29+ Unexpected & Incredible Things to Do in Panama City, Florida (2024)

I absolutely adore exploring Florida’s Gulf Coast and uncovering its hidden treasures! One of those treasures is Panama City, next to Panama City Beach, but an entirely different experience. I’ve compiled my favorite things to do in Panama City, Florida, and I hope they inspire you to visit.

Panama City has everything from breathtaking sunsets to bustling historic districts, from lively marine life to a vibrant food and arts scene. This coastal paradise is the ultimate Florida getaway, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Getting There

Panama City is served by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), about 20 minutes from downtown. Visitors arriving by car can enter via Interstate 10 and US Highway 98.

• ~1 hour from Destin
• ~2 hours from Tallahassee
• ~2.5 hours from Pensacola

Where to Stay

I had an exceptional experience staying at the Hotel Indigo at the Panama City Marina, and I’d stay there again in a heartbeat. Plus, it’s the newest hotel in Panama City. The rooms and views are absolutely gorgeous, and its location at the marina can’t be beat. It’s also walkable to historic downtown Panama City.

Stay tuned for a complete review post on this hotel.

Things to Do in Panama City, Florida

Here are some captivating reasons why Panama City deserves to be at the top of your Florida bucket list.

Explore Shell Island’s Marine Life with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures

My unique marine experience on the Flippin’ Awesome Adventures boat tour tops my list of things to do in Panama City, Florida. Captain Chris, a skilled marine biologist, knows the area’s marine life as if it were the back of his hand, and he brought us up close to the wondrous sea creatures along St. Andrews Bay and Shell Island. It was SO much fun!

Read more about it in my article: Unforgettable Panama City Boat Tours with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures

Spend the Day at St. Andrews State Park

With shorelines along the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, St. Andrews State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families. The park is perfect for activities like biking, fishing, and kayaking, and the 1.5-mile sandy beach is a serene spot for a leisurely stroll or some family fun in the surf. Nature lovers can explore the park’s trails, like the Heron Pond Trail and Gator Lake Trail, in search of wildlife and breathtaking views. Additionally, boat shuttles whisk visitors to the enchanting Shell Island for further adventures.

Take a Sunset Dolphin Cruise on the Grand Mere

One of my favorite activities in Panama City was taking the 1.5-hour sunset cruise aboard the Grand Mere double-decker boat. Although it has an air-conditioned cabin, I stood out by the railing on the upper level the whole time, taking in the view.

We spotted several dolphin pods diving and jumping in the waves below. Seeing dolphins in the wild never gets old, but they’re hard to photograph well.

And then, oh man, as the sun started setting, the sky lit up with all the colors. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day!

Explore Oaks by The Bay Park

Just a stone’s throw away from the lively eateries and cute boutiques of St. Andrews, I discovered Oaks By The Bay Park, a serene oasis on the bay. Right smack dab in the middle stands the towering Old Sentry Tree, a centuries-old live oak that’s seen it all. And it’s now surrounded by a gorgeous new timeline mural.

Past the tree, a boardwalk stretched, leading to a breathtaking panoramic view of St. Andrews Bay.

It was beautiful in the daytime, but I couldn’t help picturing how epic the sunsets must be at night.

As I strolled back from the water, I stopped to admire the scattered carved wooden sculptures dotting the park. And, for all you history buffs, don’t miss the old salt pot.

I could have spent hours at this beautiful waterfront park, but there are so many things to do in Panama City that I had to get moving!

Sit and Swing By the Shore

Sit back and relax on the colorful pergola swings at Asbell Park while enjoying the view of boats sailing by on St. Andrews Bay. It’s one of my fave beach access points in Panama City.

When you’ve had your fill of swinging, cool off by dipping your toes in the surf or wading into the waves.

Pro Tip: There’s a parking lot across West Beach Rd., which is a busy road, so make sure to use the safety crossing signals when heading to the park.

Follow the Panama City Mural Trail

With some 20-odd murals scattered throughout downtown and in St. Andrews (with more to come), you’re bound to stumble across several of them as you explore all the fun things to do in Panama City. Still, if you’re a mural junkie (like me!), you may enjoy making it a point to follow the mural trail and see them all.

Along with the stunning postcard mural, you’ll find sea creatures, whimsical animals, sidewalk murals, and more.

The Darkside and Lightside murals in St. Andrews are absolutely stunning! They can be found along Beck Avenue on the sides of Sound Collective and Little Indigo Spa.

And if you search around St. Andrews, you’ll uncover oodles of micro-murals with sweet, whimsical themes.

Go on a Gallery Stroll

Pop into the Panama City Center for the Arts to peruse the galleries and gift shop. The murals on the outside are as beautiful as the artwork on the inside.

Check Out the Saltworks Sign and Antique Salt Pot

Directly across from Asbell Park, there’s a sign detailing the history of St. Andrews Saltworks and one of the original salt pots used during the Civil War.

