Name: Panama City Beach – Florida, USA
Address: 16201 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Panama City Beach – Panama City Beach, Florida, USA

Panama City Beach – Panama City Beach, Florida

Stretching for 27 miles along the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach (PCB) is one of the most famous beaches in the United States. Known for its sugar-white sand and emerald-green Gulf waters, PCB offers a unique mix of family attractions, spring break nightlife, and natural beauty.

The beach itself is exceptionally wide, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games. Families flock to PCB for its kid-friendly amenities and attractions, while college students and young adults often visit during spring break for lively events, beach bars, and nightlife. With a reputation for being both a family vacation hotspot and a party destination, Panama City Beach caters to all kinds of travelers.

📜 History & Unique Features

Panama City Beach grew in popularity in the 20th century as both a military town and a seaside getaway. Its claim to fame comes from its fine quartz crystal sand, which reflects sunlight and gives the water a striking emerald glow.

In the 1980s–1990s, PCB became synonymous with Spring Break, attracting students nationwide. Today, the city has balanced that reputation by promoting family-friendly tourism, expanding attractions, and preserving natural areas like St. Andrews State Park.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March – May): Popular for Spring Break and family vacations. Warm and festive.

Summer (June – August): Peak season, hot weather, busy beaches.

Fall (September – November): Great weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates.

Winter (December – February): Quiet season; cooler but still walkable and budget-friendly.

Popular Activities

Swimming & Sunbathing: Relax on 27 miles of sugar-white sand.
Pier Park: A massive entertainment hub with shops, restaurants, bars, and live music.
Fishing: Cast off the Russell-Fields Pier or M.B. Miller Pier, both stretching over 1,500 feet into the Gulf.
Water Sports: Try jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or banana boat rides.
Shell Island: A must-visit barrier island with unspoiled beaches and wildlife, accessible by shuttle or boat.
St. Andrews State Park: Offers pristine beaches, nature trails, camping, and snorkeling opportunities.
Dolphin Tours: Popular boat tours and eco-cruises showcase dolphins in the wild.
Nightlife: Dozens of beach bars, dance clubs, and live music venues for after-dark fun.

Nearby Amenities

Lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas during peak season
Restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic pavilions at main beach parks
Ample parking lots and metered street parking
Beach chair, umbrella, and watercraft rentals
Restaurants, bars, and cafés along Front Beach Road
Large variety of accommodations — luxury resorts, condos, budget hotels, vacation rentals

Beach Hours

Open Now

Open 24/7

Hours/Lifeguards

Lifeguard-patrolled swimming areas during peak season

Public beach access: Open 24/7.

Piers: Typically open sunrise to sunset.

St. Andrews State Park: 8:00 AM – Sunset daily.

Pricing

Beach access: Free (public beaches).

Pier access: ~$3 for walkers, ~$7 for fishing.

Parking: Free and paid lots available ($5–$10 typical).

St. Andrews State Park: ~$8 per vehicle.

Shell Island Shuttle: ~$20–$30 round trip.

Rentals: Chairs, umbrellas ~$20–$40 per day.

Food & Drinks

Pier Park: Dozens of restaurants, from casual seafood to upscale dining.

Beach Bars: Club La Vela (once America’s largest nightclub), Sharky’s Beachfront, Spinnaker Beach Club.

Casual Eats: Pineapple Willy’s (famous for beachfront ribs), local seafood shacks.

Events & Festivals

Spring Break (March–April): Legendary party season for college students.

Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam (September): A country music festival that draws big crowds.

Pirates of the High Seas Festival (October): Family-friendly pirate-themed fun.

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (Spring/Fall): One of the largest bike rallies in the Southeast.

Primary Phone

+1 (850) 233-5070

Website URL

visitpanamacitybeach.com

Beach Address

16201 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Access Points

PCB has numerous access points across its 27-mile stretch. Popular ones include:

Russell-Fields Pier (City Pier):
16201 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

M.B. Miller Pier (County Pier):
12213 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

St. Andrews State Park:
4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408

Shell Island (accessible by shuttle/boat):
Shuttle departs from St. Andrews State Park Marina.

16201 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Get Directions