🏖️Top Things to Do in Panama City Beach 2025: Beaches, Eco‑Tours, Water Parks & More
Why Panama City Beach Is So Popular in 2025
Panama City Beach—affectionately known as PCB—is officially ranked Florida’s #1 summer destination for 2025 and #7 nationwide, according to TripAdvisor’s Summer Travel Index . With 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, emerald-colored Gulf waters, and year-round sunshine, it’s become a top search term for travelers planning coastal getaways.
Search trends consistently show high interest in:
“things to do in Panama City Beach 2025”
“PCB attractions with kids”
“Shell Island kayaking PCB”
“dolphin cruise Panama City Beach”
“PCB family activities”
1. Explore 27 Miles of Beaches: From Quiet Shorelines to Photo‑Perfect Spots
Panama City Beach’s beaches are consistently among the most-searched attractions for good reason. Whether lounging near Frank Brown Park or walking along uncrowded east-end beaches, visitors love searches like “best family beaches in PCB” .
📍 Public access points: Spanning from Russell‑Fields Pier to Carillon Beach and Rosemary Beach, visitors can easily find scenic spots via Front Beach Road (SR 30) and US 98.
2. Shell Island: Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Dolphin Cruises
Shell Island is a pristine barrier island—accessible only by boat—with no structures, crowds, or bustling beaches. Searches like “Shell Island tour PCB” and “Snorkel excursions with Good Jibez” top travel guiding results .
Activities include:
Kayaking over clear waters
Snorkeling vibrant reefs
Catamaran dolphin cruises with sandbar stops
Shelling on the protected shoreline
These eco-adventure searches convert well, especially for families, nature lovers, and couples.
3. Dolphin Cruises, Snorkel Tours & Floating Sandbar Adventures
Keywords such as “dolphin sighting trip Panama City Beach” and “sunset dolphin cruise PCB” frequently show up on Expedia and related platforms. Popular tours offer 1–2 hour experiences priced around $50–$80 USD per adult, often with free cancellation options .
Examples:
Sunset Dolphin Cruise in St. Andrews Bay
Original CRUISIN’ TIKIS sandbar swim and snorkeling tours
These highly rated tours appeal to both families and romantic travelers.
4. Visit St. Andrews State Park: Snorkel, Bike, Camp & Hike
St. Andrews State Park is one of PCB’s best-known searches—as “St. Andrews State Park snorkel trail PCB” or “nature trails Panama City Beach.” It features 1½ miles of undeveloped beachfront, shaded picnic areas, paved nature trails, and a ferry launch to Shell Island.
Outdoor enthusiasts love:
Hiking and biking
Snorkeling along artificial reefs
Fishing from the pier dock
Camping or glamping lakeside
5. Pier Park: Shopping, Rides & Waterfront Dining
Pier Park is PCB’s mega-attraction—a shopping + dining + entertainment district with mini‑golf, SkyWheel rides, laser tag, IMAX theaters, and seasonal events—searches like “Pier Park shopping Panama City Beach” rank highly.
Signature spots:
Russell‑Fields City Pier for sunset views
Local shops ranging from Target to boutique artisan stores
Floats of restaurants like Margaritaville and Saltwater Grill
6. Family Fun & Waterpark Attractions: Shipwreck Island, Aquariums & More
PCB search terms often include “Panama City Beach family attractions” and “Shipwreck Island Waterpark PCB.” Families flock to:
Shipwreck Island’s slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools
Indoor attractions like WonderWorks and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park for go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf
7. Adventure Sports: Fishing Charters, Diving, and Eco‑Tours
Top searches include “PCB fishing charters” and “diving tours Panama City Beach.” Popular experiences:
Deep-sea fishing for billfish and snapper
Reef diving and snorkeling tours
Snorkel excursions with companies like Good Jibez (rated 9/10 on Expedia)
8. Seasonal Events & Festivals: Thunder Beach, Gulf Coast Jam & More
PCB events like Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally and Gulf Coast Jam see high search volume in shoulder seasons. Thunder Beach draws tens of thousands of visitors each May and October, while Gulf Coast Jam is a summer country music festival attracting travelers nationwide.
Local searches include:
“PCB events June 2025”
“Thunder Beach rally Panama City Beach”
“Gulf Coast Jam PCB”
9. Dining, Romance & Nightlife: Sunset Cruises, Seafood & Couples’ Activities
For romance and foodie-focused visitors, keywords like “romantic things to do PCB,” “PCB seafood restaurants,” and “sunset cruises Panama City Beach” are common.
Highlights:
Dining at Saltwater Grill, Capt. Anderson’s, or Firefly (noted for its magical indoor tree and upscale menu)
Floating tiki bar cruises with Crusin’ Tikis
Sunset dinner shows like Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show opening at Pier Park East in 2025
10. Local Transport, Weather & Visitor Tips
Knowing practical info is useful for planning. Frequent search queries include “how to get to Panama City Beach,” “best time to visit PCB,” and “what to pack.”
Key notes:
Arrive via Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)—just under 20 miles away
Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes—it’s sunny ~320 days a year
Be aware of rip currents—swimming parallel to shore is advised if caught in one
🗓️ Structured 5-Day Itinerary for Travelers
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive & relax on Panama City Beach near Pier Park | Visit Pier Park shops, ride the SkyWheel | Dinner at Saltwater Grill, sunset at Russell-Fields Pier |
| Day 2 | Shell Island kayaking & snorkeling tour | Dolphin cruise & sandbar swim adventure | Beach picnic or boardwalk stroll |
| Day 3 | Hike or bike through St. Andrews State Park | Take the ferry to Shell Island for beach time | Dinner show at Pirates Voyage (Pier Park East) |
| Day 4 | Shipwreck Island Waterpark fun | Mini golf or go-karts at Coconut Creek Family Park | Sunset tiki bar cruise with Crusin’ Tikis |
| Day 5 | Morning walk at Frank Brown Park or beach yoga | Souvenir shopping & Decor by the Shore trail | Final sunset and seafood dinner at Firefly or Capt. Anderson’s |
FAQs: What Visitors Ask & Want to Know
Best beaches in PCB for families?
Head east toward St. Andrews and Shell Island for quieter, child-friendly swimming zones.
How to get to Shell Island?
Book a shuttle from St. Andrews State Park. Tours include dolphin watching and snorkeling.
Can I swim with dolphins?
Some private operators offer dolphin swim experiences. Most popular is a dolphin-watching catamaran.
Is PCB good with kids?
Yes—plenty of attractions such as waterparks, museums, mini-golf, and calm eastern beaches.
Are there nightlife options?
Evening activities include live music at Aaron Bessant Park, seasonal festivals, and laid-back beach bars.