Discover Panama City’s Creative Side

Panama City’s creative spirit can be found around every corner, from colorful murals and working artist studios to locally owned galleries, museums, and boutiques filled with handcrafted treasures. This one-day itinerary highlights the places where art, history, and local culture come together.

Begin your morning in Historic St. Andrews before making your way into Downtown Panama City, where galleries, public art, and hands-on creative experiences fill the historic streets. Along the way, you’ll see large murals, discover one-of-a-kind shops, and explore neighborhoods that celebrate creativity in every form.

Perfect for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys supporting local businesses, this itinerary offers a full day of inspiration while exploring Panama City’s vibrant arts and culture scene.

Start your day in Historic St. Andrews, one of Panama City’s most artistic neighborhoods, where murals, galleries, boutiques, and local businesses create a walkable waterfront district full of character.

Located inside Little Village, FINNS Island Style Grub serves breakfast favorites like breakfast burritos, island hash, and pancake tacos in a relaxed outdoor setting. After breakfast, spend time exploring Little Village, where you’ll find handcrafted goods, fair trade products, eco-friendly gifts, recycled and repurposed items from around the world, and artwork created by local artists.

Spend the morning following the St. Andrews section of the Panama City Mural Trail as you walk along Beck Avenue toward Oaks by the Bay Park. Many of the murals decorate the walls of locally owned businesses, creating an outdoor gallery that tells the story of the neighborhood.

Along the way, browse some of Historic St. Andrews’ favorite boutiques, including Sunjammers, The Trendy Side, and Gypsy Willow, where you’ll discover clothing, gifts, home décor, and locally crafted artwork.

Before leaving St. Andrews, stop by the Publishing Museum to learn about Panama City’s newspaper history and experience one of the country’s few remaining historic letterpress print shops. The museum also features a gift shop filled with handmade items, locally printed souvenirs, and keepsakes created using the museum’s vintage printing press.

Continue into Downtown Panama City and visit Hot Glass Studio, where visitors can watch skilled glass artists at work, browse a gallery filled with handcrafted glass pieces, or reserve a hands-on glassblowing experience to create their own one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Downtown Panama City is home to a growing collection of galleries, studios, murals, and creative businesses, making it easy to spend the afternoon exploring the city’s vibrant arts district.

Take a break for lunch at Millie’s Cafe, where fresh sandwiches, salads, and daily specials are served in a charming outdoor breezeway. Grab a table outside beneath the colorful Honeybee Mural before continuing your afternoon of exploring.

Spend the afternoon strolling Harrison Avenue, where several galleries and artist studios are located within a few walkable blocks. Stop inside Center for the Arts, browse the coastal artwork at Paul Brent Gallery, admire local and regional artists at Gallery of Art 850, and visit The Light Room photography studio.

As you explore Downtown, continue following the Panama City Mural Trail and keep an eye out for the destination’s colorful public art installations. Before leaving, stop by the Destination Panama City Visitor Center to discover the LovePC Mini Masterpiece Collection, a series of 19 outdoor murals.

Downtown’s locally owned boutiques offer another opportunity to discover artwork and handcrafted goods created by talented local makers. Browse home décor, gifts, jewelry, and artisan pieces at Jute & Palm, Accents Home Décor & Gifts, and Sage Style & Gift.

Finish your afternoon with a hands-on creative experience. At Out of the Box Art Studio, visitors can paint pottery, create canvas artwork, experiment with mixed media, or even step inside the popular splatter room. For an unforgettable keepsake, book an appointment at Hoyden Hat Co. and design a custom luxury hat that’s uniquely your own.

Wrap up your day with colorful surroundings, flavorful food, and one final creative experience.

Enjoy dinner at El Weirdo, where bold street tacos, creative cocktails, and vibrant floor-to-ceiling murals create one of Downtown Panama City’s most colorful dining experiences. The eclectic atmosphere perfectly complements a day spent exploring Panama City’s creative side.

End the evening at Atelier, where you can sip handcrafted cocktails while creating your own custom scented candle. Choose your favorite fragrance, pour your candle, and relax in the stylish studio before taking home a handmade souvenir to remember your day.

Plan Ahead

Creative Traveler Tips

Follow the Mural Trail Map

The Panama City Mural Trail stretches through both Historic St. Andrews and Downtown Panama City. Use the online map to locate every mural.

Reserve Hands-On Experiences Early

Popular experiences like glassblowing at Hot Glass Studio, custom hat design at Hoyden Hat Co., and candle making at Atelier often require reservations. Booking ahead helps you fit everything into your day.

Leave Time to Browse

Many of Downtown Panama City’s galleries and boutiques feature rotating artwork from local artists. Give yourself extra time to browse, chat with gallery owners, and discover one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

Stop by the Visitor Center

Visit the Destination Panama City Visitor Center in Downtown to pick up free stickers and browse the boutique filled with custom Panama City items. You’ll find locally inspired souvenirs, gifts, coloring books, and other keepsakes that celebrate the destination.