Imagine crisp clean air, shimmering waters, and gorgeous sunsets. That’s what snowbirds can expect when they dip their toes into the sugar-white sand of Panama City Beach. With 320 days of sunshine annually and 27-miles of beaches to choose from, the area has long been favoured by snowbirds returning each year for the climate, locale, and the destination’s charming hospitality. The Real. Fun. Beach. is a place to do as little or as much as you’d like! No matter how you want to spend your time in Panama City Beach there is plenty of fun to be had!

The cooler months when snowbirds are here are the perfect time for exploring the bounty of nature at PCB’s many parks and beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to jump right in and explore the turquoise waters can pass the winter months by with one of our many water-based activities including sailing, kayaking and dolphin tours. It's not uncommon to swim across a dolphin at Shell Island, spot a Snowy Plover hiking through Camp Helen or sail past a sea turtle on a boat cruise. Our scenic hiking trails and high-clarity water in the fall months offer visitors a view of migrating birds, bottle-nose dolphins, manatees, alligators, egrets, turtles and so much more! Remember the essentials when packing – binoculars, a camera, and excitement because you’ll discover plenty of distinctive wildlife viewing opportunities in Panama City Beach.

After a day of exploring above, below, and on the water it’s time for a little retail therapy. Friends and family will expect a souvenir from paradise and the best way to find that perfect gift is the Décor by the Shore shopping trail which features a vast selection of stores and shops specializing in coastal-themed antiques, furniture, gifts, and accessories. With an ever-growing list of locations in Panama City Beach offering one-of-a-kind coastal décor, visitors will enjoy every minute while shopping for fun finds during any season.

Relaxation, sightseeing, and shopping are sure to work up an appetite! Lucky for our visitors that Panama City Beach’s unique geography makes it an ideal locale for fresh coastal cuisine inflected with Cajun, Gulf Coast, and American Southern traditions. Whether you yearn for fresh-caught fish, hanker for barbecue, or crave the down-home heat of a hearty gumbo, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Panama City Beach. In addition to the beach’s authentic, local restaurants, Panama City Beach hosts some of the area’s premier food and drink festivals, including the annual craft beer, wine, and spirits festival, UNwineD, as well as Oktoberfest and the annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival. The fun continues in Panama City Beach for our winter residents with social events, educational classes, arts & crafts, and parties to enjoy! A not-to-be-missed event is the destination’s annual Homecoming Dance and Senior Prom as well as our many Winter Resident appreciation days where you’ll find complimentary coffee, donuts, and friends!

Local Snowbird Community

Here at the Real. Fun. Beach. our local snowbird community is family - and when family is in town, we like to have FUN! In addition to your flip-flops and swimsuit, we hope you packed your dancing shoes because you won’t want to miss our annual Homecoming Dance and Senior Prom where you can dance the night away with old and new friends, socialize and enjoy being in paradise. And no vacation celebration is complete without an extravagant farewell party - The Grand Finale in February is an “until next time” appreciation event for our beloved snowbirds who chose Panama City Beach as their home away from home.

Interested in learning about our seasonal social events, educational classes, arts & crafts, and parties? Then you’ll want to stop by one of our many Winter Resident appreciation days at the Laketown Wharf where you’ll find complimentary coffee, donuts and friends, and learn about all the activities taking place in Panama City Beach.

The fun continues with our Panama City Beach Mystery Golf Challenge, golfers of all skill levels are invited to hit the links and try your luck at winning multiple prizes! We know our winter residents may only live in Panama City Beach part-time, but they’re here for full-time fun!

Getting to Panama City Beach

Flying

There are no non-stop flights between Canadian gateways and  Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP).  However, you can connect through the U.S -- the airport is currently served by Delta, American, Southwest and United airlines daily. The airport is conveniently located about 15 minutes from the beach.

Driving

Driving to PCB is an easy drive from any direction. Highway 79 is the most direct route from the north. From east or west, just take Highway 98 (Panama City Beach Parkway) directly into Panama City Beach. 