Salt pots were large containers used to boil seawater for extracting salt. By heating the seawater until it evaporated, salt was left behind for various purposes, such as food preservation and seasoning. This method was particularly common in coastal regions lacking access to salt mines.

Explore Bay County History

Local history museums always pique my interest—I love uncovering the events that shape the region. Although time was tight at the Bay County Museum, some exhibits caught my eye, like the display on The Hang Out and other tourist attractions from yesteryear. Old Florida fascinates me.

I also enjoyed the exhibit featuring the area’s Civil Rights Trail stop—the historic Gideon vs. Wainwright landmark court case. The Supreme Court ruled that anyone accused of a crime is guaranteed the right to legal counsel—a pivotal piece of history. Don’t miss the interactive video that accompanies the exhibit!.

Many other fascinating artifacts, stories, and events illuminate Panama City’s heritage. History museums aren’t just for buffs—they’re fun and eye-opening for everyone.

Take a Walk Through History (Self-Guided or Guided)

Take off on a self-guided exploration of Panama City’s two historic districts using this guide or the free Florida Stories app. The app offers narration and historical insights at each stop.

For a guided experience, join the free walking tours of Historic St. Andrews offered by the Panama City Publishing Museum every Wednesday and Friday at 1 pm.

Explore Panama City’s Ink-Stained Legacy

The Panama City Publishing Museum is a living testament to the legacy of the West family, who played a pivotal role in shaping Panama City’s history. George Mortimer West, a multifaceted entrepreneur, founded the city and established the Panama City Publishing Company building in 1920 alongside his wife, Lillian Carlisle West. This historic building housed Panama City’s earliest newspapers and was a commercial print shop for local businesses.

Inside the museum, visitors are treated to a glimpse of the past with vintage printing equipment, personal artifacts of the West family, and over 70 historical items, including original printing presses.

Lillian Carlisle West, a trailblazer in her own right as the first woman registered to vote in St. Andrews, continued to run the business after George’s passing.

The museum offers monthly rotating exhibits, ensuring there’s always something new to discover about Panama City’s vibrant history.

Make a Seaside Souvenir at Panama City Hot Glass

For our Panama City, Florida adventure, we wanted the perfect keepsake, and what could be better than crafting a glass sea star?

At Panama City Hot Glass, the experience is incredibly hands-on, probably the most hands-on hot glass encounter I’ve ever had. From start to finish, the instructors encouraged us to participate in nearly every step of the process!

Any opportunity to work with hot glass is a must for me! (I created ornaments in Grapevine, Texas, and crafted pumpkins AND paperweights in Corning, New York.)

Create Your Own Jewelry

I was blown away the moment I stepped into LH Bead Gallery. It’s a jewelry-making wonderland with thousands of beads in every color and size imaginable. People travel from miles around to experience it. It’s a super-sized version of The Bead Lady in Concord, NC.

Here’s the most incredible part: LH Bead Gallery hosts ongoing walk-in workshops and teacher-led classes, so whether you’re a seasoned pro or just itching to give it a shot (like me!), there’s fun stuff happening all month long.

Here’s a tip: Check out the display case in the back showcasing finished projects. It’s the perfect way to scope out which classes you want to dive into.

Get Artistic with Floriopolis

Floriopolis in Panama City is a community arts and education center offering workshops, classes, and events to promote creativity and the arts. It’s a fun place where everyone can get involved and explore their artistic side.

Fun Fact: Floriopolis was one of the original names of Panama City!

Stop in to see what Floriopolis is up to. Some of their fun community art projects have included Fence Art, store window painting, the FLLUXE Arts Festival featuring fantastic chalk art, and a Flower-Palooza.

Dine with a Sunset Backdrop

There are several waterfront restaurants in Panama City with amazing views. Here are my faves:

Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar

Staying at Hotel Indigo? Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk to this nearby restaurant—it’s just steps away. Don’t miss the chance to soak in the glorious Panama City sunsets from the patio, especially on a beautiful day.

I opted for a refreshing salad for dinner featuring fresh peaches, candied pecans, and grilled chicken—it was perfect!

Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill

Perched over St. Andrews Bay, this spot offers three levels of outdoor dining, perfect for soaking in waterfront vibes. Although we missed the sunset during our late dinner, the ambiance by the water was still magical.

Bayou Joe’s Marina & Grill

Savor breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the water at Bayou Joe’s. Unlike any other spot, this restaurant is on the water as the dock extends into the inlet, offering stunning 180-degree sunrise and sunset views.

Pro Tip: Bayou Joe’s sits at the marina where Flippin’ Awesome Adventures sets sail. It’s the ideal spot for a meal before or after your marine excursion.

Steam on 5 (at Hotel Indigo)

Located on the 5th floor of Hotel Indigo, the open-air rooftop bar and restaurant boasts sweeping views of Panama City Marina. Steam on 5 offers a full coastal cuisine menu and delightful craft co*cktails. Our mid-afternoon snack of flatbread pizza was the perfect complement to the stunning scenery as we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon.

