Plan Your Ultimate Summer Vacation to Panama City Beach

Looking for the ultimate beach getaway? Panama City Beach is the perfect setting for your Florida summer vacation destination, with its white sands and beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and countless activities for the entire family. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, indulge in delicious coastal cuisine, and create unforgettable memories when you visit.

Planning a trip is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you've never been to the area before. That's where we come in! With top recommendations for the best places to visit and things to do in Panama City Beach, we're here to help you plan your ultimate summer vacation! Check out our recommendations below and see how many you can try on your next visit. 

Hit the Beach!

Any trip to Panama City Beach must include…the beach. The crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy shores practically demand that you spend at least a day or two soaking up the sun and letting your worries slip away. Lucky for you, if you're staying in one of our Summerhouse beach condos for your vacation spot, then you're only a few steps away from the fun!

Wake up to sweeping views of dolphins jumping in the distance, then spend your day splashing in the surf and making memories with your loved ones. We even have beach chair rentals available, so you don't have to worry about daily setup and take down.  

From sandcastles and seashells to ghost crab hunting and just floating on the waves, no matter how you enjoy a day on the white sand beaches in Panama City Beach, you're guaranteed to have an incredible time during your summer vacation. 

Water Sports

Whether you're looking for action-packed adventures, leisurely activities, or even family friendly ideas, Panama City Beach's water sports know how to deliver. And, with local companies available to offer guided tours and rentals, you'll have everything you need to make the most of your water adventures.

From high-flying feats to calm retreats, here are a few of our top things to do on the water:

Jet Ski Rides - Fewer activities bring more of an adrenaline rush than riding a jet ski. Both thrilling and relatively easy to handle, even for beginners, jet skis provide an exciting way to explore the waters in and around Panama City Beach. Choose from guided or unguided adventures, and get ready to tear up the water!

Diving & Snorkeling - Did you know Panama City Beach is Florida's Number two dive destination? Below its turquoise waters, there’s a lot to explore. Visitors flock to get a glimpse of marine wildlife, stunning coral reefs, and historical shipwrecks beneath the surface. Those looking to take a deep dive will want to use a company like Dive Locker, which prioritizes safety and focuses on delivering unique and mesmerizing experiences for its guests.

Parasailing - Get a bird's eye view of Panama City Beach, and make sure your vacation is one to remember when you try this favorite beach activity! You can go parasailing alone or in tandem at one of several locations such as Paradise Watersports. Once you’re strapped into your harness and have your lifejacket fastened, sit back, relax, and enjoy the view! Take in the miles of water, marine life you can’t see from the shore, and fantastic panoramic views during this unique experience.

Paddleboarding - Standup paddleboarding, or SUP, has become quite popular in recent years. This is a perfect activity for those looking to have a more relaxed day on the water. St Andrews Park and Camp Helen State Park offer paddleboard rentals, and local companies like Coldwater Excursions and Panama City Paddleboards offer rentals and guided tours.

Panama City Beach Nightlife

Once you’ve wrapped up your day on the beach or out on the water, the Panama City Beach nightlife scene is waiting for you! There are a plethora of amazing restaurants to choose from in the area, as well as spots to grab a cocktail and catch some live music.

One local favorite is Schooners, known for its lighthearted atmosphere and delicious casual seafood. It’s located right on the beach and even has volleyball and live music to enjoy alongside your meal.

For an unforgettable cocktail experience, visit The Craft Bar. They have a fantastic selection of seasonal cocktails, a throwback menu, and creative twists on tried-and-true classics like the brown butter old-fashioned. You won’t regret trying one of these signature drinks!

Panama City Beach Events & Festivals

Panama City Beach is a huge travel destination and hosts several annual events and festivals. Here are some of our favorites coming up this summer:

Summer Concert Series

Thursdays, June 6 – August 15, Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater

Enjoy the longstanding summertime tradition of free concerts in PCB at this beloved event. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of summer! Pets and outside food & drink are welcome.

Gulf Coast Jam

May 30th – June 2nd, 2024

Gulf Coast Jam is an outdoor festival that takes place every year on Panama City Beach. With performances from rising stars to today’s chart-toppers, it’s a must-see for country music fans. Headliners for 2024 include Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, and more fan favorites.

Real. Fun. Fourth. 2024

July 2-4, 2024

Celebrate Independence Day in Panama City Beach with some fireworks! Enjoy the largest display of fireworks on the Gulf Coast with three nights of shows. You can even tune into major local radio stations to hear a live choreographed music simulcast while you watch!

With so many Panama City Beach events, it can be hard to keep up with them all. If you need information on must-do things in town when you visit, our team of local experts is available to assist you! 

Book Your Ultimate Summer Vacation to Panama City Beach

Whether you’re looking to relax under your beach umbrella or take in the nightlife scene, there's no wrong way to spend your time on the Gulf Coast. As you plan your ultimate summer vacation to Panama City Beach, we hope these suggestions help you craft a memorable stay.

When it comes to finding the perfect beachfront vacation rental for your trip, Summerhouse Condos has you covered with exceptional service and the best rates in the market. With beautiful Gulf views and excellent amenities, we have everything you need for the perfect vacation. Browse our available listings and book your stay directly with Summerhouse Condos today!