City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Panama City Beach, Florida

With 27 miles of sparkling white sand and crystal-clear Gulf Coast water, Panama City Beach is one of those beach towns you just can’t help but love. Activities include boating, fishing, swimming, shopping and all the fun attractions of a resort area. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or hanging out at a private boat dock rental for an extended stay, you’re sure to find something to interest the whole crew.

Located in Bay County, the low-key Panama City Beach sits on a sliver of Panhandle land between the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon and Saint Andrew Bay. Pensacola is to the west and Tallahassee is to the northeast. While it has been deemed the “Spring Break Capital of the World,” Panama City Beach is perfectly suited for families and all ages of travelers. Maybe just wait until after spring break season for a less crowded visit.

State Parks

St. Andrews State Park has 1,200 acres of hiking trails, tree-lined walkways, soft white sand and turquoise water. Located between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s a 1.5-mile beach for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding and snorkeling. Go birdwatching, camping, bicycling, hiking and picnicking. There are nature trails, a canoe/kayak launch, a restroom, a picnic pavilion, a concession area and a boat ramp for those who trailer a boat.

Camp Helen State Park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. The 180-acre park is only open for day use. It’s a popular place for swimming, fishing, hiking, nature viewing, birdwatching, kayaking and paddleboarding. There’s a shower station, a restroom, a picnic pavilion, a visitor center and historic buildings dating to the 1930s.

ZooWorld Zoological Park

Photo: ZooWorld (Facebook)

Looking for land-based activities from a boat dock rental in Panama City? Hop on over to ZooWorld Zoological Park where you’ll find kangaroos, sloths, giraffes, lemurs, porcupines, gators and a walk-through aviary.

Gulf World Marine Park

Photo: Gulf World Marine Park (Facebook)

After visiting the land animals, it’s time to get wet (meant figuratively, but possibly literally if you’re lucky). Open since 1970, Gulf World features tropical gardens, educational shows, animal encounters and marine life. They specialize in the rescue, rehab and release of sea turtles and other marine animals.

Check out harbor seals, sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, penguins and tropical birds. There are daily shows and exhibits, or you can book an animal encounter experience. Visit southern and cownose stingrays at the Stingray Bay touch tank. If you happen to be there at feeding time, you can purchase fish to feed them. Gulf World is located just off Front Road, or 30, making it convenient to both the beach and private boat lifts for rent. 

WonderWorks Panama City Beach

Photo: WonderWorks (Facebook)

With science exhibits, laser tag, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course and a 6D motion ride, WonderWorks Panama City Beach is a great place to visit from a private boat slip rental. Explore exhibits on wind and weather, light and sound, space and imagination and more. There are also STEM programs and art contests and other events. If you’re having trouble finding it, it’s the upside-down building.  

Race City

Photo: Race City (Facebook)

Channel your speed dreams at Race City. The amusement park has go-kart tracks, roller coasters, indoor blacklight mini golf, an arcade, bumper boats and a fun house with mermaids and unicorns (don’t forget the mermaids and unicorns). Go-kart tracks include a speed track with hairpin turns, the PCB500 that soars more than 40 feet high and a little speedway for the younger members of your pit crew.

Man in the Sea Museum

Photo: Man in the Sea Museum (Facebook)

The divers, history buffs and water lovers in your group will want to check out the Man in the Sea Museum. This super cool museum tells the history of diving along with submarines and other underwater wonders. Check out models of the US Navy’s SEALAB I and III, diving suits from 1913, underwater masks and helmets, pods for underwater research and sunken ship treasures from the 1500s. Founded in 1982, the 5,000-square-foot building is owned by the Institute of Diving. We just think it’s a fun spot to visit from a private boat dock rental in Panama City.

Pier Park

Photo: Pier Park (Facebook)

For shopping, dining and events, head to Pier Park. You’ll find brand name department stores, boutique shops and everything from Starbucks and Five Guys to Margaritaville, Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar and the Nashville favorite Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (for those who like the nightlife of line-dancing and live music events).

If Tootsie’s sounds or looks familiar, you may have seen its logo zooming around the track at the Daytona 500. The famous Music City-based saloon is a sponsor of NASCAR’s Daniel Suarez. As part of Trackhouse Racing, the co-owner just happens to be Miami’s own Mr. Worldwide (a.k.a. Pitbull). Okay, there’s your trivia for the day. Pier Park also has attractions like laser tag, mirror mazes and an IMAX theater.

Whether you’re on a family vacation, hanging out at a private boat lift for rent or just passing through along the Florida ICW, we hope you’ve found some new sites to see the next time you’re visiting Panama City beach. Let us know your favorites!