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Ocean View at Florida

Things to Do in Panama City Beach Near Our Gulf-Front Hotels

Panama City Beach pairs sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf water with shopping, parks, charters, and easy evenings out. From our six Gulf-front hotels—Chateau, Palmetto, Beachcomber, Sugar Sands, Palm & Tide, and The Barefoot Hotel—plan beach time, Pier Park, St. Andrews State Park, and Barefoot Hide-A-Way or Barefoot On The Beach.
 
Gulf Coast Jam 2027 — June 3-6 at Frank Brown Park. See the full lineup and where to stay.
 
What is there to do at Pier Park? Pier Park is an open-air shopping and entertainment center with stores, restaurants, family attractions, the Grand IMAX, Dave & Buster's, escape rooms, and the PCB Wheel. Confirm current stores and events.
 
Which beaches and public access points should first-time visitors know? Bay County beaches are public with signed access points. Russell-Fields City Pier, MB Miller County Pier, Rick Seltzer Park, and St. Andrews State Park are useful landmarks; follow posted rules and advisories.
 
What family activities are close? Families mix beach mornings with Shipwreck Island Waterpark, ZooWorld, Conservation Park trails, St. Andrews State Park, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, and Pier Park. Verify hours and age guidance.
 
Where is evening entertainment? Try Pier Park restaurants, live music, beachside dining, seasonal festivals, and Gulf sunsets. Barefoot Hide-A-Way and Barefoot On The Beach offer Gulf-front dining; check current calendars.
 
How do fishing trips and boat outings work? Local marinas offer inshore and offshore charters, dolphin and eco-tours, and rentals. Shell Island is undeveloped shoreline reached by water, not by car; bring water, shade, and trash bags.
 
Is Panama City Beach good for winter stays? Yes. Milder winters, quieter beaches, parks, shopping, fishing, and dolphin trips make comfortable longer stays when conditions allow. Call 1-888-627-0625 for availability.
 
Where can guests dine at Barefoot? Barefoot Hide-A-Way and Barefoot On The Beach are Gulf-front restaurants with coastal favorites. Menus and entertainment change; confirm at barefootrestaurants.com.
 
How do visitors get around? Most guests use a car or rideshare for Front Beach Road, Thomas Drive, and Pier Park. Bayway transit serves parts of the area; check baywaytransit.org. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the usual gateway.
 
What parks are worth a half-day? St. Andrews State Park offers swimming, snorkeling, bay views, dunes, and trails. Conservation Park has boardwalks and wildlife watching. Aaron Bessant Park and Frank Brown Park host public events.
 
Can sports teams stay near local venues? Yes. Organizers can request Gulf-front room blocks near Frank Brown Park and Publix Sports Park through our groups inquiry form at /groups-and-events/rfp.
 
Near our hotels: Pier Park brings shopping, dining, and family entertainment together. St. Andrews State Park blends Gulf swimming, snorkeling, bay views, and shaded trails. Shell Island is reachable only by water and has no restrooms or concessions. Conservation Park offers boardwalks and pine flatwoods. After the beach, Barefoot Hide-A-Way and Barefoot On The Beach keep dining close to the Gulf. Call 1-888-627-0625 to book.
 

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show Near Our Gulf-Front Hotels

Want a family night out after a day on the sand? Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Panama City Beach combines a four-course pirate feast with a live show. The Crimson and Sapphire crews battle on land, on deck, in the water, and high above full-sized pirate ships in a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon, with acrobatics, fire, and sea lions.
  • Where: 16061 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413. On-site parking is available.
  • Arrive early: The Pirates Village pre-show starts up to one hour before showtime (90 minutes before for VIP Admission).
  • Season: The show is seasonal. The 2026 season runs from February into early January 2027 and includes a holiday Christmas show. Check the official schedule for dates and showtimes.
  • Tickets: Book on the official Pirates Voyage site or call 850-909-2469.
How far is Pirates Voyage from By The Sea Resorts? Beachcomber and Palmetto are about 2 miles away, roughly a 5-minute drive. Chateau, Palm & Tide, and Sugar Sands are 4-5 miles away, about 10 minutes by car. In peak season, leave extra time for traffic.
 
