One More Weekend on the Bay

Labor Day marks the final long weekend of summer, making it the perfect opportunity to squeeze in one more getaway before fall arrives. In Panama City, the season lingers a little longer. Warm bay waters invite one more paddle, one more boat ride, one more waterfront dinner, and one more unforgettable sunset over St. Andrews Bay.

This four-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the best of Panama City and take in everything summer has to offer. Spend your days exploring charming historic neighborhoods, dining at locally owned restaurants, cruising the bay, and discovering the laid-back coastal atmosphere that makes Panama City unique. Along the way, you’ll enjoy fresh seafood, colorful murals, family-friendly attractions, live music, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and soak in the scenery.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family vacation, or a long weekend with friends, this itinerary offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and local flavor while leaving room to make the trip your own.

After checking into your hotel, ease into vacation mode with an evening exploring Panama City’s waterfront. Labor Day Weekend is all about slowing down and making every moment count.

Start your getaway with dinner overlooking St. Andrews Bay at Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill. Perched along the waterfront in Historic St. Andrews, the restaurant has become one of Panama City’s favorite places to enjoy fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and sunset views across the bay.

Request a table outside on the second-floor deck. As the sun begins to set across the bay, you’ll understand why this is one of the area’s most photographed dinner spots. It’s the perfect way to begin a weekend centered around great food and unforgettable sunsets.

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the St. Andrews marina before heading back to your hotel to rest up for a full weekend of adventure.

Wake up early and get ready for a full day filled with waterfront experiences, local history, and lively nightlife.

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 an excursion that matches your travel style. 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.

Labor Day Weekend is also one of the best times to cast a line, as Florida’s fall red snapper season opens on September 1. 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.

Labor Day Weekend is only complete after you’ve had fresh Gulf oysters.

Hunt’s Oyster Bar has welcomed locals and visitors for generations and remains one of Panama City’s most iconic restaurants. Whether you prefer oysters raw, baked, or fried, the menu offers plenty of ways to enjoy one of the area’s signature flavors alongside shrimp, crab claws, and other Gulf Coast favorites.

Wrap up the evening with live music and waterfront fun at Papa Joe’s Bayside.

Grab a drink, relax under the string lights, challenge friends to a game of cornhole, or enjoy one of the outdoor yard games while listening to local musicians perform overlooking the bay. If you’re feeling competitive, reserve time on the pickleball court before calling it a night.

It’s a lively yet laid back way to experience Panama City’s local nightlife.

After a busy Saturday, Sunday offers the flexibility to create a day that’s uniquely yours.

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 long after Labor Day Weekend ends.

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 your Labor Day 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.