Panama City, FL: June 30, 2025 — Panama City, Florida, is the perfect destination for families looking to soak up the sun, explore nature, and create lasting memories. With endless water adventures, kid-friendly arts and entertainment, delicious dining for all ages, pet-friendly experiences, and accessibility accommodations that ensure everyone can join in the fun, this waterfront city welcomes every member of the family.

A Day on the Bay: Water Adventures for the Whole Family

Panama City is surrounded by the sparkling waters of St. Andrews Bay, offering an ideal setting for a day full of family-friendly water activities. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach day or high-energy adventures, there is something for everyone.

Bayside beaches provide a calm and scenic retreat, perfect for little ones to splash in the shallows while parents relax under the sun. For those looking for an up-close marine experience, dolphin-watching excursions and snorkeling tours allow visitors to witness marine life in its natural habitat. Adventurous families can rent jet skis, hop on paddleboards, or explore by kayak, discovering the beauty of the bay at their own pace.

A must-do for nature lovers is a charter to Shell Island, an untouched barrier island known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife. The Grand-Mére Shell Island Cruise, a spacious and well-appointed vessel, is an excellent option for large families or multi-generational groups, offering dolphin and sunset cruises with full amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.

Creative Fun: Kid-Friendly Arts & Culture

Panama City is bursting with creative energy, and families can dive into an array of hands-on art experiences. From interactive exhibits to engaging workshops, young minds will love discovering the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Public art installations, including murals and sculptures along the city’s Mural Trail, make for a fun and interactive way to explore. Families can also visit the Panama City Center for the Arts, which regularly hosts kid-friendly exhibits, creative workshops, and storytelling events.

A must-visit for both kids and adults is the Panama City Publishing Museum, where history and creativity come together in a hands-on experience. Families can watch live demonstrations of historic printing techniques, take home a hand-printed, one-of-a-kind gift, and let kids create their very own newspaper at the Newspaper Stamp Corner. While the little ones get creative, adults can dive into the fascinating history of local publishing and see vintage printing presses in action.

One-of-a-Kind Family Adventures

Panama City offers unique, fun-filled activities that the whole family will love. Whether you’re into retro gaming, board games, or simply exploring a walkable district full of surprises, there is always something new to discover.

Step back in time at Point Break Arcade, a retro-style arcade, where kids and adults alike can enjoy classic pinball machines, vintage video games, and modern favorites. This spot is also a highlight on the Panama City Ale Trail, making it a fun stop for parents looking to try a local craft beer while their kids play.

For a more interactive experience, The Portal is a hidden gem in Downtown Panama City. This custom soda shop is tucked inside a board game café, where families can sip on handcrafted sodas while choosing from a huge selection of games to play together. It’s the perfect place to unwind, connect, and enjoy some friendly competition.

Exploring the city is always an adventure in itself! Stroll through the historic districts, discovering local boutiques, over 25 murals on the Panama City Mural Trail, and a handful of art galleries, all while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Families can pop into locally owned ice cream shops, quirky stores, or find the perfect souvenir to take home.

Family-Friendly Dining with a View

Dining in Panama City is an experience the whole family can enjoy. Waterfront dining is a must in Panama City, and Uncle Ernie’s is a great spot for a delicious meal followed by a scenic walk along the dock, where families can admire sailboats at the marina. Bayou Joe’s Marina & Grill is another top pick, offering 360-degree waterfront views and an interactive experience where kids can feed fish right from the dock. The water is even lit up at night, making for a magical dining experience.

A spot that truly captures the vibrant energy of Panama City is El Weirdo, a one-of-a-kind taco pub. A dozen artists came together to transform the entire experience into one the largest art installations that Panama City has to offer. Floor to ceiling, wall to wall, inside and out, El Weirdo is bursting with creativity and serves up equally delicious tacos and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

For an unforgettable seafood adventure, families can take part in the Panama City Oyster Trail. Young foodies trying their first oyster at Hunt’s Oyster Bar can receive a special Golden Oyster Trophy, making their first bite a memory to cherish.

Pet-Friendly Panama City: Bring the Whole Family, Including Furry Friends

Panama City is a pet lover’s paradise, where four-legged family members are always welcome. Many shops in Downtown Panama City and Historic St. Andrews invite pets inside, and the city even hosts Pup Crawls throughout the year, encouraging visitors to explore with their furry companions.

Pet-friendly bayside beaches allow pups to splash in the water, while outdoor patios at local cafés and restaurants ensure they can join in on dining experiences. The city’s unique patio culture includes everything from mural-lined courtyards to quaint garden settings, making it easy to find a comfortable spot to relax with your pet.

Panama City even has its own canine mayor! Each year, the community elects a Salty Dog Mayor during the Salty Dog Day fundraiser in Historic St. Andrews. Visitors can take part in this fun event and vote for their favorite four-legged candidate.

Accessibility for Every Family Member

Panama City is committed to providing accessible experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities. In partnership with Wheel the World, Destination Panama City promotes inclusivity across accommodations, activities, and dining.

One of the top accessible locations is Calhoun Beach Park, a serene bayside beach with a Mobi-Mat, ensuring easy rolling access for wheelchairs and strollers. Designated parking and a scenic waterfront setting make this a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Many local charters also accommodate accessibility needs—families can call ahead to arrange special accommodations for marine excursions and fishing trips. Museums, galleries, and historic parks throughout Panama City are also designed with accessibility in mind, making it easy for everyone to experience the city’s rich history and culture.

Stay Your Way: Accommodations for Families of All Sizes

From cozy waterfront boutique hotels to eclectic Airbnbs and spacious luxury vacation rentals, Panama City offers accommodations to suit every family’s needs. Larger groups can opt for luxury VRBOs with multiple rooms and full kitchens, while those looking for a more intimate stay can find charming boutique hotels with easy access to the city’s top attractions.

No matter the size of your family or the type of adventure you seek, Panama City, Florida, provides the perfect setting for a fun-filled, sun-soaked getaway. Plan your trip today and experience the magic of this coastal gem!