Panama City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Panama City featuring a sandy beach
Visit a popular northwest Florida coastal city, known for its pretty marinas, striking beaches, historic neighborhoods and downtown attractions.

Panama City offers sunshine, sea and surf with many activities occurring on, near or under the water. Here you can swim, dive, look for dolphins and tour a historic waterfront district.

Go to Capt. Anderson’s Marina to book a deep sea fishing charter or a dolphin sightseeing tour. Take a boat trip to nearby Shell Island. Surf, snorkel and dive off the coast or sunbathe on the beaches.

In Panama City, visit St. Andrew’s Bay to stroll around the marina and browse small boutiques. Sample some of the fresh fish at a waterfront restaurant. Alternatively, try the “Hook and Cook” experience go out on a fishing boat and one of the restaurants will cook your catch.

Explore the historic downtown area, an interesting collection of antique stores, art galleries, coffeehouses and bookstores. View the work of local, national and international artists at the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida.

Take a self-guided history tour of the area. See the Gideon marker commemorating a landmark court judgment that established the public defender system in the United States. Stroll past late 19th-century historic homes. Note the mixture of architectural styles at the John Christo (Senior) Home. Stop by the Saltworks marker noting Panama City’s vital salt production during the Civil War. Round off your visit by sitting in the shade of a tree in McKenzie Park.

From February through October, enjoy food, fun and entertainment at Friday Fest, a large street festival on the first Friday of each month. Restaurants and shops stay open until late, market stalls line the streets and free live music fills the air.

Reach the area by flying into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. Get around by rental car, taxi or public transportation. The Bay Town Trolley Bus System operates several routes, but has no service on Sundays.

Panama City’s pleasant subtropical climate makes it a year-round vacation destination. Visitors often explore neighboring Panama City Beach to enjoy its many family attractions.

Where to stay in Panama City

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Bunkers Cove

Though Bunkers Cove may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Panama City Marina and Panama City Mall.

Bunkers Cove
Panama City showing a beach

Gulf Coast Development

When in Gulf Coast Development, you can plan a visit to Panama City Marina and Panama City Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Gulf Coast Development
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Bay VIew Addition

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bay VIew Addition and surrounding area, you can visit Port Panama City and Capt. Anderson's Marina.

Bay VIew Addition
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Gwaltney Estate

Gwaltney Estate might not have many top sights, but Nicklaus Course at Bay Point Resort and Panama City Marina are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Gwaltney Estate
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Drummond And Ware

While Drummond And Ware isn't home to many top sights, Port Panama City and Capt. Anderson's Marina are some notable places to visit nearby.

Drummond And Ware
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Highland City

While Highland City isn't home to many top sights, Panama City Mall and Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida are some notable places to visit nearby.

Highland City
Ramada by Wyndham Panama City
Ramada by Wyndham Panama City
2 out of 5
4306 W Highway 98, Panama City, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$109 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$109
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.2/10 (1,011 reviews)
"Great stay great property"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Ramada by Wyndham Panama City
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City
3 out of 5
1030 E 23rd St, Panama City, FL
The price is AU$188 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$188
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Great stay. About 25 min drive from beach."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Panama City, FL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Panama City, FL
2.5 out of 5
2203 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL
The price is AU$155 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$155
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Panama City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (640 reviews)
"Nice size rooms…..decent breakfast just get there early. Love the cozy lobby."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Panama City, FL
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Origin at Seahaven
Origin at Seahaven
4.5 out of 5
15100 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a refrigerator. Popular attractions Pier Park and Hidden Lagoon ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
"Property’s surrounding very noisy, unsafe"

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

Origin at Seahaven
Majestic Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Majestic Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
3.5 out of 5
10901 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and an onsite convenience store. Popular attractions Pier Park and ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,607 reviews)
"The amenities, the view and being right on the beach was incredible. Everyone there was super friendly. I would stay again. However, the communication about how to enter the outer door and inner was not clear. Security had to assist because the 800 number people were giving me the codes incorrectly. ..."

Reviewed on 4 Mar. 2024

Majestic Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
3.5 out of 5
14700 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Panama City Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pier Park and Hidden Lagoon Golf ...
7.4/10 Good! (748 reviews)
"Everything is clos"

Reviewed on 9 Sep. 2023

Emerald Beach Resort by Southern Vacation Rentals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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