Weather

Panama City Beach has more than 320 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures that are usually pretty great - The Gulf breeze cools you in the summertime, and the Gulf waters help keep you warmer in the wintertime. In fact, it's usually a pretty good time to visit Panama City Beach no matter what the weather.

Terrain and Landscape

Nestled against the shimmering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico lies Panama City Beach.

This quaint beach town offers 27 miles of sugar white sands and over 100 public beach access points as well as the gorgeous St. Andrews Bay to the East and Lake Powell to the West.

There’s no need to get acclimated to the weather or altitude at the Real. Fun. Beach. with over 320 days of sunshine and an elevation of 10 feet above sea level.

No matter where your flip-flops take you in this stunning piece of paradise you’ll be surrounded by the sound of splashing waves, the hum of the ocean in seashells, and nature in its purest form.

Accommodations and Where to Stay

Whatever type of accommodations or amenities you’re looking for — maybe it’s a private house with beach access or a condo - Panama City Beach Is an Ideal place for snowbirds to enjoy some time away over the winter months.

SNOWBIRD ACCOMMODATIONS

Book your home away from home in Panama City Beach, a prime vacation rental destination.  
Whether you’re looking for a condo for two or a townhouse or beach house for a large gathering, wherever you stay, you won’t be far from the white-powdered beaches. Find your perfect vacation rental through a brand-name vacation rental app. Need help from an expert? Area rental management companies help match you with your vacation home.

HOTELS, MOTELS AND RESORTS

If you just want to check out the Panama City Beach area or for visiting friends and relatives, stay at a Panama City Beach resort, hotel, or motel. Many of the plush accommodations sit on the beach with easy access to the sandy shore, as well as one-of-a-kind amenities, including spas and pools, and a price for every budget, especially in the off-peak winter months. 

PAW-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

If you’d like to bring your pup along on your family or friend’s trip, choose a pet-friendly accommodation; there are many in PCB. From pet-friendly condos to resorts, you and your furry kids will enjoy a relaxing and fun getaway together wherever you choose to stay. When you’re not at the hotel, enjoy some of the area's pet-friendly attractions, including one of the local favourites, Pier Park. 

RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS

If you dream of waking up surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty, nestled in the pinewoods or on the waterfront, PCB has a campground or RV park for you and your family. For a traditional (yet one-of-a-kind) Florida camping and RVing experience, stay at St. Andrews State Park, where you'll find hiking trails, beaches, and a boat launch steps away from your vacation base. Plus, enjoy amenities, such as showers, electricity, and grills. If you’re seeking resort-style campgrounds and RV parks, there are plenty in town, with room for your tent and RV, and cabins available to rent.  

Wherever you choose to stay in Panama City Beach, under the stars, or in a luxury suite, you’ll get a good night’s sleep and so much more!

Attractions and Sights

Whether you like to sightsee and explore while you are here for the winter months or you're entertaining visiting family, grandchildren and friends, here are some great ideas for things to see and do.

1. Shell Island
2. St. Andrews State Park
3. Capt. Anderson’s Marina
4. Panama City Beach Conservation Park
5. Golf Courses – Bay Point, Signal Hill, Holiday Golf Club
6. Camp Helen State Park
7. Pier Park
8. Frank Brown Park
9. Dog Beach
10. SkyWheel

Culture and Entertainment

There are lots of things for snowbirds to do while staying In Panama City Beach.  Here are a number of events and entertaining things to do.

1. Beach Home for the Holidays
2. Pirates of the High Seas Fest
3. Oktoberfest
4. Panama City Beach Mardi Gras and Music Festival
5. New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop
6. Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show
7. UNwineD
8. Décor by the Shore Shopping Trail
9. Fishing
10. Golf Courses – Bay Point, Signal Hill, Legacy Golf Club
11. Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show

Food and Dining

Find fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico await you in Panama City Beach. From fine dining to casual eats, our dynamic restaurant scene offers something for everyone in the family, so bring your appetite and leave with delicious sun-soaked memories (and maybe even a souvenir cup!)   

ON THE WATER (GULF VIEWS AND ALL)

Breathe in the fresh, salty air as you watch boats and beachgoers pass by from your patio deck table while dining at any of our beachfront restaurants.

