City Spotlight:

Your Guide to Panama City, Florida

shoreline in Panama City

Know Before You Go: About Panama City

Before you go there, let us help you map out your journey to sun-kissed Panama City, where fun awaits for the whole family.

If you’re ready to pack your bags and head south, Panama City—one of Florida’s most sought-after tourist destinations—is your ticket to ride. Fascinating, plus relaxing. Sunshine and big smiles. What are you waiting for?

Panhandle Paradise

Unlike the southerly regions of the state, Panama City is not a major winter travel spot. Even though winter temperatures are considerably mild, they can turn chilly and aren’t best for beachgoers. Whether the climate is still chilly or not, however, spring breakers tend to flock to Panama City Beach in March. Summer months can soar into the low 90s, but cooler Gulf waters and sea breezes help to keep beach lovers happy.

Dolphins, Gators or Both

You've come to Panama City for fun, and all the amusement parks deliver. The old Miracle Strip Amusement Park has thrilled generations of vacationers since the 1930s. New owners refurbished the old carousels and bumper cars for the current park setting. Enjoy a wide variety of dolphin swim programs at Water Planet, suitable for kids and adults. You don't want the only gator you see in Florida to be a football player, so why not go for a swamp tour that lets you spot the creatures in their natural habitat?

Fighter Wings or Snowbirds

Tourism is an important sector of Panama City’s economy, thanks in large part to the beaches along Florida’s Panhandle, as well as the Tyndall Air Force Base—training center and home of the 325th Fighter Wing. In addition to defense and aerospace, the city has been laboriously growing sectors in renewable energy, information technology and research, along with traditional industries such as transportation and manufacturing. Education has also become prominent ever since Gulf Coast State College grew out of an established community college.

Scenic Route

Interstate 10 famously links California to Florida through the Panhandle and a number of exits, including U.S. Route 231 and State Road 79, carry you south of the interstate to the emerald-green waters of Panama City. Fly directly into town at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, or land at the Pensacola International Airport and rent a convertible for a drive along the Gulf Coast. To get around town, hop on the Bay Town Trolley.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Panama City.

Things to Do in Panama City

We know the best things to do in Panama City—a clear-water paradise in Florida's panhandle—and our guide will help you plan a great vacation.