Panama City, Florida, with its small-town atmosphere and variety of attractions, offers amazing opportunities for affordable family fun. On the central northern Gulf Coast, between Pensacola and Tallahassee, this diverse destination sits along the scenic shores of St. Andrews Bay. At its heart are the waterfront districts of downtown Panama City and historic St. Andrews. Each community has a personality of its own and each welcomes visitors with inviting ways to spend time together that fit in any budget.
Enjoying the shore is a favorite pastime for visitors of all ages. A great way to start is an excursion to Oaks by the Bay Park (Beck Avenue and West 10th Street). With its outstanding views and a boardwalk leading to St. Andrews Bay, the park offers easy access to the waterfront. An ancient oak, along with beautiful chainsaw tree carvings, highlight this beautiful space. Another favorite park has both bay and gulf access. St. Andrews State Park (4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Florida 32408; 850-708-6100) is surrounded by Gulf of Mexico waters on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other. This is a popular location for swimming and snorkeling. To enjoy one of the area’s most pristine spots, many take the shuttle to Shell Island. A trip to this uninhabited island is sure to include great shelling and snorkeling as well as wildlife sightings.
For time out on the water, nature tours and dolphin watch cruises offer exciting ways to explore the bays and local marine life. Flippin’ Awesome Adventures (112 E 3rd Court, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-276-4796) offers fun, customizable tours with a trained marine biologist. Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours & More (1213 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-571-5455) has dolphin watch tours as well as fishing charters. Family Tradition Boat Charters (3151 West 10th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-819-4610) has a variety of options including joining a muti-passenger trip aboard a 65-foot party boat, one of the most economical choices for a fishing excursion. Some visitors choose to take to the water on their own with a pontoon or fishing boat rental from Scotty Boat Rentals (5611 US-98, Panama City, Florida 32405; 850-872-1714).
There is plenty of fun to be had back on land, too. Fun and games are the goal at the Portal Downtown (328 Luverne Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-391-8710). Here, screen-free time for table games creates memorable moments for families. There are nearly 300 games available along with custom sodas and snacks. Point Break Arcade (445 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-481-1898) is the perfect spot for those who want to put their retro arcade game skills to work. From pinball to Pac-Man and more, there is a game for everyone and atmosphere that is welcoming to families. At Floriopolis (1131 Beck Avene, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-249-9295), the inner artist is encouraged and nurtured with arts, crafts and a host of creative activities. Nearby, the Panama City Publishing Company Museum (1134 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-872-7208) is an engaging space to learn about local history and culture as well as vintage printing craft. There is also the Native Spirits Museum and Gallery (1101 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-319-6703) to explore. Both museums are free and open to the public.
Taking to the streets in the pedestrian-friendly communities of Panama City and St. Andrews is the perfect way to enjoy the local art scene and take in some local history. During any walk, the beauty, personality and creativity of the Panama City Mural Trail perfectly accents the streetscapes.
Featuring more than 15 works of art from local and nationally known artists, the trail is filled with fun selfie spots for family photos. Panama City Center for the Arts (19E 4th Street, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-640-3670), with its galleries, changing exhibits and gift shop filled with local art, is also a must for art lovers. Entry is free.
Historic walking tours are the perfect way to get acquainted with Panama City’s storied past. Self-guided tours of downtown Panama City and of St. Andrews make it easy to learn about the people and culture that shaped today’s vibrant destination.
At meal time, the options for family-friendly menus go on and on.
Seafood
Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill (1151 Bayview Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-763-8427) has an extensive menu as well as an incredible waterfront view, with three levels of outdoor dining.
Captain’s Table Fish House Restaurant (1110 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-919-9933) is a long-time St. Andrews staple offering a variety of seafood selections including fresh catches and chef specials.
Bayou Joe’s Marina & Grill (112 East 3rd Court, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-763-6442) is a casual, rustic spot that has 180-degree on-the-water views. The menu includes Southern favorites and seafood specialties.
Something Different
El Weirdo Taco Pub (24 W. Oak Avenue, Panama City, Florida; 850-842-7685), a self-proclaimed “weird spot,” offers a unique opportunity to take in local art while enjoying gourmet tacos and craft brews.
The St. Andrews Slice House (1127½ Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-541-9126) serves a combination of tried-and-true flavors and innovative creations. The eatery offers specialty pizza, by the pie or the slice, in a casual fun atmosphere.
The Bagel Maker (41 W 4th St, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-215-7501) is known for its variety of made-from-scratch bagels, cream cheeses and sweet spreads as well as creative sandwich offerings.
Sweets and Desserts
Fat & Weird Cookie (240 Jenks Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32405; 850-215-1819) has reimagined what a cookie can be. The fresh-made selection of gourmet cookies, stuffed with flavor and decorated for fun will surprise and delight.
Sticky Fingers Screamery and Lounge (19 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 3240; 850-960-9505) is home to ice cream specialties, sweet drinks and other treats, filled with flavor. The vibe is fun and sweets hit the spot.
Luna Muna Cafébar (1127 Beck Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-303-3405) is a great breakfast and lunch spot but is a favorite for satisfying the sweet tooth, too. Seasonal smoothies and herbal popsicles, fresh-made desserts and milkshakes hit the spot.
Where to stay
Panama City has lodging for everyone. National brand hotels offer value and convenience and a number of Airbnb rentals cater to those looking for a bigger space for the family to relax. The newest property in town is the Hotel Indigo, Panama City Marina (7 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32401; 850-402-5100), a boutique waterfront hotel overlooking St. Andrew Bay.