If you’re looking for great deals and solid drinks, our beach bars offer happy hour and other weekly specials and feature an extensive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails — all of which will put you in a tropical state of mind.

BEST SEAFOOD IN TOWN

From fresh oysters and fancy eateries to grouper sandwiches and beachside dives, there’s more than one way to enjoy seafood in Panama City Beach.

BREAKFAST, BRUNCH AND COCKTAILS

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so if you’re planning on spending most of your vacation out on the water, you may want to fuel up at some of our favourite local joints for breakfast and brunch beforehand. 

If you’d like to do brunch Panama City Beach-style, hop on a Sunday brunch cruise operating out of the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort. In addition to brunch, each adult guest receives two complimentary brunch cocktails.

ICE CREAM AND SWEETS

Make sure to check out Panama City Beach’s sweeter side with its ice cream and dessert shops perfect for any season and every sweet tooth.

Festivals and Events

The following festivals and events all take place during snowbird season, providing fun and entertainment for both snowbirds and their visiting guests:

1. New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop (Dec 31 / Jan 1)
2. Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival (February 5-6)
3. Mardi Gras (February)
4. Emerald Coast Boat & Lifestyle Show (March)
5. UNwineD (March)
6. Seabreeze Jazz Festival (April)
7. Pirates of the High Seas Festival (October)
8. Oktoberfest (October)
9. Grand Lagoon Bloody Mary & Music Fest (November)
10. Emerald Coast Cruizin’ Car Show (March and November)
11. Beach Home for the Holidays (November)

Sporting Events

Batter up! Panama City Beach is home to many amazing sporting events and recreational sports for winter residents to get involved, here’s just a small sample of what you can look forward to:

• Thanks to a beautiful seashore and perfect temperatures, Visit Panama City Beach  IRONMAN Florida is a magnet for triathletes and their families. Just as the summer season winds down, it's the perfect time of year to visit northwest Florida—and the event is as much a destination vacation as it is a race. It's held in November and May every year.
• Run through paradise for the Panama City Beach Marathon. Every December this 26.2-mile race is a staple for the panhandle. Each year a portion of race proceeds are donated to a local non-profit to improve the community.
• For baseball fans, PCB hosts the Junior Baseball Classic and College Baseball Spring Training, inviting the top 16 Junior College teams in the United States to stay and play at the Real. Fun. Beach.!
• The Annual PCB Fishing Rodeo - held at Capt. Anderson’s Marina between the end of September and the beginning of October - has events happening every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the event.

Shopping

Looking for a break from the beach? Panama City Beach offers a thrilling shopping experience for every desire.

Begin with a browse through Panama City Beach’s shore shops to pick up some beachwear or discover an adorable souvenir that will evoke the sunshine and warmth of a trip to Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Next, stroll through boutiques where you can choose a unique, handcrafted gift for the folks back home, or explore the many antique shops for that quirky artifact to commemorate your vacation. An excursion to Pier Park makes the ideal climax of any Panama City Beach shopping trip! This massive, open-air complex offers an eclectic retail experience—from local boutiques to big-name stores—with seemingly limitless food and amusements.

BEACH ESSENTIALS

Forgot your sunscreen? Panama City Beach features numerous beach shops within a short stride from the beach so you can pick up those seaside essentials—sunscreen and sun shades or flip-flops and sandals. Snap up a souvenir or two or buy some casual wear so you can stroll along the shore in comfort and style.

Panama City Beach is a mecca for water activities and you’ll find all the necessary accessories to get the most out of your time at the beach or on the water. Need fishing tackle or live bait? Planning on kayaking or paddleboarding? Whatever gear you might need--you can get it all!

BOUTIQUE AND ANTIQUE

Looking for a more intimate retail experience? Panama City Beach is home to numerous boutiques where you can find a unique curio to commemorate your visit. Scour the shelves until you find the ultimate pair of distressed jeans. From jewelry created by local artisans to handcrafted candles, soaps and mementos, Panama City Beach offers exquisite keepsakes for every taste.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon discovering beach antiques and home accents on the Decor by the Shore shopping trail. Find new and classic coastal furniture and special decorative touches like eccentric vintage postcards. What better place to discover a one-of-a-kind blast-from-the-past treasure to evoke the vacation of a lifetime?

