Panama City Beach FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Panama City Beach, Florida.
1. Panama City Beach
EMERALD WATERS & WHITE SAND
Panama City Beach offers 27 miles of pristine shoreline with emerald waters and white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing along its vast coastline. The beach provides a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere with picturesque sunsets and a variety of dining and entertainment options nearby.
2. St. Andrews State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY & WILDLIFE
St. Andrews State Park features pristine beaches, natural dunes, and emerald waters perfect for shell hunting, hiking, and camping. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, making it a serene nature retreat. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities while experiencing the natural beauty of Florida's coastline.
3. Shell Island
UNDEVELOPED ISLAND PARADISE
Shell Island is a serene 7-mile undeveloped barrier island accessible by ferry from St. Andrews State Park. This natural paradise is ideal for shell collecting, snorkeling, and spotting wildlife in its pristine setting. The island offers visitors a quiet escape with clear waters and white sands away from the more developed beach areas.
4. Rick Seltzer Park
QUIET BEACH RETREAT
Rick Seltzer Park provides a quieter beach experience with 400 feet of beautiful Gulf frontage and natural dunes. The park offers basic amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic pavilions for visitors' convenience. Its less crowded atmosphere makes it perfect for those seeking a more peaceful day at the beach while still enjoying the emerald waters of Panama City Beach.
5. Camp Helen State Park
HISTORIC COASTAL LAKE
Camp Helen State Park is a unique coastal ecosystem where Lake Powell, one of Florida's largest coastal dune lakes, meets the Gulf of Mexico. The park features historic buildings, hiking trails, fishing spots, and a secluded beach area with minimal development. Visitors can experience both freshwater and saltwater environments in one beautiful location with rich ecological diversity.
6. Conservation Park
WETLANDS & BOARDWALKS
Conservation Park encompasses over 2,900 acres of wetlands with 24 miles of trails and boardwalks through cypress swamps. Though not a traditional beach, this waterfront escape offers a different perspective on Florida's aquatic ecosystems with opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The park serves as both a natural water treatment facility and a serene outdoor recreation area for nature enthusiasts.
7. Pier Park Beach Access
SHOPPING MEETS SHORELINE
The Pier Park Beach Access combines Panama City Beach's premier shopping district with convenient beach entry points. Visitors can enjoy the white sand beaches and then easily access the outdoor shopping complex featuring restaurants, entertainment, and the Pier Park SkyWheel. This location offers the perfect blend of beach relaxation and commercial amenities in the heart of Panama City Beach.
8. M.B. Miller County Pier
FISHING & BEACH VIEWS
M.B. Miller County Pier extends 1,500 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, offering exceptional fishing opportunities and panoramic views of Panama City Beach's shoreline. The pier attracts anglers targeting kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and other Gulf species without requiring a fishing license. The surrounding beach area provides a popular swimming spot with the iconic pier serving as a landmark and gathering place.
9. Crooked Creek
KAYAKING NATURAL WATERWAY
Crooked Creek is a scenic freshwater paddle trail that winds through the natural landscapes just north of Panama City Beach. The creek offers a peaceful kayaking and canoeing experience through cypress forests with crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. This hidden gem provides a refreshing alternative to saltwater beaches with swimming in its cool, spring-fed waters.
10. Grayton Beach State Park
ARTSY COASTAL HAVEN
Grayton Beach State Park, located a short drive from Panama City Beach, features one mile of sugar-white sand consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in America. The park encompasses Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake, creating diverse habitats for paddling, fishing, and wildlife observation. The nearby artistic community of Grayton Beach adds cultural charm to this natural waterfront escape with its unofficial motto: 'Nice dogs, strange people.'