The best things in life are free, right? Panama City Beach doesn't always include a price tag. Between the city's wonderful beaches, parks, piers, and playgrounds, you can find a multitude of activities that will make some lasting - and priceless - memories.
Beautiful Beaches
With 27 miles of sugar-white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches are accessible at no charge. With more than 100 access points scattered along the coastline, you won’t have a difficult time finding the perfect spot to sink your toes into the pristine soft white sand. To view a full list of beach access points, click here.
Natural Diversions
Get a breath of fresh air and step into a natural adventure. Pack a picnic lunch, and visit Camp Helen State Park with its 185 acres of ecological wonder that is bordered on three sides by water, the Gulf to the south and Lake Powell to the north and east.
Join locals and tourists alike at the highly sought-after St. Andrews State Park, offering a plethora of activities such as fishing, scuba diving along the jetties, or simply basking on what's been acclaimed as the Best Beach in America, all for less than $10 per vehicle.
Dive deeper into nature's beauty at the expansive Panama City Beach Conservation Park, stretching across nearly 3,000 acres. The park features 12 different trails of varying difficulty and eight boardwalks totaling more than a mile in length. Don't forget your binoculars — the wetlands area teems with abundant birdlife and wildlife, adding to the picturesque charm of this sanctuary.
Park & Play
Discover Frank Brown Park, boasting a state-of-the-art sports complex alongside an expansive aquatic center, a vibrant children’s playground, and over 200 acres of recreational space. Enjoy the park's extensive offerings at no cost, providing an accessible destination for fun-filled outings. For those seeking aquatic adventures, admission to the park’s aquatic center is available at affordable rates, starting at just $5 per person, with fees varying based on age and residency. Experience the joy of play and relaxation without breaking the bank at Frank Brown Park!
Catch a Concert
If you are visiting during the summer season, be sure to check out the Summer Concert Series. From June through August at Aaron Bessant Park, enjoy a free concert in the park every Thursday night. Whether it was rock, country, pop, or reggae, each concert brings a unique energy to the stage, creating unforgettable memories for attendees. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers, food, and — yes — pets are welcome.
Shopping ‘til You Drop
Technically, window shopping and art gallery browsing are free. So go treasure hunting for souvenirs, and get all the ideas you want for stocking stuffers. Visit large shopping centers such as Pier Park and Pier Park North, which are filled with both name-brand and specialty boutiques, or take on the Décor By The Shore shopping trail, where charming mom-and-pop shops line the coast. No matter what, you’ll bag a great time — and likely meet your daily step goal along the way.
How Accommodating
Most accommodations strive to enhance their guests' experience by offering complimentary amenities, so be sure to ask about all the goodies that come with your stay. Many hotels and resorts go above and beyond, providing guests with complimentary breakfast options, access to shuttle services to nearby attractions or airports, and even free beach chair setups. Some even have attractions on-site, Sandpiper Beacon for example has a lazy river, waterslides, and miniature golf — all free to registered guests.
