Looking for an adventure beyond a relaxing day on the beach? Panama City Beach is packed with attractions and activities designed to get your heart racing. From soaring above the Gulf and speeding across the water to roller coasters, waterslides and high-flying rides, there are plenty of ways to add some excitement to your PCB vacation. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family or fellow thrill-seekers, here are some of the best adrenaline-pumping things to do in Panama City Beach.
PCB Wheel
Experience Panama City Beach at 200 feet with the area’s biggest and newest attraction. Located in Pier Park , the PCB Wheel 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.
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 can take you toward Shell Island, St. Andrews State Park and the waters surrounding Panama City Beach, where you may encounter local marine life along the way.
Wonder Coaster and Cosmic Storm
Afraid of heights? No worries! WonderWorks has the Wonder Coaster, an indoor virtual ride that lets you experience all the thrills without leaving the ground. Guests are strapped into a capsule that spins and dips with the on-screen action. Also, don't miss the new cosmic ride taking Panama City Beach by storm! Board your orbiter, spin and roll, and compete with fellow riders using your own laser gun to hit targets on their vehicles. Together, these attractions promise an unforgettable adventure for all thrill-seekers!
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!
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.
Racetrack
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!
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.
Axe Throwing & Indoor Fun
If you’re looking for a competitive thrill without strapping into a ride, try your hand at axe throwing at Axe Throwing PCB. It’s a safe, exciting way to test your aim while challenging friends or family. Indoors, you’ll also find go-kart tracks, mini golf, escape rooms, and arcade games throughout town, offering plenty of adrenaline-pumping options no matter the weather.
Parasailing
For the ultimate combination of thrill and scenery, take to the skies with a parasailing adventure. Lift off from the back of a speedboat and soar high above the Gulf for a bird’s-eye view of the beach and turquoise water below. It’s both exhilarating and surprisingly peaceful; perfect for thrill-seekers who also want to soak in PCB’s beauty from above.
From high-flying rides and fast-paced water adventures to thrilling waterslides and competitive indoor activities, Panama City Beach has plenty of ways to get your adrenaline pumping. Whether you’re searching for an adventure with friends, planning a family outing or simply want to try something new on your next beach vacation, there’s no shortage of ways to turn up the excitement.
Ready for more adventure? Explore things to do in Panama City Beach and discover attractions, activities and experiences to add to your itinerary.
