Pack Some Sunscreen for Your 3-Day Weekend to Panama City Beach, Florida

A towel-lined shoreline may be the first visual that comes to mind when you imagine yourself setting off for a long weekend in Panama City Beach, Florida — but that’s not the full picture.

There’s plenty of excitement off the sand, from shopping on a massive pier to wildlife-spotting in a state park, to fill three days and then some. From natural sanctuaries like Camp Helen State Park to the shopping-heavy Pier Park, there’s an unexpected variety of places to be discovered in this Florida hot spot.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Friday: Experience the Beaches

Upon your arrival in Panama City Beach, make your way as quickly as you can to the sand. That’s not hard to do, considering PCB is home to more than 27 miles of coastline.

The most iconic area may be Panama City Beach itself, with a gorgeous view of the Russell-Fields Pier that stretches out into the clear water. You can snag a daylong pass that allows you to walk up and down the pier and watch as the fisherman reel in their daily catch.

And if that makes you hungry, head to the famed (and ridiculously entertaining) restaurant Pineapple Willy’s, which sits directly on the sand and serves up tasty bites of shrimp, mahi-mahi and tuna.

For a more unique beach adventure, head over to Camp Helen State Park. The 180-acre park is an excellent spot to spend more time by the shore or take part in adventurous activities like swimming, kayaking or freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Just make sure to take some time to hike to Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in North America. There, both freshwater and saltwater species live in harmony between the copper waters of the lake and the crystalline ocean just over the dune ledge.

Saturday: Entertain Yourself Pier-Side

Once you have your fill of sun, head to Pier Park for a day spent searching for souvenirs. The massive outdoor complex holds more than 120 stores selling everything from clothing to home goods, jewelry to art. Guests can also dig in to some fantastic food, including the Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar and the Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House.

If it happens to be a rainy day, Pier Park is still a stellar option, as it’s also home to an IMAX movie theater, a laser-tag venue and even live music concerts from time to time, so you’ll be entertained no matter the weather.

If that isn’t enough for you, you could always head to one of the area’s amusement or water parks for a different kind of thrill. Amusement options include Shipwreck Island Water Park, which has a wave pool, plenty of slides and a kiddie pool. There’s also Coconut Creek Family Fun Park (don’t miss the massive maze that very well may take you all day to complete).

For a more adults-only vibe, there’s the Panama City Beach Winery. Not only does the shop stock plenty of favorite varietals, but it also offers tastings, so you can try before you buy.

Sunday: Get Into the Great Outdoors

Yes, the city is most famous for its plentiful beaches. But it is also home to some truly spectacular inland green spaces that are worth exploring. At the top of the list is Panama City Beach Conservation Park. This area is the ideal place to head out for a long hike, bike ride or just to take in the sights and sounds of nature. Guests can also visit the stunning cypress domes inside the park to fully surround themselves in Florida’s natural beauty.

Panama City Beach is also the place to get your golf on. Visitors can head to the Signal Hill Golf Course, which sits directly across from the beach. It offers tee times every eight minutes and allows up to four people per tee at each time. The course, designed by John Sherman, comes with a PGA rating of 63.5, and it has a slope rating of 100, making it a good 18-hole course for just about all levels. There are green fees for all 18 holes with a cart included, though if you have it in you to walk, you could get an even better rate.