Summer 2025 in Panama City Beach: The Ultimate Coastal Escape Guide
Experience Gulf-front luxury, unforgettable adventures, and the charm of Florida's Emerald Coast
There’s a certain magic in the salt air of Panama City Beach. It’s where lazy summer mornings melt into golden sunsets, where the waves whisper just loud enough to wash away everyday worries, and where unforgettable memories are made—whether you’re sailing into the horizon, savoring freshly caught seafood, or simply sipping a cold drink as the tide rolls in.
If you’re dreaming of an epic vacation in Summer 2025, Panama City Beach (PCB) is your front-row seat to everything Florida’s Gulf Coast has to offer. With over 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches, stunning views, vibrant nightlife, and activities for every age and interest, it’s time to discover why PCB should be at the top of your summer travel list.
A Foodie’s Paradise: Top 10 Restaurants in Panama City Beach
A beach vacation isn’t complete without incredible dining, and Panama City Beach delivers a mouthwatering lineup of local legends and hidden gems. Here are ten must-visit restaurants to add to your itinerary:
1. Firefly
Step into elegance as you dine beneath twinkling tree lights in this upscale yet relaxed hideaway. Known for expertly prepared seafood, prime steaks, and sushi, Firefly brings fine dining to the beach without ever feeling stuffy. Perfect for date night or an anniversary celebration.
2. The Grand Marlin
Enjoy panoramic views of the marina while indulging in oysters, ahi tuna, or their famous fish tacos. With an elevated atmosphere and a vibrant raw bar, The Grand Marlin is a sophisticated seafood lover’s dream.
3. Runaway Island Beach Bar & Grill
Let your flip-flops lead the way to this lively beachfront escape. Two stories of dining space, live local music, and an incredible view of the sunset pair perfectly with coastal comfort food and tropical cocktails.
4. Dee’s Hang Out
With its signature Cajun flair, Dee’s serves up hearty helpings of gumbo, chargrilled oysters, and smoked tuna dip. A favorite among locals, this casual stop brings bold flavor and a warm welcome every time.
5. Saltwater Grill
Dine beside a floor-to-ceiling saltwater aquarium as you explore a menu filled with perfectly grilled steaks, buttery lobster, and indulgent pasta dishes. Come early for the best tables and some of the best early bird specials on the coast.
6. Capt. Anderson’s Restaurant
A local institution for over 50 years, this award-winning waterfront restaurant is part seafood house, part time capsule. Watch the fishing boats unload their daily catch as you sip wine and savor house specialties like chargrilled grouper or shrimp and grits.
7. Angelo’s Steak Pit
Step into a rustic Western lodge where the steaks are thick, the flavors are bold, and the service comes with a smile. A family tradition for many, Angelo’s serves some of the best ribeyes and T-bones in town.
8. Harpoon Harry’s
A vibrant, come-as-you-are beachfront bar and grill offering fresh seafood, fun cocktails, and an unbeatable sunset view. Their beachfront deck makes the perfect setting for live music and casual gatherings.
9. Bayou Bill’s Crab House
Craving crab legs or a seafood boil piled high with shrimp, corn, and sausage? Bayou Bill’s serves up Old Florida charm alongside hearty portions and even features an alligator pond for curious kids.
10. Hammerhead Fred’s
This colorful hot spot keeps the party going with a tropical-themed menu and lively outdoor bar. Don’t miss the crab cakes, beachy cocktails, and festive atmosphere that makes Fred’s a PCB staple.
Pier Park: Panama City Beach’s Crown Jewel
No trip to PCB is complete without a visit to Pier Park, the city’s dynamic open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. With over 900,000 square feet of excitement just steps from the beach, Pier Park is the heartbeat of summer fun.
What to Expect:
Retail Therapy: Shop everything from surfwear and flip-flops at Ron Jon’s to trendy outfits at American Eagle, Target, and dozens of local boutiques.
Family Entertainment:
Ride the SkyWheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the Gulf.
Dive into immersive entertainment at the Grand IMAX Theater.
