Your Perfect Day on St. Andrews Bay

St. Andrews Bay is at the heart of Panama City, shaping everything from its waterfront restaurants and historic neighborhoods to the countless ways to get out on the water. This itinerary follows the bay from morning to night, giving you a chance to experience the places and activities that make life along the waterfront so special.

Start the day with sunrise at a bayside beach before choosing your favorite way to explore the bay by jet ski, pontoon boat, or paddleboard. Later, enjoy lunch on the waterfront, spend the afternoon exploring Historic Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews, then wrap up the evening with fresh seafood, rooftop cocktails, or a Glow Float beneath the stars.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, relaxing waterfront views, or local coastal flavors, this itinerary showcases some of the best ways to spend a day along St. Andrews Bay.

A day by the bay begins with sunrise at Asbell Park. Located along St. Andrews Bay, the waterfront park offers peaceful walking paths, open green space, and beautiful views as the city slowly comes to life.

After taking in the morning scenery, head to Historic St. Andrews for breakfast at Luna Muna Cafebar. Fresh pastries, breakfast favorites, specialty coffee, and colorful surroundings make it a welcoming place to start the day before heading onto the water.

The morning is yours to experience St. Andrews Bay however you choose.

AAA Jet Ski Rentals & Tours offers guided jet ski adventures that let you cruise across the bay while taking in Panama City’s scenic waterfront.

Looking for a slower pace? Beachy Boat Rentals makes it easy to spend the morning aboard a pontoon boat, enjoying the calm waters and beautiful coastal views.

Or explore the shoreline under your own power with Bayside Boat Rentals. Paddleboards and hydrobikes provide a fun way to experience the bay while enjoying the fresh coastal breeze and abundant wildlife.

After your morning on the water, enjoy lunch at Bayou Joe’s, a longtime local favorite perched above Massalina Bayou. The dining deck offers nearly 360-degree waterfront views, where boats drift by and fish swim beneath your table. Fresh seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and local favorites make it an easy place to relax before continuing your day.

Spend the afternoon exploring two of Panama City’s most charming waterfront neighborhoods.

Historic Downtown Panama City offers locally owned boutiques, colorful murals, art galleries, and walkable streets filled with restaurants and unique shops.

Just a few minutes away, Historic St. Andrews invites visitors to slow down with waterfront parks, galleries, local businesses, and picturesque streets that showcase the neighborhood’s rich maritime history. Together, these districts offer a wonderful opportunity to experience Panama City’s local character while enjoying beautiful views of St. Andrews Bay.

Experience the bay from a new perspective with an afternoon excursion.

Heritage Excursions offers dolphin cruises through St. Andrews Bay, where bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted swimming alongside the boat while guides share interesting facts about the area’s wildlife and coastal environment.

For a more leisurely adventure, Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions offers relaxing cruises across the bay. Gentle breezes, open water, and panoramic waterfront views create an unforgettable way to spend the afternoon.

As evening approaches, settle in for dinner overlooking the bay.

Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar serves elevated coastal cuisine with beautiful views of the Panama City Marina, creating an inviting atmosphere to unwind after a full day outdoors.

Historic St. Andrews offers another local favorite at Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill, where fresh Gulf seafood and waterfront dining have welcomed visitors for generations beneath the shade of majestic live oaks.

Continue your evening with one final waterfront experience.

Steam on 5 at Hotel Indigo offers handcrafted cocktails and panoramic rooftop views overlooking St. Andrews Bay, making it the perfect place to watch the sunset.

If you’re ready for one more adventure, reserve a Glow Float experience and paddle illuminated clear paddleboards or kayaks across the bay after dark. Colorful LED lights beneath each vessel transform the water into a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience that provides a memorable ending to your day.

Plan Ahead

Travel Tips for a Day by the Bay

Book Excursions Early

Jet skis, pontoon boats, sailing excursions, and dolphin cruises are popular throughout the year. Reserving ahead helps secure your preferred time on the water.

Explore Both Historic Neighborhoods

Historic Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews each offer their own personality. Visiting both provides a well-rounded look at Panama City’s waterfront, local businesses, and coastal history.

Take Your Time Along the Waterfront

Some of the best moments happen between planned stops. Pause to enjoy the marina views, browse a local shop, admire a mural, or relax on a waterfront bench while taking in the scenery.

Stay Through Sunset

The waterfront continues to shine long after the sun goes down. Dinner overlooking the bay, rooftop cocktails, or a Glow Float experience create the perfect ending to a day spent exploring Panama City.