For those looking for something a little more exciting than a lazy day at the beach, Panama City Beach has attractions to get your adrenaline pumping. Lovers of speed, spins, drops and dives will get their kicks from rides built for children of all ages to enjoy. With both the daredevil and the slightly less adventuresome rider in mind, we offer you a Top 10 list of amusements:

1. SkyWheel

Experience Panama City Beach at 200 feet with the area’s biggest and newest attraction. Finished in 2018, SkyWheel offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the area — all from the safety and comfort of glass-enclosed, fully accessible gondolas that comfortably seat up to six people. Each gondola is also climate controlled, so you’ll always be comfortable no matter the weather outside.

2. Jetskiing and Wave runners

If your need for a little excitement leads you to the Gulf, Adventures at Sea has several options to get your pulse racing. Explore the shore with their 30-minute and hour long Jet Ski rentals as you cut loose and get to know PCB from a different angle. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more structured, they also offer Wave runner tours that will explore Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park and the myriad marine life living just offshore

3. Wonder Coaster

Afraid of heights? Not to worry, WonderWorks hosts the Wonder Coaster, an indoor, virtual coaster that provides all the excitement of the real thing. Guests are strapped into a capsule in front of a screen and then pick a cyber-ride to fit their thrill level. Though you remain on the ground, the capsule is anything but stationary. As you watch the track ahead of you plummet and loop on the screen, you’ll dip and spin, too, as the container follows every twist and turn.

4. Banana Boat Rides

As an exhilarating way to beat the heat, banana boat rides offer a unique experience on the water. These banana-shaped rafts seat multiple people and are pulled through the waves by a Jet Ski. Children especially love this bouncy ride, provided by various services along the beach. What better way to experience Panama City Beach’s crystal clear water than to get out in it yourself? Strap on your life jacket and hold on tight for a wet and wild glide ride!

5. Treetop Drop

Craving more wet fun? Shipwreck Island Waterpark is home to slides, rapids, a lazy river and even a wave pool, but the Treetop Drop alone is enough to make the entire visit worthwhile. These two slides are the tallest in the park, standing 65 feet high. One is enclosed from top to bottom and coils in circles in a speedy descent. The second slide is partially enclosed then opens up for a plummeting, jaw-dropping finish. Either way you choose, you’re guaranteed to be climbing to the top of the tower again for more.

6. Space Fury 360

There’s a new ride at WonderWorks that’s taking Panama City Beach by cosmic storm. Board your fully controlled orbiter and make it spin, twist, roll and move as you bump along with other participants. The fun doesn’t stop there. In this one-of-a-kind attraction, riders are equipped with their very own laser gun. As they navigate through this galactic game, riders take aim at targets on other players’ vehicles.

7. Racetrack

If your idea of a thrill involves good old-fashioned go-karting, you should know that Hidden Lagoon Racetrack offers the longest track available in the area — not to mention the fastest. Zip around a nearly mile long course, featuring plenty of curves and high-speed straightaways. While Hidden Lagoon is family friendly, it is important to note that drivers are required to be at least 56 inches tall to operate a go-kart unassisted. Children under this height must ride with an adult to ensure a swift — and safe — adventure.

8. Zip Line

Enjoy an adrenaline rush with a view at Beachfront Adventures, where guests can choose between two zip line courses. Climbing up the 60-foot tall towers, you’ll take in the emerald green expanse of the Gulf of Mexico before propelling yourself from a platform. Soar through the summer sky, gaining a breathtaking view of the rope courses, mini-golf course and dune buggies the park also has to offer.

9. Slingshot PCB

Buckle up with a friend and prepare to be launched 300 feet straight up into the clouds at a heart-pumping 100 miles per hour at Indy Speedway. This, by no means, is for the faint of heart. The Slingshot beckons the bravest among us. Those who have the courage — or who yield to highly persuasive friends — will experience a brief, gorgeous view of Panama City Beach at the top of their trajectory (that is, if they manage to keep their eyes open), before falling back toward earth. Children must be 44 inches tall to participate.

10. Sky Coaster

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s you! Race City Amusement Park offers the thrill ride of your life — it’s the rise and fall of a roller coaster experience sans cart and track. Up to three people share a hang gliding harness and are hauled up 130 feet in the air. When people on the ground below you start to look like ants, your tether is released and you’ll drop into a giant swinging arc. Get as close to flying as you’ll ever get as you cut through the air. Smaller family members need be only 42 inches tall to experience an unforgettable thrill!

 

For more activities and things to do in Panama City Beach, click here.