Is Panama City Beach for Families? [Plus 5 More Reasons to Visit]

There are many reasons for you and your family to visit Panama City Beach. Is Panama City Beach for families? Yes! With world-class golf courses, including one of the world’s best, miles of pristine beaches, kid-friendly wildlife encounters, and countless activities to do while there, you’re guaranteed to have a fun-filled vacation. Families should visit Panama City Beach because there are plenty of things to do and the beach is gorgeous. In addition, there are many family-friendly hotels in Panama City Beach.

Table of Contents

• Reasons to Visit Panama City Beach
  -- The Beach
• • Watersports
• • Fishing
• • Shopping
• • Nearby Destinations (30A, Destin, Sandestin)
• Kid-Friendly Attractions
• • Big Kahuna’s Water Park
• • Shipwreck Island Water Park
• • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum
• • Gulf World Marine Park
• Family-Friendly Resorts and Condos

 

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Reasons to Visit Panama City Beach

 

There are many reasons to visit Panama City Beach. When you visit, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of water sports and activities on land. Below, we will outline our most popular reasons to visit this fun city.

The Beach

 

Pictured above is Panama City Beach.

 

The main reason to visit Panama City Beach is the beach itself. Dubbed one of America’s top beaches, the white sand is soft on your feet and the emerald water is warm and pristine. Plus, there’s a lot of room for you to spread out.

 

Watersports

 

Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to burn calories.

 

Is Panama City Beach for families? You bet it is! There are many water sports available in Panama City Beach, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. If you prefer to stay away from getting wet, you can always observe from afar by renting a boat or chartering a deep-sea fishing excursion.

{Read Reviews & Book Panama City Beach Jet Ski/Waverunner Rentals Online}

 

Fishing

 

There’s no shortage of fishing opportunities in Panama City Beach.

 

One of the main draws to Panama City Beach is this is an incredible area to go fishing, whether it’s deep-sea or offshore. You have the option to fish off the pier or get on a Panama City Beach fishing charter to go out on the water.

{Read Reviews & Book Panama City Beach Fishing Charters Online}

 

Shopping

 

Pictured above is a couple shopping.

 

It’s time to shop til you drop! Panama City Beach is an oasis for shoppers and features an array of excellent stores, boutiques, and local shops. You can also find all brands from low-cost t-shirts to high-end clothing. It’s easy to find the perfect item to take home when you shop here.

 

Nearby Destinations (30A, Destin, Sandestin)

 

Panama City Beach is home to the world’s most beautiful sugar-white sand beaches, clear emerald waters, and plenty of amazing activities. But what makes a vacation to Panama City Beach even better is that our little slice of paradise is close to many other great destinations. If you are looking for a change of scenery during your Panama City Beach vacation, check out some nearby vacation hot spots.

 

30A

Pictured above is an aerial view of West End 30A.

 

Take a drive down 30A and experience the beauty of South Walton County, where you’ll find eclectic beach towns. Stop by one of the many boutiques along this scenic route or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the delicious waterfront restaurants. It’s easily accessible from Panama City Beach and just a 25-minute drive away.

 

Destin

 

Pictured above is an aerial view of the beautiful city skyline in Destin, FL.

 

Outdoor enthusiasts can’t miss Destin, Florida — a top spot for world-class fishing and golfing. Visit Big Kahuna’s Water Park for a fun day at the slides or head to the Harborwalk Village for shopping and dining. Destin, Florida is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin boasts emerald waters and white sand beaches, making it the perfect vacation destination for your family.

{Read Reviews & Book Destin Tourist Attractions Online}

 

Sandestin

Pictured above is the long stretch of emerald waters in Miramar Beach/Sandestin.

 

Sandestin attracts more than 1 million visitors per year and a trip to this spot has something for everyone - from beautiful white beaches to championship golf courses, exclusive spa treatments to fabulous shopping and dining.

{Read Reviews & Book Sandestin Tourist Attractions Online}

 

Kid-Friendly Attractions

 

If you’re wondering “Is Panama City Beach for families?” Of course, it is. Panama City Beach is a bustling vacation destination for families all over the country, and it’s no wonder. The beaches are beautiful and clean, the water is crystal clear, and there is an abundance of kid-friendly attractions to keep you and your family busy.

TripShock has compiled our list of the top kid-friendly attractions in Panama City Beach. If you’re planning a trip to Panama City Beach with kids, be sure to check out some of these fun activities!

 

Big Kahuna’s Water Park

 

Attractions at Big Kahuna’s Water Park. Image by bigkahunas.com.

 

The beach is not the only place where you can make a splash in the water. Boasting more than 40 water attractions, Big Kahuna’s offers something for all ages. You and your family will enjoy a fun day on slides like Jumanji, the Hammerhead, and more.

{Read Reviews & Book Big Kahuna’s Water Park Tickets Online}

 

Shipwreck Island Water Park

 

Shipwreck Island Water Park ranks as one of the top waterparks in America. Image by shipwreckisland.com.

 

Shipwreck Island Water Park is one of the many things to do with toddlers in Panama City Beach. This award-winning water park has consistently ranked as a Travelers Choice for years and is the most fun you can have on land or sea! Shipwreck Island Waterpark features a tropical atmosphere combined with an exciting array of rides and slides that will keep your family entertained for hours. With everything from water slides and wave pools to one of the largest enclosed tube rides in Northwest Florida, this attraction offers fun for guests of all ages.

 

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum

 

Pictured above is the inside of Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. Image by ripleys.com.

 

Ripley’s Believe It or Not should definitely be on your to-do list. Just because it’s a museum doesn’t mean it has to be boring. This unique attraction will give kids a whole new outlook on museums with their out-of-this-world exhibits. While exploring this incredible museum, you’ll see more than 500 weird and odd exhibits.

 

Gulf World Marine Park

 

Pictured above is the outside of Gulf World Marine Park. Image by gulfworldmarinepark.com.

 

Situated right next door to Shipwreck Island Waterpark, you’ll find Gulf World Marine Park. This park is home to bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles and more! At Gulf World Marine Park, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with majestic dolphins and interact with other animals. Before leaving, be sure to check out feeding demonstrations and live animal shows.

{Read Reviews & Book Gulf World Marine Park Tickets Online}

 

Family-Friendly Resorts and Condos

 

Is Panama City Beach for families? Panama City Beach is a Florida Panhandle favorite for its family-friendly vibe and array of activities. There’s no shortage of accommodations, either. From resorts offering on-site water parks to all-suite hotels with kitchens and separate bedrooms, Panama City Beach has something for every family. Here are TripShock’s top picks that are within easy reach of the beach and other attractions.

Pictured above is the Hilton Garden Inn in Panama City Beach. Image by hilton.com.

 

Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach
11127 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Hilton Garden Inn Panama City Beach
1101 US-231
Panama City, FL 32405

Grand Panama Beach Resort
11807 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407