Ultimate Guide for Fun Things to Do in Panama City

Panama City, Florida, is a resort-like city full of attractions on both land and sea. Outdoor enthusiasts will be blown away by the abundance of thrilling water sports, adventurous charter excursions, and leisurely land-based sports. Panama City has a buzzing nightlife to uncover as well!

Whether you live in this tropical paradise year-round or just have a summer home here, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had. So if you’re ready for some excitement, here’s the ultimate guide for fun things to do in Panama City.

With its emerald waters and sugar-white sands, St. Andrews State Park is a popular spot for a variety of water sports. On one side is St. Andrews Bay, where you can try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding, or kitesurfing. On the other is the Gulf of Mexico, which touts a pristine beach great for a variety of water sports. If you’re craving something more thrilling, you can snorkel with the marine life, scuba dive to the rock jetties, or surf the rolling waves. If you prefer a more laid-back activity, you can go swimming or fishing.

For the best water sports rentals in Panama City, head to Sunjammers. From kayaks and paddleboards to coolers and drinkware, this premier outdoor lifestyle store has everything you need to enjoy your day out on the water!

Panama City is home to four wonderful marinas, making it an ideal place to explore by sailboat. Island Time Sailing is known for its beach catamaran cruises that are like a party on the water. Depart from Treasure Island Marina for a dolphin-watching cruise during the day or at sunset. Reef Runner Sailing is another excellent company that offers boating classes, sunset sails, and half- and full-day cruises that depart from St. Andrews Marina. They also have boats available to rent so that you can discover the open waters on your own.

For those looking for a more adventurous sea expedition, Panama City has several charters to partake in. There are excursions for snorkeling, scuba diving, and offshore and inshore fishing. You can even go on guided day trips in which you look for seashells on uninhabited islands!

Hook’em Up Charters is known for their incredible deep-sea fishing excursions. Experience the exhilaration of the chase and the pure joy when you bring a Wahoo, Grouper, or Swordfish on board. There are even daring shark expeditions in which you can fish for Hammerhead, Tiger, and Bull sharks that can exceed more than 12 feet and 500 pounds.

Cast-A-Line Charters is another standout company that has a fantastic selection of fishing expeditions, including inshore, nearshore, and tarpon trips. Their shell island excursions are particularly exciting, as you will feel like an explorer voyaging to an undiscovered island. Once you anchor down at your destination, you will have the opportunity to search for beautiful seashells that you can take home with you.

If you prefer to stick to more leisurely sports, Panama City has other terrific land-based outdoor recreation to check out. From golf to biking, you may just find your new favorite hobby.

Panama City has two golf clubs with pristine courses suitable for players of all skill levels. Bay Point Golf Club is respected for its unique yet challenging championship layout. Housed on a serene nature preserve, this 18-hole course is the only Nicklaus Design course in all of Northwest Florida. Signal Hill Golf Course is esteemed for its well-manicured fairways and greens. This 18-hole course is situated across from the beach, providing spectacular views throughout the course.

Join YourBikerGang.com for an e-bike adventure around Panama City! This inclusive “biker gang” provides weekly tours around the city as an active way to socialize while getting to know the area. From happy hour rides to weekday rides, this rad biker gang knows how to have a good time. Apart from the e-bikes themselves, bike helmets and bottled waters are also provided as part of the tours.

Looking for some evening entertainment? Panama City’s nightlife is buzzing with fun energy ranging from eclectic brewpubs to a lavish theater.

Historic Downtown Panama City has several lively brewpubs for a delightful night out on the town. History Class Brewing Company is a hip taproom serving local beer and southern bites. Beers on-tap include stouts, hazy IPAs, and porters, while the food represents southern cuisine with plates like pulled pork and bologna sandwiches. The staff at History Class Brewing Company also proudly tells stories about the local community. So not only will you enjoy some tasty food and drinks, but you’ll learn a bit about Panama City’s heritage too. The Place Downtown is a rustic taproom with a delicious menu, a well-stocked bar, and awesome social events. Must-try dishes include their juicy steak burgers, mouthwatering sandwiches hot off the grill, and fresh seafood combos. Don’t forget to save room for dessert, as their brownie à la mode is heavenly. The Place Downtown also hosts weekly trivia nights, plus there’s even an old-fashioned jukebox.

Catch a flick or performance at the state-of-the-art Martin Theater. Located in Historic Downtown Panama City, this luxe art-deco-style theater presents movies, plays, and orchestras. Whether you’re watching a live performance or stage-to-screen film, you’re sure to be entertained at Martin Theater.

Reach out to Bay Real Experts if you’re interested in buying a Panama City condo or summer home. This team of independent realtors takes great pride in timely client communication and offers unparalleled in-state and out-of-state buyer services. So contact Bay Real Experts today; your brand-new Panama City estate is waiting!