Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool spread across a shaded, palm-lined park. A go-to full day for kids of every age. Seasonal — typically closed by early September.
Open in Maps →Great For Kids
Family attractions
PCB is built for family trips — here are the favorites, from splashing around to go-kart racing.
ZooWorld Zoological & Botanical Conservatory
Over 260 animals, including giraffes, lemurs, kangaroos, and big cats. Small enough to see in a couple of hours — great for younger kids.
Open in Maps →Topgolf Panama City Beach
Climate-controlled hitting bays over two levels, right next to Pier Park. Games are easy enough for kids to play alongside adults, plus a full food & drink menu.
Open in Maps →Race City Amusement Park
Multiple go-kart tracks, a rollercoaster, blacklight mini golf, and an indoor arcade — PCB's biggest concentration of rides in one spot.
Open in Maps →Coconut Creek Family Fun Park
Two mini golf courses, bumper boats, an arcade, and gemstone mining — a laid-back option for a shorter outing.
Open in Maps →Emerald Falls Family Recreation Center
A four-story wooden go-kart track plus a handful of on-site rides — on the Thomas Drive side of town, so it's more of a there-and-back trip.
Open in Maps →Eat & Drink
Local dining
From gulf-front casual to a night out at Pier Park.
Hook'd Pier Bar & Grill
Fresh seafood and beachside favorites right on Front Beach Rd.
Open in Maps →Dusty's Oyster Bar
A long-standing local favorite for raw oysters and casual seafood, also on Front Beach Rd.
Open in Maps →Compass Kitchen & Bar
Handcrafted cocktails, bar bites, and entrées at the Springhill Suites beachfront hotel.
Open in Maps →Worth The Trip
Pier Park
PCB's main shopping, dining, and entertainment hub — over 100 stores plus restaurants like Margaritaville and Señor Frog's, an IMAX theater, WonderWorks, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and Topgolf all within walking distance of each other. Easily a half-day out on its own, and it's the biggest concentration of things to do on Front Beach Rd.
Open in Maps →Worth The Drive
Day trips
A little further out, but well worth setting aside a day for.
St. Andrews State Park
Some of the clearest water on the coast, jetties for snorkeling, nature trails, and the launch point for Shell Island ferries. Consistently rated among Florida's best beaches.
Open in Maps →Shell Island
An undeveloped barrier island reachable only by boat — pristine sand, shelling, snorkeling, and frequent dolphin sightings. Catch a ferry or boat tour from St. Andrews State Park.
Open in Maps →30A & Rosemary Beach
The scenic byway east of PCB, stringing together beach towns like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside — boutique shopping, standout restaurants, and quieter sand.
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