Battle your way through the Mirror Maze and Laser Craze.
Visit the Fear at the Pier Haunted House for year-round spooky thrills.
Unwind with games and drinks at Dave & Buster’s, fun for both kids and adults.
Don’t Miss These Events:
Summer Concert Series (Thursdays, June–August): Free, open-air concerts at Aaron Bessant Park—bring a blanket, grab dinner nearby, and enjoy live local and national acts.
Real. Fun. Fourth.: Celebrate the 4th of July with dazzling fireworks over the Gulf, parades, and family-friendly festivities at both City Pier and County Pier.
On the Water: Charter Boats and Deep-Sea Fishing
Fishing is more than a hobby here—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just want a chance to reel in something big, PCB’s world-class charter options are ready to take you into the deep blue.
Top Charter Services:
Capt. Anderson’s Marina – Group party boats and private charters offering half- or full-day trips, sunset cruises, and dolphin encounters.
Kelley Girl Charters – Private, custom experiences perfect for catching snapper, grouper, and kingfish.
Family Tradition Charters – A multigenerational fishing family offering a personalized, educational experience for all ages.
Reel Therapy Charters – High-rated and fully equipped, offering a relaxing but action-packed day on the water.
Expect to catch red snapper, amberjack, mahi-mahi, grouper, and more, depending on the season. Most charters include bait, gear, and even your fishing license.
Tee Off in Paradise: Golfing in Panama City Beach
If your idea of a perfect morning includes fresh-cut fairways and ocean breezes, PCB has some of Florida’s best-kept golf secrets.
Best Courses to Play:
Bay Point Golf Club
Home to the only Nicklaus Design course in Northwest Florida, Bay Point delivers a challenging 18-hole course with panoramic views and flawless greens.
Signal Hill Golf Course
This laid-back, budget-friendly 18-hole course sits right across from the beach. With gentle rolling hills and forgiving fairways, it’s great for casual rounds.
Legacy Golf Club
A semi-private course tucked away from the tourist crowds. Beautiful layout, mature trees, and the occasional egret or heron wandering across the green.
Camp Creek Golf Club
Located just outside Panama City Beach, this prestigious Tom Fazio-designed course is available to members and resort guests. It’s luxurious, challenging, and surrounded by natural coastal landscapes.
Natural Wonders & Hidden Gems
Panama City Beach offers more than just oceanfront bliss. Step off the beaten path and find yourself in some of Florida’s most beautiful wild spaces.
Shell Island
An unspoiled paradise accessible only by boat. Spend your day snorkeling, picnicking, and watching dolphins play in crystal-clear waters. Bring your own gear or book a shuttle from St. Andrews State Park.
St. Andrews State Park
Over 1,200 acres of pristine shoreline, walking trails, and wildlife. Fish off the jetty, kayak the bay, or stroll through pine hammocks and salt marshes.
Camp Helen State Park
Secluded, quiet, and stunning—this park hugs Lake Powell, one of the rare coastal dune lakes found only in a few parts of the world. Ideal for paddleboarding and photography.
Cypress Springs Eco Adventure
Venture inland and paddle through turquoise freshwater springs with a local guide. This all-inclusive tour includes kayaking, lunch, rope swings, and hidden swimming holes.
New for 2025: Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Get ready to be wowed. Launching in summer 2025, the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show—produced by Dolly Parton—delivers a swashbuckling theatrical experience with live acrobatics, sea creatures, epic sword fights, and a full four-course feast. Located near Pier Park, this brand-new attraction is poised to become a family favorite for years to come.
Plan Your Perfect Summer Today
Summer 2025 in Panama City Beach promises to be filled with sunshine, salty air, and stories you'll tell for years to come. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration, or family fun, PCB delivers it all—wrapped in warm Gulf breezes and a laid-back Florida spirit.
Let UMB Vacations take care of the details.
We’ll help you find the perfect rental, plan your adventures, and show you the best our coast has to offer.
Visit www.umbvacations.com or call (800) 834-7774 to book your unforgettable stay.
