Come spend Memorial Day Weekend at the Real.Fun.Beach! Panama City Beach offers a wide range of activities and attractions to kick off the summer season. Here are a few things to do during the holiday weekend:
Beach Fun
With 27 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, spend your weekend soaking up the sun, swimming in the clear turquoise waters and relaxing on the sandy shores. Panama City Beach is an ideal spot for sunbathing, building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Water Sports
Engage in thrilling water sports such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, parasailing, or kayaking. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply seeking some fun in the water, there are plenty of options to choose from. Many rental services are available along the beach, offering equipment for various activities. Click here for water sport rental recommendations.
Shell Island
Take a boat tour or rent a pontoon to visit Shell Island, an uninhabited barrier island located just off the coast of Panama City Beach. Explore its pristine beaches, go snorkeling, shelling, or enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Keep an eye out for various species of shorebirds, dolphins and other marine life that inhabit the area.
St. Andrews State Park
Visit this picturesque state park, known for its diverse ecosystems, hiking trails and wildlife. The park offers two main beach areas - the Gulf of Mexico beach area and the Grand Lagoon beach area.You can also rent kayaks or paddle boards to explore the park's waterways. The park also features opportunities for bird watching, picnicking, snorkeling and diving.
Pier Park
Head to Pier Park, the destinations premier shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Pier Park features a variety of shops from popular national brands to local boutiques, as well as restaurant and entertainment options, including a movie theatre and amusement park. Pier Park is also just steps away from the beach, making it easy to combine a day of shopping & dining with a visit to the beautiful Panama City Beach shoreline.
Gulf World Marine Park
If you're a marine life lover, Gulf World Marine Park is worth a visit. Watch live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and other marine animals. Interact with animals through educational presentations and interactive experiences. Check out the various animal exhibits to observe and learn about a variety of marine life. From stingrays and sea turtles to sharks and penguins, you'll have the chance to see these fascinating creatures up close. There's also an opportunity to swim with dolphins!
Shipwreck Island Water Park
Cool off at Shipwreck Island, a family-friendly water park offering a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages. The park features thrilling water slides to satisfy adrenaline enthusiasts. Experience twists, turns & high speed drops on slides like the Pirates Plunge, Raging Rapids and Tree Top Drop. Take a relaxing float down the lazy river as you drift along the currents while soaking up the sun. Cool off in the wave pool where you can experience the sensation of ocean waves without leaving the park. Shipwreck also has a designated play area for younger visitors. Kids can enjoy pint-sized slides, water features & interactive elements that provide a safe yet fun experience. From the Zoom Flume family raft ride to the White Knuckle River, there are options for the whole family to enjoy all together.
Fishing
Panama City Beach is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Charter boats and fishing excursions are available for offshore fishing adventures where you can target larger fish species such as snapper, grouper, amberjack, mahi-mahi and even sailfish. The waters around Panama City Beach are also ideal for inshore fishing. You can fish from the shore or the piers, or hire a local fishing guide to take you on a bay or backwater fishing trip. Inshore fishing allows you to target species such as redfish, speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum.
Local Dining
Panama City Beach offers a wide range of dining options from casual seafood shacks to fine dining restaurants. Sample some of the local seafood specialities such as fresh Gulf shrimp, oysters or fish tacos. Take advantage of the beautiful coastal views by dining a waterfront restaurant. Enjoy your meal while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or Grand Lagoon. Click here for a list of recommended dining spots.
