Panama City Beach is the best option for a memorable moment for those planning a trip to Florida soon.
Panama City Beach is ranked one of the best beaches in the US. It’s a perfect destination to relax solo, with family, or with kids.
It is renowned for its greenish-grey water and an impressive variety of aquatic wildlife.
The Beach is filled with 27 miles of pristine, white sand beaches, many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and various amusement parks so that you can have the best adventure of your life.
Some Unique Things You Can Do at the Panama City Beach
According to our editor, these are the best and most family-friendly things you can do at Panama City Beach.
1. Shell Island Snorkel and Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time
This is your chance to spot and see native marine life on the catamaran sailing cruise to Shell Island from Panama Beach.
You’ll also catch a glimpse of the life below with the help of the diving equipment and paddleboards provided. They will guide you as you search for wild dolphins and more.
It costs about $52.43 per adult for any age group, with a max of 65 per group for a duration of 3 hours. You can pay via mobile ticket. Don’t worry about cancellation; it’s free for you anytime.
2. Sunset Catamaran Sail
If you’re looking to unwind after a stressful day, before dinner, or you want a romantic night out on the town with your partner, a catamaran sail on the Privateer is what you should consider.
This breathtaking sunset sail along the Gulf of Mexico brings a great opportunity to relax and leave all your worries behind.
3. Sunset Cruise 1.5 Hour Lower Grand Lagoon
This will be a perfect romantic setting for partners as you watch a sunset you will remember on the most unique vessel in town.
A Licensed and Experienced Capt will take you around Lower Grand Lagoon to watch the sunset.
All you have to do is bring the snacks and beverages of your choice and a playlist to party to enhance your experience.
4. Cypress Springs Eco Adventure
Discover a bit of the northwest side of Florida, a part that most visitors overlook, on an eco-tour to Cypress Springs.
You get to enjoy the 100-foot visibility underwater, with the beautiful sight of wildlife below and above the water. All necessary equipment is provided to explore the spring by kayaking, snorkeling, or an underwater scooter.
It costs about $110 per adult, through a mobile ticket, for children from the age of 5 to 75, with a maximum of 16 per group, for 5-6 hours, so you get the personalized experience of a small group.
5. Scream Machine Thrill Ride
A thrilling moment on the Scream Machine is one of a kind at Panama City Beach, as the ride zips across the water and even lets out a couple of shrieks when riding the Scream Machine.
This is a twin-engine jet boat whose speed makes 360-degree turns and nose dives, making it feel like a rollercoaster on the water.
6. Stand-Up Paddle Board Lesson
Though it looks fun, it’s a good chance to embark on a beautiful aquatic adventure with a stand-up paddle board lesson on the Beach.
You will learn paddling with personal instruction guided by a professional. Necessary equipment is available, from safety gear to perfect boards and paddles for a smooth stroke, and you’ll master various turning styles.
7. Yoga at a Beautiful Park Pavilion in Panama City
Relax and energize yourself by the bay in Panama City with a one-hour private session with a yoga instructor. The instructor will provide the necessary gear, including yoga mats and props.
All you have to do is show up for this mind-blowing session and be ready to practice, warming up with Tai Chi, balancing postures, hip opening, and other movements.
It costs $53.50 per adult via mobile ticket for a duration of 1 hour for people between the ages of 12 and 85. Payment can also be freely canceled.
8. Jet Ski Adventure Tour
A moment we all look forward to is a Jet Ski tour down to stop at Shell Island, where you get to swim, look for sand dollars, and explore the island. The tour ends after you’ve cruised the entire route.
Companies like Agape Beach Service offer exclusive deals for Jet Ski Rentals and Tours you can check out.
9. Panama City Scuba Diving Activity for Beginners
Another fantastic activity to try at Panama City Beach is Scuba Diving. If you have no experience or swimming skills or have never been underwater, this activity tour is best for you.
A professional PADI instructor will guide you to discover the blissful sights in the underwater world.
10. Self-Guided Bike Tour: Pedal at Your Pace
Panama City Beach is a beautiful destination that many people, even locals, visit for vacation.
This self-guided bike tour is a great way to escape the crowd and see different sides of the area.
It’s a long tour as it takes you across more than 8 miles of the Lower Grand Lagoon neighborhood, where you’ll find the local side of Panama.
11. Fear at the Pier Haunted Attraction
If you’re looking for a panic room to feel primal fear, visit Fear of the Pier Haunted House as you feel the goosebumps in an abandoned haunted house.
It is a walk-through journey with terrifying monsters, amazing special effects, and incredible creatures. You must demonstrate your ability to solve difficult problems, the scary mysteries and escape this hellish place.
12. Axe Throwing
Discover this new activity during your time with a fantastic axe-throwing experience.
There are Axe-throwing coaches to guide you, so regardless of your age, skill, sex, and fitness level, it’s something to try as it’s an exciting and memorable experience.
13. Area Z51-Zombie Escape
If you’re a lover of challenges that exercise the mind and possess teamwork skills, you’ll enjoy this zombie-themed escape room.
You can take on the challenge of discovering clues and unlocking the puzzle to try to escape, as your fate is in your hands to escape.
14. Mini Golf Beneath SkyWheel Panama City Beach
SkyWheel provides one of the best mini-golf courses out there. Though the Miniature Golf course is full of ups and downs, featuring an 18-hole mini-golf course, it’s increasingly challenging yet suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a true family fun adventure.
Another interesting part is that it’s wheelchair accessible, making it a nice place to have fun.
15. Banana Boat Ride in the Gulf of Mexico
It’s a blast for kids and parents as you ride on the Destin harbor and the Gulf of Mexico on a classic banana boat.
A new boat that’s safe and fun to ride will be provided. The private tour is also good for first-timers as it includes informative sessions.
16. Swim with the Dolphins
You’ll be taken out of the Gulf of Mexico down to Shell Island, where the experienced captain will point out the dolphins without scaring them away.
You can watch the dolphins from the board and dive into the water. You’ll be provided with safety equipment such as life jackets, masks, and flotation devices.
17. Beach Helicopter Tour by Panhandle
Travel up to 14 miles on a helicopter tour as you fly over the beautiful Emerald Coast water and view the majestic Panama City Beach coastline, including the city and countryside above.
This experience is perfect for couples or families going on a trip with their children as it’s not something that would be easily forgotten.
So, plan a trip with your loved ones today, and you can also see sea creatures, such as dolphins and sea turtles.
18. Panama Barcrawl (A Combination of 5 Different Bars)
This meeting point is mainly for adults who look forward to chilling and relaxing at night.
It’s a time to meet new people, especially if you’re a traveler, as you’ll mingle with locals, expats, and tourists worldwide.
There are also bars where you can get the beverage of your choice: Cognac, Whiskey, or Brandy.
19. Day Tour in San Blas Islands
On this tour, multiple islands, such as Ajuja, Pelicano, and Perro Islands, will be visited in one day.
Traditional villages and the palm-fringed beaches of the San Blas Islands lie just east of Colon along Panama’s Caribbean coast.
You get to enjoy many fun activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, with all beach equipment, lunch, snacks, and beverages taken care of.
20. Romantic Camping in San Blas Island
Have you ever dreamed of experiencing a unique Tipi-style camping adventure or staying in a private area next to the Beach? Niunudub Island offers that.
Niunudub is a spacious island that guarantees plenty of privacy during the night, especially for couples.
The restaurant on the island serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation is fully arranged, with mattresses, sheets, wine, and paddleboards, also provided for exploring the island’s surroundings.