some live music. Try a local restaurant.

And yes, leave plenty of time for the beach.

If you’re still putting your vacation together, our First-Timer’s Guide to Panama City Beach has more tips for planning your visit, while What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Panama City Beach? can help you decide which season is right for your trip.

Whenever you make it to PCB, we hope you’ll stop by and see us.