GALLERIES AND FURNITURE

Panama City Beach has a style all its own and you can take it home with you. The city has a number of galleries featuring local artists and furniture shops with casual and sophisticated styles to complement your home decor. Coastal style is a particular Panama City Beach specialty. Discover that perfect item which conjures the Panama City Beach atmosphere of sunshine and warmth, laughter and light.

PIER PARK

To call Pier Park a mall wouldn’t do it justice. This open-air compound is a shopper’s paradise. Imagine a million square feet with every kind of shop, from the big name stores carrying brands you love to mom-and-pop shops with those one-of-a-kind items you can’t live without. Grab some active wear for your day on the beach or in the water, or find a sophisticated ensemble for an elegant night out. Pier Park also offers fun and refreshments. Grab an ice cream cone and take a stroll on the pier!

Fitness and Outdoor Recreation

We know snowbirds like to stay active and keep fit while they spend their winters here.  Here are some ideas for snowbirds to enjoy outdoor activities in Panama City Beach.

1. Panama City Beach is famous for its waters and is the perfect place to find a fishing charter. The turquoise depths off our sandy shores are home to a vast array of wildlife.
   
   Whether you are interested in deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or sitting on a pier in St. Andrew Bay, you'll be delighted with the catch you reel in. Both novice anglers and old pros are sure to enjoy the salt and freshwater options in the region.
2. Take the helm of a pontoon boat and enjoy the PCB aquatic life on a self-guided journey, or let a professional boat crew take the wheel and show you and your party all the local must-see wonders.
3. Another great way to explore the Gulf of Mexico, Grand Lagoon, and St. Andrews Bay is on a jet ski, available to rent from countless outfitters. 
4. Diving and snorkelling offer a unique and memorable vacation experience at Panama City Beach. Below the surface of our turquoise waters awaits a second world, a different kind of paradise. Sea turtles, goliath grouper and even bottlenose dolphins frolic off the shores, and numerous historic shipwrecks are scattered throughout the region. 
5. There's no better way to enjoy the coastal life of Panama City Beach than from beyond the shore. From kayaking and canoeing to stand-up paddleboarding, join in on one or all of these family-friendly water activities, and reconnect with your sense of adventure in the PCB.  
6. No matter how you’d like to spend your day outdoors, St. Andrews State Park, wedged between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay, is an activity-filled spot perfect for making unforgettable memories. During your visit, enjoy over a mile of beach nestled by idyllic waters, and take advantage of the numerous hiking trails, campsites, fishing locations, and picnic pavilions there. The park offers bike rentals and water activities like surfing and snorkelling. You can also take a shuttle to and from Shell Island for a fun day trip. 
7. Anglers of all skill levels adore Camp Helen State Park. Here, the Gulf of Mexico provides ample saltwater fishing, while the unique location of the park’s Powell Lake is home to both salt and freshwater fish. Besides fishing, Camp Helen is a popular spot for swimming, beachcombing, and birdwatching.
8. Speaking of birdwatchers, you won’t want to miss Conservation Park. The 2,900-acre park includes over 24 miles of unpaved trails and boardwalks winding through wetlands under a canopy of rich Cypress trees. It’s an ideal spot for observing birds and other wildlife in their natural environment. This PCB park is also a great spot for biking and hiking. 
9. At Panama City Beach, Many gyms offer day passes or temporary memberships to accommodate your active lifestyle. If you are looking for a bigger challenge, consider taking this time to work one-on-one with a personal trainer!
10. Visiting the Gulf of Mexico and the white sands of Panama City Beach is also the perfect opportunity for a more inward journey. The variety of yoga classes and studios in the area offers something for every yogi, whether you are an experienced practitioner or a true beginner. Heighten your vacation by adding unforgettable experiences into the mix, such as sunset yoga on the beach or even paddleboard yoga to work on your standing poses and balance on the water. 
    