Is there a kids' menu? No. Everyone gets the same four-course meal. The show offers alternatives for guests with food allergies.
 
How do I get tickets? Pick your date, showtime, and seating on the official Pirates Voyage Panama City Beach ticket site, or call the box office at 850-909-2469.

Plan Your Day Near Our Gulf-Front Hotels

Panama City Beach is easiest when your hotel sits Gulf-front and the day’s plan stays simple: beach first, then Pier Park, parks, or a show when you want a change of pace. By The Sea Resorts’ six bookable hotels along Front Beach Road keep you close to the sand and a short drive from the favorites below. Call 1-888-627-0625 to book your stay.

What should we do first near By The Sea Resorts?
Start with the Gulf — morning beach time is the signature move — then add Pier Park shopping and dining, St. Andrews State Park, or a family attraction like Shipwreck Island or SkyWheel when you’re ready for a bigger outing.

How do we pick a hotel close to attractions?
Beachcomber sits handy to Pier Park energy; Chateau, Palmetto, Sugar Sands, and Palm & Tide each offer their own Gulf-front feel along Front Beach Road. Choose the vibe, then book direct so beach access stays the priority.

Can we plan a no-car day in Panama City Beach?
Many guests spend full days on the sand and pool deck without driving. For Pier Park, parks, or dinner shows, a short drive or rideshare is typical — confirm distances for your hotel when you reserve.

How do I book a Gulf-front hotel near these attractions?
Book any of our six bookable hotels through By The Sea Resorts or call 1-888-627-0625. We’ll help you match dates and a property to the trip you actually want.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach, named the top 3 beach in the United States by TripAdvisor, has 27-miles of beautiful beaches to choose from and you'll find a different experience at each stop along the way.

17001 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Dive into tropical-themed water adventures for the whole family, featuring slides, pools, and relaxation areas.

12201 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

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Pier Park

Pier Park is Panama City Beach's premier shopping and entertainment destination. Serving the Panama City Beach and 30A community, this outdoor complex boasts 124 stores, ranging from clothing for the whole family to home goods, shoes and jewelry. Pier Park also offers many exciting dining options.

600 Pier Park Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

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St. Andrews State Park

Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, this pristine park offers swimming, snorkeling, wildlife, and pine forests.

4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL 32408

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Boat and Jet Ski Rentals

Make waves with jet ski rentals, pontoon boats, and boating tours at Adventures at Sea.

5709 N. Lagoon Drive, Panama City Beach, 32408

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Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Now Open! Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is the newest attraction in Panama City Beach! Join pirates, mermaids and animal friends as they lead crews in a battle on land, on deck, in water, and high above full-sized pirate ships in an indoor hideaway lagoon. When you're searching for things to do with kids in Panama City Beach, FL, look no further. Get ready for an evening of Fun, Feast, & Adventure™!

16061 Panama City Beach Parkway

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Zoo World

Explore the wild wonders at Zoo World Panama City Beach. From hand-feeding giraffes to up-close visits with sloths and lemurs, experience unique adventures for animal lovers of all ages.

9008 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32408

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Conservation Park

Immerse yourself in nature across 2,900 acres of lush trails, boardwalks, and wildlife observation.

100 Conservation Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408

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SkyWheel Panama City Beach

Catch incredible views of Pier Park and the Gulf from the top of the SkyWheel, or enjoy family-friendly fun and adventure with putt-putt golf and a ropes course. 

15700 LC Hilton Jr. Drive, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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Royal Escape Rooms

Choose one of the 11 escape rooms, rage rooms, and a haunted house, available in and around Panama City Beach! Excellent family-friendly fun for rainy days or a break from the sun. 

15801 L C Hilton Jr Dr Suite 105, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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Publix Sports Park

Game on! Publix Sports Park is the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts, featuring top-tier facilities for baseball, soccer, and more. Boasting 160 acres of premium, flexible space. 

50 Chip Seal Parkway Panama City Beach, FL 32407

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Topgolf

Swing into fun at Topgolf Panama City Beach—where golf meets entertainment in a high-tech, all-weather venue opening summer 2025.

15475 Topgolf Way, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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Traveler Insights

View frequently asked questions and answers about Panama City Beach, Florida including top attractions and thrilling land and sea adventures.