Keep in mind that the open-air setting can get quite warm and humid on muggy days, but the stunning view and a refreshing drink can make it all worth it.

MORE FANTASTIC RESTAURANTS IN PANAMA CITY FL

Have Breakfast on the Bayou at Mama’s

I loved this cozy diner-style restaurant situated along Little Johnson Bayou. If the weather’s nice, sit out on the patio and enjoy the scenery; it’s absolutely gorgeous there!

At Mama’s On The Bayou, you’ll find a breakfast spread full of classics: think fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and eggs cooked just right. Indulge in decadent French toast or the comforting goodness of biscuits and gravy (trust me, they’re amazing!). Whether you’re getting ready for the day or taking it easy in the morning, Mama’s breakfast menu has something for everyone’s taste buds to enjoy.

Spice Up Your Palate at Holi Indian Grill

I had a mouthwatering lunch at Holi Indian Grill! The menu was full of tempting options, but I couldn’t resist their Tikki Masala paired with warm, pillowy Naan bread—it was fantastic! The dish also had a side of rice and chickpeas, adding to the deliciousness.

We also indulged in some samosas for starters, which were excellent. Whether you’re a spice lover or simply curious about Indian cuisine, Holi Indian Grill is the place to be.

Vibe, Sip, Taco at El Weirdo Taco Pub

El Weirdo Taco Pub embraces the weirdness! From the quirky decor both inside and outside, it’s an Instagram enthusiast’s dream come true.

But what really steals the show? Their crazy good tacos! They have a variety of delicious tacos, including vegetarian options, and they serve some really fun co*cktails too.

Chow Down on Island Style Grub at Finn’s in Little Village

Finn’s is located in the Little Village, a waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment venue in St. Andrews. The beachy casual restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients.

If you’re craving a taste of the sea, their fish tacos are very popular, but I decided to go for something different and try their veggie tacos. Packed with spring mix, black beans, sweet potatoes, pico, cabbage, Valentina, and cheese, they were a flavorful surprise. The sweet potatoes and spicy sauce, in particular, were absolutely delicious.

Shop and Explore Historic Downtown Panama City

Downtown Panama City just completed a major glow-up, and it’s seriously awesome! They’ve spruced up the streets with colorful plants and flowers and widened the sidewalks, too, so there’s even more space for outdoor seating. The whole downtown vibe is so welcoming now.

Though not currently open, the Art Deco exterior of the Martin Theatre in downtown Panama City begs to be photographed.

And the shopping ain’t bad either! Stop into Accents, Jute & Palm and The Little Mustard Seed for home decor and accessories, and visit Baywitch for crystals, jewelry, and all things metaphysical. And don’t miss C & G Sporting Goods for all your outdoor gear needs.

Shop Historic St. Andrews

Save some of those pennies for shopping locally in St. Andrews, too.

Pop into the shops at Little Village for fair trade and handcrafted local treasures, and for cute clothing, accessories, and gifts, I loved Gypsy Willow and Twisted Toucan.

Treat Yourself to a Relaxing Massage

The Spa on Harrison is a hop and a skip away from Hotel Indigo at the Panama City Marina, where I stayed. Plus, being on Harrison Avenue, it is also walkable from downtown.

During my visit, I managed to squeeze in a 30-minute massage and let me tell you; it was absolute bliss! What’s great about this spa is that you can undress in the treatment room—no need to deal with lockers, robes, and slippers. It’s all about keeping things simple and stress-free.

Raise a Glass to the Past

The moment I stepped into History Class Brewing Company, I was hooked! Everywhere I turned, memorabilia, photos, and artifacts brought the area’s past to life in such a cool way. It was like taking a stroll through history right there in the brewpub.

Check out the QR codes scattered around the brewery—they’re like little treasure maps to extra history tidbits. And you’ve gotta make a pit stop in the bathroom hallways; they’re packed with some seriously fantastic displays. You’ll learn about Paul Conrad, aka “The South’s Strongest Boy,” and get the scoop on the history of the “Jr. Store.” It’s genuinely a mini history class during your brewery visit.

Ink Up, Drink Up

Need some new ink? And a drink? Start by making an appointment for your newest tattoo at one of the most incredible tattoo shops in Panama City—The Prominent Goat, a speakeasy-style tattoo parlor.

Once you’ve been inked, you can reward yourself with a visit to Thistle & Thorne, an eclectically designed craft co*cktail and tea bar connected to The Prominent Goat. The decor will blow your mind—it includes a supine skeleton named Betty in a glass case.

I can’t think of a better reward for sitting for a tat than a proper co*cktail or, in my case, some freshly brewed tea—they have countless varieties. Thistle & Thorne is where art meets spirits in the wildest way possible.

Final Thoughts

I was excited to see how unique Panama City, Florida, is from its neighbor, Panama City Beach. It’s a quieter, more historic destination with the same turquoise waters and soft, sandy beaches. And it has phenomenal places to eat!

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