The long, 27-mile strip of beautiful gulf shore and St. Andrew Bay beaches are the showpiece of Panama City Beach (PCB). The soft white sand and glorious Florida sunshine beckons you to come outside and play. As far as beach playgrounds go, Panama City Beach is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy this hip waterfront city. It is filled with relaxing fresh air experiences and invigorating outdoor adventures.
1. Panama City Beach
Of course, there is the beach. All 27 miles of lapping waves offer you a variety of spots to set up your blanket, chair, and beach toys. With almost 100 Panama City Beach access points (some with parking), you can enjoy a vigorous morning walk or a sunset stroll along the shoreline in addition to a day of beachcombing.
2. St. Andrews State Park
The beach at St. Andrews State Park offers visitors more than just sandcastles, shelling, and sunshine. At the park, you can hike, enjoy a picnic lunch in the shaded pavilion, or rent a bike at the general store to explore the park.
Grab a spot on the sand and watch the pelicans glide across the gentle waves in search of their next snack. Wave at the boats sailing out for a fishing expedition or dolphin tour. Spend the day at St. Andrews State Park; it is the perfect spot to simply chill, read a great vacation novel, and be at the beach.
Pro Tip: St. Andrews State Park is dog-friendly, so the entire family can enjoy the outdoors.
3. Camp Helen State Park
The largest coastal dune lake in Florida, Lake Powell borders Camp Helen State Park. A day-use only state park, you can enjoy swimming, hiking, and fishing (both saltwater and freshwater).
Pro Tip: Purchase your day pass online before you venture out.
4. Shell Island
The pristine and undeveloped Shell Island is the beach day to plan if you want a low-key, no-frills oasis. Shell Island offers 7 miles of soft white sand, sparkling blue water views, and wide-open space. Sights to discover include deer, ghost crabs, sea turtles, and dolphins playing in the surf.
You can access Shell Island by boat or the Shell Island Shuttle.
5. Camping
When your nature adventure includes sleeping under the stars, there are some great camping experiences in PCB.
St. Andrews State Park’s campsites include water, electric, and sewer hookups. Sites are equipped with a picnic table and grill. Renting one of the tent or RV sites allows you to explore this beautiful park for an extended stay.
For a more elevated camping getaway, Fancy Camps offers a glamping experience. Sleep peacefully on a pillowy bed surrounded by chic furnishings, but still in a tent. Listen to the even sounds of nature on your private tent deck while sipping your favorite beverage. Enjoy the dew-kissed morning air that only woodland camping can provide. Simply pack your bags and leave the camping equipment at home.
6. Golfing
An outdoor-focused vacation in Florida often includes several rounds of golf. PCB offers wonderful public courses where you can practice your swing.
With panoramic views of St. Andrew Bay, Bay Point Golf Club offers 18 playable holes for golfers of all skill levels. Bordering a nature preserve, the course offers typical Florida terrain. Saltwater marshes, scrub oak forests, and pines dot the landscape and hem the fairways.
The challenging Legacy Golf Club requires golfers to play a precision game, testing their skills around every dog leg. Lush, green fairways lead to tricky greens that will hone your short game with thought-provoking shots. The more casual golfer will enjoy their par-three course. Play a fun, nine-hole, beginner-friendly round and enjoy some vacation golf.
Signal Hill Golf Course offers a challenging round for a variety of golf experience levels. The natural Florida terrain and well-groomed tee-to-green landscape affords golfers a chance to practice placement shots for a good value.
7. Boating And Sailing
Whether you simply want to enjoy bobbing on the water and soaking up some gorgeous Florida sunshine, sail away into the sunset, or be an avid angler, there is a boating adventure perfect for you.
Hop aboard the catamaran with Island Time Sailing for a Dolphin Sunset Cruise; 2 hours of peaceful sailing watching dolphins play. Then, watch a gorgeous sunset sparkling across the water, the perfect end to a fun-filled day.
When it comes to rentals, Scotty Boat Rentals offers pontoon boats. Even if you have never piloted a watercraft, if you can drive a car, you can probably navigate a pontoon boat. It’s the perfect party boat to cruise around, take a swim, and enjoy a day on the water. They also rent fishing boats if you want to cast a line in search of the “big one that got away.”
Shell Island Boat Rentals and Tours is another great option for pontoon and boat rentals. They offer a Blue Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour where you can leave the driving and dolphin spotting to them.
Looking for a different boating experience? How about viewing wild alligators with Airboat Adventures? If you have never climbed aboard an airboat, you should consider this unique method of water travel. It is so much fun.
8. Fishing
Gone Fishing! Catch and release or catch and cook, either way, anglers and want-to-be fishermen will enjoy chasing the big catch. Snapper, grouper, mahi mahi, yellowfin, marlin, swordfish, and more are waiting to jump on your hook.
For great fishing charter options, check out Got’em Fishing Charter and Hook’em Up Charters. Spend the day just “reelin’ ‘em in.”
9. Hiking And Biking
You will find 13 scenic hiking trails rated on AllTrails. The trails are used by hikers and mountain bikers who want to enjoy Florida’s wonderful flora and fauna.
Outdoor walkers who enjoy a quiet stroll will love the easy, 1.8-mile Buck Pond Loop in Panama City Beach Conservation Park. More serious hikers can trek the 9-mile Longleaf, Willow, and Marshy Point Loop.
Pro Tip: Dogs are welcome on most trails, however, they must be on leash.
10. Snorkeling
The underwater world beyond miles of beautiful beach hosts a colorful array of ocean life. Snorkeling in PCB is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.
Coastal Wildlife Adventures offers guests a guided Shell Island Dolphin and Snorkeling Tour perfect for every level of snorkeling adventurer. Their Crooked Island and Simpson Shipwreck snorkel and free dive tour offers the intrepid water nymph an exceptional snorkeling experience.
With Paradise Adventures, you can snorkel at Shell Island and watch the dolphins play. You can choose from a small group trip or a catamaran filled with your new snorkeling buddies.
11. Paddleboard
Paddleboarding is a fun way to challenge your on-the-water, athletic prowess. Staying up on the board takes practice and determination, not to mention great balance. Renting a board for the day is a great way to try out this popular water sport.
Panama City Beach Paddleboard delivers paddleboards to your waterfront digs — no loading them into your car.
Get your daily dose of beach yoga or even a challenging paddleboard yoga class with Mermaid Heather. Test your balance by performing yoga poses on a floating board for a killer workout.
Getting Outdoors In Panama City Beach
At the end of the day, when you are exhausted and exhilarated from your PCB outdoor adventures, visit one of our favorite PCB restaurants for some coastal-focused cuisine. Then, sit back, relax into vacation mode, and plan tomorrow’s outdoor adventure.
