The warmer weather is finally here, and that means one thing: it’s time to plan your family summer vacation! With beautiful beaches, wonderful natural attractions, and relaxing accommodations, Panama City Beach is a natural first choice.
If you’re packing your bags, ready for a fun-filled trip away, here are the top things to do and where to stay in Panama City Beach:
Beach and Water Activities
If you’re a water lover, you’ve certainly chosen the right Florida city! Panama City Beach is a waterfront town renowned for its white-sand beaches and calm, clear waters. There are so many fun water-related activities to enjoy!
Beach Relaxation
Need to rest and recharge? Hit the beach and spend your days building sandcastles, soaking up the sun, and swimming. Bring your bucket and your spade, and you’re ready to go!
Snorkeling and Shelling
If you want to get up close and personal with nature while enjoying water activities, add snorkeling and shelling to your itinerary. The calm waters around St. Andrews State Park and Shell Island are always wonderful for spotting fish, crabs, and beautiful shells.
Dolphin Tours
No trip to PCB is complete without a dolphin tour. Many tour providers offer daytime and evening sightseeing tours around Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay, where you may just spot wild bottlenose dolphins! You’ll be able to get close enough to get some amazing photos and videos.
Jet-Skiing and Parasailing
The thrillseekers in your family will be jumping at the chance to go jet-skiing and parasailing. Both of these activities are readily available in PCB through rental businesses.
Nature and Wildlife Experiences
Not every trip to PCB has to mean experiencing the hustle and bustle of the beach and nearby businesses. You can also get out in nature and soak up the wilderness.
Shell Island
Shell Island is a seven-mile, undeveloped paradise situated between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay. It’s home to diverse wildlife, including ghost crabs, deer, and sea turtles, and is accessible via the Shell Island Shuttle and the Capt. Andersons III. Alternatively, you can explore private boat rentals, operate a banana boat, or even charter a sailboat. Once you arrive at Shell Island, you can sunbathe, kayak, swim, snorkel, and beachcomb.
St. Andrews State Park
Whether you’re a water lover or a nature lover, or somewhere in between, St. Andrews State Park will more than cater to your needs. Nestled between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay, this state park is a haven for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. You can also stroll through pines, navigate the dunes and coastal plant communities, and stay overnight in the campground.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you want to treat the kids to something fun and exciting on your summer vacation, there are many family-friendly activities and attractions in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Described as the ultimate family-friendly destination in Panama City Beach, Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a not-to-be-missed attraction! With towering slides, winding rivers, and water activities for all ages and heights, you’ll want to plan your visit as soon as possible.
WonderWorks
If you want to escape the heat and enjoy indoor activities, plan a trip to WonderWorks. Offering 29,000 square feet of ‘edu-tainment’, it’s an amusement park with 100+ hands-on exhibits to entertain and educate. The kids are bound to love the Extreme Weather Zone, Physical Challenge Zone, Imagination Lab, and more!
Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
For the golf lovers in your family, look no further than Coconut Creek Family Fun Park to show off your skills. Coconut Creek is among the top family-friendly things to do in PCB, with three 18-hole mini golf courses and a giant-sized maze!
Where to Stay in PCB
A family vacation calls for family-friendly accommodation. Look no further than Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort & Tiki Bar, a PCB hotel that ticks all the right boxes for all members of your family!
Rooms and Suites
No matter your vacationing budget, you’re bound to find suitable accommodations at Sandpiper Beacon. There is a wide range of options to choose from, including studios with and without kitchens, one- and two-bedroom suites, condos, villa townhouses, and two- and four-bedroom beach houses.
Activities and Events
While there are plenty of fun things to see and do around PCB, you also don’t need to leave the resort you’re staying at to make memories with your family. At Sandpiper Beacon, you can go swimming in the pools and on the Lazy River, enjoy the waterslides, and even play mini-golf. For a change of pace, there’s an on-site arcade game room.
Places to Eat and Drink
Whether you feel like quenching your thirst or enjoying a substantial meal with your family, Sandpiper Beacon delivers on all fronts. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the ice cream shop or pay a visit to the Tiki Bar or Dolphin Bar for a refreshing beverage.
There are also wonderful on-site eateries within walking distance of your room or suite, including Coconuts Restaurant and Shoobies Grill.
Plan a Memorable Summer Vacation to Sandpiper Beacon in Panama City Beach
If your summer vacation plans are well underway and you’re looking for the best family resorts in Panama City Beach, it’s time to book your accommodation at Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort & Tiki Bar in PCB! With on-site amenities and activities and proximity to many of the best attractions in PCB, you can’t help but enjoy a summer break that’s memorable for all the right reasons.