School’s Out, Bay’s In

Trade school days for bay days with a family fall break in Panama City. Warm weather and sunshine keep outdoor adventures on the schedule, while St. Andrews Bay offers plenty of ways to spend time together on the water.

This four-day family itinerary mixes some of Panama City’s favorite experiences, including jet ski adventures, dolphin excursions, fishing, sailing, bayside beaches, colorful murals, hands-on art, games, and plenty of local places to eat along the way. Spend your break exploring Historic Downtown and St. Andrews, getting out on the bay, and finding something different for the family to do each day.

Start your first day with a mix of Panama City favorites, including time on the water, local food, art, games, and a waterfront dinner in Historic St. Andrews.

Start the morning at Dan-D-Donuts, a longtime Panama City favorite serving fresh donuts and classic breakfast favorites. Pick out something sweet before heading to the water for your first adventure of fall break.

School is out, so take the day’s adventure to St. Andrews Bay. Get out on the water with AAA Jet Ski Rentals and experience Panama City from a whole new perspective before heading Downtown for lunch.

Keep the friendly competition going at Birdie Social. Indoor golf gives the family a chance to play together while enjoying some time indoors before heading to St. Andrews for the evening.

Head to Historic St. Andrews for dinner at Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill. Enjoy fresh seafood and family favorites while watching boats pass along the waterfront. Time your dinner around sunset for one of Panama City’s signature views across the bay.

End your first day of fall break with something sweet at Drews Ice Cream. Pick your favorite flavor and enjoy an evening in Historic St. Andrews before getting ready for another day of family adventures.

Spend your second day experiencing the water that surrounds Panama City, then explore the murals, shops, and local flavors found throughout its historic neighborhoods.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Sunrise Cafe & Bakery in Downtown Panama City. From fresh baked pastries and biscuits to omelets and pancakes, it’s a favorite local stop before spending the day outdoors.

Choose a St. Andrews Bay adventure that fits your family. Heritage Excursions offers eco tours that blend scenic cruising with stories about the area’s history, wildlife, and coastal ecosystems. Anchor Charters delivers an action-packed day on the water with opportunities to fish, snorkel, watch for dolphins, or simply relax while exploring the bay.

Anglers can book a trip with Panama City Inshore, Gotcha Expeditions, Southern Saltwater Guide Services, or one of the many experienced fishing charters based in Panama City to take advantage of the season’s opening days.

However you spend your time on St. Andrews Bay, you’ll quickly discover why the water is at the heart of every Panama City getaway.

Grab lunch at El Weirdo, a colorful brewpub known for creative tacos, house-brewed beer, and one of the most eclectic atmospheres in Panama City. The restaurant’s bold artwork and outdoor patio perfectly reflect Downtown Panama City’s creative energy.

After lunch, slow the pace and spend the afternoon discovering two of Panama City’s most walkable historic districts.

Historic Downtown Panama City offers locally owned boutiques, coffee shops, art galleries, murals, and waterfront parks that invite visitors to wander at their own pace. Continue your adventure in nearby Historic St. Andrews, where charming streets are lined with unique shops, waterfront restaurants, and beautiful views of St. Andrews Bay.

While exploring both neighborhoods, follow the Panama City Mural Trail. Large scale murals and hidden micro murals tell stories of the city’s history, culture, and coastal lifestyle while creating countless photo opportunities along the way.

Enjoy dinner in St. Andrews with a Panama City seafood tradition. Hunt’s Oyster Bar has welcomed locals and visitors for generations, serving oysters raw, baked, and fried alongside shrimp, crab claws, and other Gulf Coast favorites.

Have a first-time oyster eater in the family? Hunt’s is also where visitors can take part in Panama City’s Golden Oyster experience and receive a special keepsake to commemorate their first oyster..

Wrap up the evening with live music and waterfront fun at Papa Joe’s Bayside. Play cornhole and outdoor games, listen to live music when scheduled, or reserve time on the pickleball court while enjoying an evening along St. Andrews Bay.

It’s a lively yet laid-back way to enjoy family time together.

Give everyone a chance to play, create, and try something new before spending the evening on the water.

Start your morning at Luna Muna Cafebar with specialty coffee, fresh breakfast favorites, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to linger a little longer before beginning the day’s adventures.

Panama City offers plenty of indoor attractions that are perfect for families, couples, and groups traveling together.

If you’re traveling with kids, spend the morning at The Portal Downtown, a board game café in the heart of Downtown Panama City featuring hundreds of board games, card games, and tabletop experiences for all ages. Alongside its extensive game library, the café serves specialty drinks, including its popular dirty sodas, making it a fun place to relax, connect, and play with family and friends.

Ready for a little friendly competition? Point Break Arcade features classic arcade games, pinball, modern favorites, and prizes for players of all ages. Feeling creative? Out of the Box Art Studio invites visitors to paint pottery and create personalized souvenirs to remember the trip.

Choose one experience or combine several depending on your schedule.

Located along Massalina Bayou, Bayou Joe’s serves fresh seafood and classic coastal favorites in one of Panama City’s most scenic waterfront settings.

Watch boats pass by while enjoying lunch on the outdoor deck before heading back out for another afternoon on the water.

Spend the late afternoon aboard an unforgettable private sunset cruise with Emerald Coast Sailing Excursions.

As the breeze fills the sails and the shoreline slowly fades into the distance, you’ll experience Panama City from an entirely different perspective. Dolphins are frequent visitors, the water glows with the colors of the setting sun, and the peaceful pace reminds you exactly why weekends like this deserve to last a little longer.

If you’re looking for a group tour, try the Grand-Mère, a relaxing 1.5-hour sunset cruise aboard an air-conditioned double-decker boat, with a full bar, concessions, and a restroom. It’s often the highlight of the entire trip.

End the evening with an elevated dining experience at Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar in Historic Downtown.

Thoughtfully prepared coastal cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to celebrate your final evening in Panama City.

After dinner, take one last stroll along the waterfront promenade before heading back to your hotel.

Every great vacation deserves a memorable ending.

Before heading home, enjoy one final morning soaking in the relaxed atmosphere that makes Panama City such a special destination.

Start the day with breakfast at Big Mama’s on the Bayou, where Southern comfort food and waterfront views provide the perfect farewell meal.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while watching boats drift along the bayou before beginning your journey home.

Before leaving town, spend a little time at Asbell Park.

This quiet bayside park offers peaceful shoreline views, calm waters, and plenty of space to stretch your legs before the drive home. Walk along the beach, collect a few shells, or simply enjoy the gentle breeze coming across St. Andrews Bay.

Sometimes the best vacation memories come from slowing down enough to appreciate moments like these.

Finish the weekend with lunch at The Place, a local favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious comfort food. It’s the perfect final stop before hitting the road, offering one last taste of Panama City’s hospitality.