1st vacay to Panama City Beach

Question

My husband, teen daughter and I are making our first trip to Panama City Beach at the end of this week. Staying Feb 22nd through March 2nd. We have never vacationed here. We are usually in the Siesta Key/Fort Myers areas. This is a vacation that is really needed for all of us. We lost our oldest child and only son last April. We have really had a rough time. Can anyone recommend things to do and/or explore, favorite restaurants,etc.

Answer

I'm so sorry for your loss. Panama City Beach can be a beautiful place to relax, reflect, and spend quality time together as a family. Even though it’s different from Siesta Key or Fort Myers, it has plenty of family-friendly activities, scenic spots, and dining options to help create some positive memories on your trip.

Beaches & Outdoor Activities:

St. Andrews State Park – A gorgeous state park with beaches, nature trails, and picnic areas. It's quieter than the main public beaches and great for some peaceful time in nature.
Pier Park – A shopping and entertainment hub with restaurants, a small amusement area, and live events. Good for a mix of shopping, dining, and casual fun.
Shell Island Tour – You can take a boat tour to Shell Island for snorkeling, shell collecting, or just enjoying the natural surroundings. It’s a nice way to get outdoors and explore the local marine life.
Gulf World Marine Park – Offers dolphin and sea lion shows, interactive experiences, and touch pools. Great for your teen to have some fun while also learning about marine life.

Family-Friendly Adventures:

ZooWorld Zoological Conservatory – Offers up-close animal encounters and opportunities for educational interactions.
Shipwreck Island Waterpark – If the weather is warm, your teen might enjoy a few hours on water slides and attractions.
Paddleboarding or Kayaking – Rentals are available for calmer waterways. A relaxing way to enjoy the bay and get a bit of exercise together.

Restaurants & Dining:

Captain Anderson’s Restaurant – Famous seafood and beautiful sunset views; a nice place for a more leisurely, memorable meal.
Pineapple Willy’s – Fun casual beachfront dining, famous for ribs and seafood; a lively spot to enjoy local flavors.
Firefly – Upscale seafood and American cuisine with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Another Broken Egg Cafe – Great breakfast/brunch option to start the day with hearty meals.

Since this is a trip to help your family recharge, you might also consider scheduling some downtime on the beach, perhaps a picnic, or just a quiet morning walk to reflect and share memories. Panama City Beach has the balance of active and relaxing options, which can help make your first trip there meaningful and restorative.

1st vacay to Panama City Beach

More Panama City Beach Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions