The beaches are calling! The bayside beaches in Panama City, that is. More than just a stunning backdrop, the waters of St. Andrews Bay make up the heart and soul of the city. Positioned on the north shores of the Gulf of Mexico and protected by Shell Island, an uninhabited barrier island, the sheltered bayside beaches in Panama City boast warm days and calm waves.

With the sunshine practically guaranteed, there are endless opportunities to get out and enjoy the bayside beaches in Panama City. Whether you’re casting a line to hook into the world-class fishing, exploring the crystal-clear waters by kayak or paddleboard, or simply strolling along the shore at sunset, the bayside beaches in Panama City have something for everyone. And the serenity doesn’t stop there. With an atmosphere different from nearby bustling beaches, bayside beaches in Panama City tend to be less crowded, offering a tranquil escape to truly unwind on your coastal getaway. So grab your swimsuit, some sunscreen, and get ready to sink your toes into the soft sand of our beautiful shores!

Skip the Planning, Embrace the Fun at the Destination Panama City Bayside Beach

Kick off your waterfront fun at the Destination Panama City Visitors Center. Here you’ll find one of the most pristine bayside beaches in Panama City. Get expert advice on exploring the area, free stickers, and public restrooms (during business hours). Offering some of the best views in Panama City, you can take advantage of the second level deck overlooking the water.

Relax on the waterside Adirondack swing, perfectly placed for sunset viewing, or grab a photo with your crew on the unique surfboard bench. Large palm trees offer some natural shade to string up your own hammock, or simply spread out a blanket on the grassy area for a picnic. With ample parking, this bayside beach in Panama City is a very popular spot to launch a kayak, paddleboard, or even a kiteboard from the shore.

Located conveniently next to Hotel Indigo and the scenic Promenade, where fishing enthusiasts cast their lines, the Destination Panama City Visitors Center is your gateway to Panama City fun. Don’t forget to capture your memories at our iconic “Love PC” sign and share them with us – let’s show off our Panama City love together!

As the sun dips low, the adventure continues! Right next door, Glow Float offers an unforgettable experience – clear-bottom kayaks equipped with light bars! Paddle through the diverse waters of St. Andrews Bay, watching nocturnal marine life illuminate in the water beneath you. It’s also just steps aways from the shops, restaurants, arts, and entertainment of Downtown Panama City.

Picture Perfect Paradise at Asbell Park

A perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike, Asbell Park is recognizable by its colorful, swinging Adirondack chairs, perfect for watching the sunset over St. Andrews Bay. Located on scenic Beach Drive, one side of Asbell Park is situated on St. Andrews Bay and and just across the street is Lake Caroline (a good spot to watch birds and fish!).

Enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the sun, picnicking on the lush grassy lawn, or even taking a yoga class with Katie’s Paddle Boarding Adventures. Bookworms will enjoy the little free library stand to drop off old books or discover a new read. Be sure to check out the 19th century salt pot, a remnant of the area’s past.

Asbell Park has three miles of sand to explore (extra fun if you bring your pup!), making it one of the best bayside beaches in Panama City for a sunrise run or sunset walk! You can launch a kayak or paddleboard, and you might just spot playful dolphins frolicking nearby.

A Relaxing Escape at Oaks By the Bay Park

Craving a secret beach escape? Tucked away in historic St. Andrews lies Oaks By the Bay Park, a hidden gem offering seclusion, stunning scenery, and a touch of history. Just steps from the park’s entrance, you’ll find charming local shops – perfect for browsing unique souvenirs, and authentic seafood cuisine at nearby restaurants – serving the freshest catches of the day.

Arriving at Oaks By the Bay Park, you’ll be be greeted by the majestic “Old Sentry,” a centuries-old heritage oak. Three chainsaw carvings by world-renowned artist Chad Gainey are placed around the park. Oaks by the Bay Park is another spot for that fun dose of history, being the second home to the preserved salt pots, a reminder of the area’s deep connection to the sea. It’s also home to an 1888 church bell, a historic staple in the community and the only remaining piece of the original, over-century-old St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. A short walk over the dune walkovers leads you to a secluded paradise – another one of the breathtaking bayside beaches in Panama City with soft sand and calm waters.

