2024 Bucket List: Best Things To Do In Panama City Beach This Year

Panama City Beach is a must on your dream vacation list. With beautiful white sugar sand beaches, non-stop activities, and warm hospitality, this Florida town attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. There is never a shortage of things to do in this coastal town. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or more of a beach bum, Panama City Beach has something for everyone! From surfing and paddle boarding to family fun, try these 10 things on our 2024 bucket list of the best things to do in Panama City Beach!

Visit The Beautiful State Parks

Panama City Beach is home to a handful of incredibly beautiful state parks to explore. St. Andrews is a nature lover’s paradise: it’s surrounded by water and has two beautiful trails through dunes. Visitors can swim in the clear waters, take a relaxing sunbathe or just enjoy the pleasant weather with one of our awesome attractions.

Another gulf-bordered park is the 180-acre Camp Helen State Park. Being one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida, there is plenty of adventure to find. It offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, strolling around the refurbished textile mill buildings, and searching for wildlife.

If you’re not much for beach activities, the Conservation Park may be the spot for you. This park is known for its beautiful hiking trails – 24 miles of it to be exact! This park is also biker-friendly, allowing all to enjoy the 2900-acre state park.

Explore Pier Park

If you love to shop, or just like the beachy look and feel, head on over to Panama City Beach’s Pier Park. You’ll be able to indulge your retail therapy passion by shopping at more than 120 unique stores. Plus, there are plenty of places to get yummy drinks and a great meal when you’re ready to relax.

Plus, you’ll have the perfect view of our famous SkyWheel, standing over 200 feet high in the sky. Pier Park is a popular spot for families. Getting there early ensures that you won’t miss anything!

Get Donuts at Thomas’ Donuts & Snack Shop

If you love donuts, then this is the place to go! You’ll find their doughnuts light and fluffy, with different types of fillings inside. The flavors and toppings change from day to day, so you never know what you’re going to get. With so many options to choose from (including key lime filled, red velvet cake, and chocolate sprinkle), there’s something for everyone at Thomas’ Donuts & Snack Shack.

Not big on donuts? Don’t worry! They also serve a bunch of other breakfast items, from muffins and biscuits to fully stuffed breakfast sandwiches.

Boat It To Shell Island

With white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Shell Island is a great place to spend the day. Rent a pontoon boat and head out on the water, or take a stroll along the shore. There’s even a chance of spotting some dolphins along your journey!

A great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this natural park is hardly “wild”, but it’s a lot more relaxing than other nearby beaches. It offers stunning sea views, stunning dunes, and plenty of clam shells to sift through. Many people go there for shell collecting, but you can also go to lounge on the beach or explore one of the island’s trails.

Take A Dolphin Sunset Cruise

For a sunset cruise that can’t be beaten, Island Time Sailing is the way to go. Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise through Grand Lagoon and the Gulf of Mexico, with plenty of dolphins to be seen! In addition to seeing plenty of dolphins, you can grab a drink, a quick snack, and enjoy a beautiful sunset right on the Gulf waters.

Enjoy The Sights From The Sky On The SkyWheel

The perfect stop to add to the top of your yearly bucket list. The SkyWheel is a 53-meter tall, revolving observation wheel that offers the best view of Panama City Beach! It’s perfect for those must-have photo opportunities and makes an unforgettable addition to your vacation.

Explore the sky on a ride like no other. Our VIP pass gives you access to our deluxe ride called the VIP gondola – giving you double the flight time and free drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Plus, the view from our glass-bottom VIP gondola is an experience you won’t soon forget. SkyWheel is a must-stop for any Panama City Beach vacation.

Add To Your Panama City Beach Bucket List With SkyWheel

Want to reserve your seat at the SkyWheel? You can purchase your tickets online at any time. You can even reserve your VIP Experience with first-class service at new heights. Come experience the height of Panama City Beach attractions at SkyWheel. Question? Give us a call at 850.888.0020