Things to Do Panama City

Panama City (not to be confused with Panama City Beach) is a charming waterfront town in Northwest Florida full of local flavor, artsy culture, and laid-back Southern charm. While many visitors head straight to the beaches, Panama City itself has plenty of fun things to do—from coastal adventures to downtown discoveries.

🎉 Fun Things to Do in Panama City, Florida

🏙️ 1. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Panama City

• Downtown Panama City is walkable and full of local shops, art galleries, breweries, and murals.

• Don’t miss:

  • House of Henry for Irish pub vibes and live music.

  • History Class Brewing Co. for great craft beer and cool history exhibits.

  • Panama City Center for the Arts for local and regional exhibitions.

🐬 2. Take a Boat Tour or Charter

• Explore St. Andrews Bay, dolphin-watch, or cruise out to Shell Island.

• Recommended experiences:

  • 30a Pontoon Rental- 30a Pontoon Rental offers the areas nicest, fastest and most luxurious pontoon rentals. We offer 150 and 200 hp tritoons and double decker tritoons with water slides. Visit www.30apontoon.com

  • 30A Yacht Charters: private luxury yacht or pontoon tours from Panama City Beach. We offer the areas nicest, and most luxurious yacht charters. Visit www.30ayachtcharters.com

  • Island Life Yacht Charters- Island Life yacht Charters offers a stunning collection of luxury yachts, pontoons, fishing charters, etc. Visit www.islandlifeyachtcharters.com

  • 30a RENTAL COMPANY- 30a Rental Company offers Car Rentals, Exotic Car Rentals in Panama City, Slingshot Rentals, Waverunner Rentals, etc. Visit www.30arentalcompany.com

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  • 🏖️ 3. Visit St. Andrews State Park

• Just a short drive from town, this is one of Florida's most loved parks.

• What to do:

  • Swim, snorkel, or fish from the jetties.

  • Hike nature trails or kayak in the lagoon.

  • Take the Shell Island Shuttle for an unspoiled beach day.

🎨 4. Enjoy Public Art and Murals

• Panama City has transformed into a vibrant arts town thanks to public mural projects, festivals, and galleries.

• Take a mural walk or attend the Public Eye Soar light art festival (usually in November).

🎣 5. Try Fishing & Waterfront Dining

• Drop a line at:

  • Carl Gray Park

  • St. Andrews Marina

  • Massalina Bayou

• Then grab fresh seafood at:

  • Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill (great sunsets!)

  • Hunt’s Oyster Bar (local favorite dive)

  • Bayou Joe’s (eat over the water)

🚴 6. Rent a Bike or Explore by Kayak

• Panama City Trail: Ride or jog this paved trail through downtown and the marina district.

• Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the bay or inland creeks.

🐊 7. Visit ZooWorld Zoological Park

• A small but family-friendly zoo in the heart of the city.

• Offers hands-on encounters with sloths, kangaroos, and lemurs—great for kids!

🎭 8. Catch a Show or Event

• Martin Theatre: Live performances and vintage cinema.

• Downtown street festivals like Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, and Friday Fest offer music, food, and vendors.

🌅 9. Watch the Sunset on the Bay

• Best places for sunset:

  • Panama City Marina

  • Beach Drive Park

  • St. Andrews Waterfront

🌽 10. Explore the Farmers Markets

• St. Andrews Market (Saturdays): Local goods, produce, art, and food trucks.

• Downtown Farmers Market often features live music and crafts.

🎯 Bonus: Day Trips Nearby

• Panama City Beach: Just over the bridge for beach bars, big attractions, and Gulf fun.

• Econfina Springs: Kayak and swim in crystal-clear spring waters.

• 30A/Seaside: For upscale shopping and beach towns (45–60 min drive).

Want me to create a personalized itinerary based on your trip dates, interests, or group type (family, couples, party crew)? I’d be happy to!