Accessible Paradise at Calhoun Beach Park

Located in historic St. Andrews, Calhoun Beach Park is a local’s favorite and with a waterfront that is accessible to everyone! A Mobi-Mat, designed for easy rolling access, leads you right down to one of the most beautifully secluded bayside beaches in Panama City. Designated parking nearby makes getting there a breeze. So whether you’re using a wheelchair, stroller, or just looking for a smoother stroll to the shore, this beach welcomes you with open arms (and sandy toes)!

Paddle and Play at Carl Gray Park

Carl Gray Park offers the perfect recipe for fun, with something for everyone! Of course the calm waters, soft sand, and peaceful environment are a dream come true, but this park goes above and beyond. To test your fishing luck and cast a line – just grab your gear and a Florida fishing license (it’s a small price to pay for a fun and legal adventure!).

Carl Gray Park is a hit with little ones too, with a fun playground right on the shoreline to keep them entertained while you soak up the sun. The calm waters, combined with easy access parking, make it a haven for kayakers and paddle boarders. So whether you’re casting a line, building sandcastles, or gliding across the bay, Carl Gray Park guarantees a perfect day at the bayside beaches in Panama City!

Foodie Fun & Beach Bliss at Papa Joe’s Bayside

Craving an epic bayside adventure? Look no further than Papa Joe’s Bayside! This vibrant hangout caters to everyone– family, friends, and even your furry companions. On the shore, a lineup of local food trucks will satisfy any hunger, while a full bar and live entertainment keep the good times flowing. Feeling competitive? Challenge your crew to yard games or simply soak up the sun in one of their provided chairs.

But the real star of the show is the beach itself – perfect for little ones to build sandcastles or chase calm waves. As the day winds down, Papa Joe’s transforms into a front-row seat for a breathtaking sunset. Settle into a provided chair, spread your own blanket, or capture the fiery sky on camera – this view is a must-see!

Papa Joe’s also sports its own dock where you can tie up your own boat, rent pontoon boats for a self-guided water expedition, book an inshore fishing charter for a thrill catching adventure, or a cruise on the Grand-Mère. This is the perfect choice for a well rounded day on the bay.

Explore Beyond the Bayside Beaches in Panama City

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Panama City are filled with exciting options for sun, sand, snorkeling, and sailing. After you explore all of you favorite bayside beaches in Panama City, find more ways to experience the water! Your trip in Panama City, Florida is guaranteed to be an adventure with various excursions, offering unforgettable memories for every member of your group.

Sail to Shell Island, an uninhabited barrier island teeming with diverse marine life and boasting pristine waters. This haven for beachcombers lets you discover hidden treasures while soaking up the sun and exploring the island’s natural beauty. You can cruise in style with Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions aboard La Bella Vita. This charming sailboat glides around the picturesque St. Andrews Bay, allowing you and your friends to witness breathtaking coastal views and spot playful dolphins and other captivating wildlife.

Dive into an underwater adventure with various local charters. Companies like Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, Anchor Charters, and Capt. Zach’s Adventures offer dolphin and wildlife tours, providing all the necessary snorkeling gear to discover vibrant and diverse marine life in the bay. You can even explore more excluded bayside beaches in Panama City that are only accessible by boat!

Feeling more adventurous? Become your own captain and rent a pontoon from Bayside Rentals, Beachy Boat Rentals, or Panama City Pontoons. Explore the area at your own pace or simply soak up the sunshine.

Panama City is a fishing paradise. We have all of the usual suspects: trout, redfish, flounder, and others that navigate the waters close to shore. Further out, schools of red snapper, kingfish, mahi-mahi, and other sport fish thrive. Take advantage of the world-class fishing when you book a local fishing charter.

ABOUT PANAMA CITY

Panama City, Florida, is located on the shores of beautiful St. Andrew Bay on Florida’s Emerald Coast. With an atmosphere distinct from the bustle of nearby beaches, this destination boasts historic downtowns of Panama City and St. Andrews with their beautiful parks and an exciting arts scene. There is a collection of dining options that feature local flare and fresh seafood, along with diverse shopping opportunities. Outdoor recreation includes myriad water activities with fishing and paddling leading the way year-round. Discover your favorite Bayside Beaches in Panama City and so much more!