A trip to the beach never feels like a family vacation compromise – the kids want to enjoy some fun in the sun as much as you do. Whether you are looking to stay for the week, a weekend or even just the day, Panama City Beach is a perfect combo of coastal fun and inland hot spots. Known for its 27 miles of sugar-soft sand (the wide shoreline makes it ideal for social distancing) and sparkling turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it is the ultimate family beach vacation destination. While nearby attractions include two state parks and miles of on- and off-road bike trails, championship golf courses, great food and much more. You and your tiny tourists won’t run out of things to do, see or experience. The following are 10 reasons to plan a getaway to PCB and make it yours.
10 Reasons To Visit Panama City Beach With Your Kids
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Beach Bliss
The turquoise waters and pristine white sand give PCB a Caribbean vibe, ideal for relaxing, sunbathing and leisurely dips in the gulf. If you want to do more than swimming, your thrill seeker options are limitless with activities like snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, beach volleyball and more.
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Eco-Adventures Abound
At St. Andrews State Park your family can be one with nature. The campgrounds with electricity, water, and picnic areas provide all the comforts a family would need for a kid-friendly experience. The nature trails, Bay Fishing Pier and wildlife sightings make this a can’t miss destination.
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Shop ’til You Drop
Everybody wins at Pier Park, the 900,000 square foot shopping and dining center is filled with restaurants, retail chains and souvenir shops. The kids will love to explore the amusement park while you indulge in some retail therapy. Don’t miss the recently opened SkyWheel, that soars 200 feet above PCB and offers 360 views of the city, Pier Park & the Gulf of Mexico or the brand new SkyWheel Miniature Golf Course, an 18-hole miniature golf course with bridges, boulders and tunnels. There’s also Decor by the Shore, a unique shopping adventure filled with charming shops offering home furnishings, art, and other interior decor with a signature seaside flair.
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Dog Days
Located right across from Pier Park, The Dog Beach caters to the furry four-legged members of your family. Bring along Fido and let him frolic in the sand and surf.
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Thrills That Will Blow Your Mind
Your fam’s adrenaline will be pumping at Wild Thang Airboat Tours. Starting with a speedy take off, the boat navigates through marshes and islands at speeds nearing Mach 10. A perfect adventure for the whole family, no matter their age (children as young as 2 can board).
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Pirate Adventures
Young or old, the Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise has something for swashbucklers of all ages! Climb aboard the 85’ ship for a two-hour adventure packed with family fun activities like firing the “Kid cannon”, reading a treasure map, finding a sunken treasure, face painting, limbo, a pirate dance party, temporary pirate tattoos and frequent dolphin sightings. What more could a pirate in training ask for?
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Undisturbed Beauty
The 7-mile barrier island called Shell Island is the perfect spot for some serious downtime. This natural, undeveloped stretch of white sand features graceful dunes, pine hammocks, and an inland lake. Make sure to bring your sand buckets because the shell collecting in this area is second to none.
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Romantic Revival
Believe it or not, family vacations are not all about the kids. Let the award-winning dining, live music to dance the night away, and luxury spas be the perfect reason for you and your partner to hire a sitter and take advantage of some alone time. And no matter what time of year you go, the Panama City Beach events calendar offers perfect date night opportunities like wine and craft beer tastings and jazz festivals.
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Go Fish
Climb aboard one of the Panama City area’s finest fishing charters and experience the thrill of Gulf of Mexico fishing! Because most charters are extremely kid-friendly, they are suitable for pros and novices alike. They take care of everything for you so all you have to do is get on the boat for a four- or eight-hour trip and reel ‘em in.
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Park and Ride
Satisfy your family’s need for speed, spins and drops with one of the many family amusement parks Panama City Beach has to offer. Race City is one of Panama City Beach’s most family-friendly attractions located on Front Beach Road. Home to the famous Hurricane Rollercoaster, which stands at over 50ft. tall, and reaches speeds up to 30mph!