    Customized private sessions are also available. Our local instructors are here to help you master downward-facing dog as well as bliss out in final shavasana. Let our beautiful surroundings inspire and enhance your yoga practice.

Lifelong Learning

The Panama City Beach Senior Center is a hub for activities all year long. Catering to the senior crowd, the center hosts dances, cooking challenges, card games and socialization for everyone. 

Health Care and Medical Facilities

Bay County offers many accessible and reliable medical center locations that provide care depending on needs.

• Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
• Ascension Sacred Heart Beach ER
• HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital
• Emerald Coast Urgent Care
• AFC Urgent Care

What's Nearby

When family and friends come to visit, snowbirds like to plan excursions that the whole family can enjoy.  Here are the top 5 excursions in the Panama City Beach area.

1. Experience the ultimate beach day at Shell Island. You can enjoy everything from sunbathing and beachcombing (the island is home to countless indigenous shells) to kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. 
   
   With plenty of beach services and rentals in Panama City Beach, bring rental beach chairs and umbrellas to enjoy your day trip that much more. The Shell Island Shuttle offers transportation to and from the popular destination and allows coolers and other beach equipment onboard. Through the shuttle service, depending on the season, you can rent various watercraft, including pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as bikes. 
   
   Another way to enjoy and explore the island is on a dolphin tour. Local companies like Flippers Dolphin Tours and Osprey Charters offer personalized tours via boat or jet ski in search of the friendly aquatic creatures living around Shell Island.  
2. Explore the waters with Capt. Anderson’s Marina Tours!
3. The Todd Herendeen Theatre is the newest Music and concert showroom on the Gulf Coast. Bringing Branson-style family-friendly entertainment to beautiful Panama City Beach! National Recording Artist Todd Allen Herendeen and his Follow That Dream (FTD) Band are the primary show and main act performing several nights a week! 
4. The Panama City Beach Conservation Park protects and balances our natural environment while providing amazing outdoor recreational opportunities to visitors. 
   
   Visitors can enjoy the park’s boardwalks and 24 miles of unpaved trails as they hike, bicycle, or run loops that range from half a mile to 12 miles. Paved Gayle’s Trails connect the conservation park trails with other trail systems throughout the beach and honours one of the project’s visionaries, Mayor Gayle Oberst. Public restrooms, picnic areas, a guide to local flora & fauna, and a pavilion are located near the main parking lot, and an outdoor classroom provides a venue for group educational and enrichment opportunities.  Additionally, eight boardwalks totalling over a mile in length are scattered throughout the park, allowing excellent viewing of natural wetland areas.
5. Frank Brown Park is home to the state-of-the-art Panama City Beach Aquatic Center. The facility’s 50-meter Olympic Pool is terrific for pool training, and also has a springboard and diving well that served as the event venue for a master’s synchronized swimming national championship.

Deals and Offers for Canadians

Find upcoming special offers for Snowbirds here:

https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/plan-your-trip/special-offers/

Cost of Living

Panama City Beach is known as a very affordable area for snowbirds, and compared to many other Florida destinations, snowbirds will find great value here.  Accommodations are a fraction of what they would be in some other parts of the State and there are lots of things to do that don't cost anything at all.

People often say there's no free lunch. But with so many wonderful parks, piers and playgrounds all around Panama City Beach, you can get pretty close.

To get you started, here are some fun things to do to make the memories of your Panama City Beach vacation, priceless. With 27 miles of white sand and turquoise water, the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches are accessible at no charge. With nearly 100 access points, you won’t have a difficult time finding a spot to dig your toes into the famous sugar-white sand. To view a full list of beach access points, go to VisitPanamaCityBeach.com.

Find more affordable and free things to do in Panama City Beach here:

https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/blog/post/affordable-free-things-to-do-in-panama-city-beach/

Additional Information

Sign up for the Panama City Beach Newsletter or request a free Real. FUN. Beach Vacation Guide for more information on how to make it yours at Panama City Beach!

See why Canadian snowbirds love Panama City Beach: