Panama City Beach Piers
Whether you’re looking to cast a line into the Gulf or set out on a sunset stroll, Panama City Beach is home to several piers that will fit nicely into your plans. And if you’re more of the toes-in-the-sand type, capturing the perfect symmetrical shot of the wooden beams underneath the pier is a must.
Russell-Fields City Pier
Russell-Fields City Pier is a prime spot for enjoying peaceful sunsets, leisure strolls, or fishing. Adjacent to Pier Park shops and restaurants, the pier attraction is one of the most popular things to do in Panama City Beach.
Over 1,500-feet-long, Russell-Fields Pier is one of the longest piers on the Gulf of Mexico. Placed along the pier are several benches perfect for resting or people-watching. Keep an eye out for marine life, and remember to pack your binoculars for optimal viewing. Dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays are regularly spotted, as are a wide variety of birds.
If you’re on the hunt for an excellent fishing spot: cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, redfish, pompano, flounder, and other varieties can be caught here.
The pier is open daily, and there’s a small entry fee. You can purchase a fishing license at the pier entrance. Rod rentals and bait and tackle are available on-site. The parking lot fills up quickly, but there is ample parking across the street at Pier Park.
If you’re looking for pet-friendly attractions, please note that dogs are not allowed on the pier. However, Dog Beach can be found adjacent to the pier.
M.B. Miller County Pier
M.B. Miller County Pier is a beautiful hideaway that offers some of the area's best fishing and sunset viewing opportunities. Some fish species found here include flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and cobia. An on-site bait and tackle shop offers all the supplies you need to catch the big one, including rod rentals.
If you’re not into fishing, take a stroll along the 1,500-foot boardwalk and soak up the sun—and sights! Birders find plenty of species, including pelicans and seagulls. The fish are just as fun to watch below. Sometimes you can witness dolphins on the hunt as they drive schools of fish to the shore for easy picking.
You can also observe the pier’s talented anglers as they make impressive catches. Grab a spot on a bench and relax as you enjoy the nature around you. The pier offers a decent-sized lot where you can park for free. However, a small entrance fee covers the cost of admission and your fishing license.
St. Andrews State Park Pier
If you’re the type that could fish from sunup to sundown, then set up your spot at St. Andrews State Park.
The park has a fishing pier that stretches on the Grand Lagoon. There are also rocky jetties that provide ample space for fishing, climbing, or wildlife viewing. (The jetties are also fun for climbing and watching boats as they travel through the pass into the Gulf of Mexico). Expect to catch a mix of in-shore species like mackerel, drum, and trout, along with the occasional cobia or shark.
Pick up supplies (and ice cream!) at the park store. And be sure to take time to explore the rest of the park while you’re there. You can swim, camp, sunbathe, and go boating. St. Andrews is a hot spot for surfers in the area, and it’s always fun to watch them catch a few waves and possibly join in.
St. Andrews State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown, and there’s an admission fee to enter the park. Access to the piers comes with the cost of park admission. Dogs are welcomed in picnic areas, campgrounds, and trails.
Piers in PCB are perfect for fishing, people-watching, and wildlife sightings. Look for fishermen and women pulling in their catch, dolphins fishing for bait balls, and remember to take loads of family photos.
