Affiliate Disclosure: Some of these links to the paid services on this page are affiliate links which means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Learn more here.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Panama City Beach, look no further! Find ample opportunities to explore nature, spend time on the water, and enjoy fun family activities and attractions in PCB. Take a look at 18 of the coolest unique things to do in Panama City Beach. Book your trip to Panama City Beach and get out to see these unique activities and locations.
18 of the Most Unique Things To Do in Panama City Beach
1. Take a Boat Ride to Shell Island
Visiting Shell Island in Panama City Beach is a great way to experience a pristine natural Florida beach. You can only get to Shell Island via boat. There are no amenities on the island, not even restrooms or waste receptacles. Chartering a private boat excursion to Shell Island is a great way to experience the island without having to carry everything on and off the shuttle yourself.
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of kayaking under the starlit sky of Panama City Beach, Florida with a Glow Paddle experience!
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Panama City's pristine waters firsthand as you embark on a captivating voyage in a transparent kayak. Whether you seek a romantic evening, a thrilling escapade with friends, or an unforgettable family outing, a glow paddling adventure is a unique choice! Reserve your place for this extraordinary evening expedition and book your clear kayak online today.
In this super-cute activity, you are paired with your own personal mermaid guide. Your mermaid guide will start the tour out in shallow water to get everyone comfortable with using the mermaid tail and snorkeling gear. Once everyone is comfortable, your mermaid guide will teach you the basics of how to swim like a mermaid while capturing pictures and videos of the tour. Once you have mastered the basics, your mermaid guide will guide you to the reef to see tons of fish and aquatic life. Complimentary Go Pro videos included!
One of the best ways to take in Panama City Beach Florida is by air, soaring over the white sugar sand beaches and sparkling Gulf water on a helicopter tour.
You'll see the majestic Panama City Beach coastline from above on a thrilling helicopter tour. A helicopter ride is great for a first date or a fun family outing. Make plans to book one of these Panama City Beach Helicopter Tours now!
Visiting the Panama City Beach Winery is a fun adult activity where you can sample Florida wines made with 100% real fruit without added sugars or flavorings. Complimentary wine tastings are offered. Try their delicious wine slushes, too!
6. Conservation Park
Conservation Park in Panama City Beach is 2,912 acres of total area (908 acres uplands and 2,004 acres wetlands) with 24 miles of trail length and 1 mile of boardwalks for the enjoyment of bikers, hikers and nature lovers.
Be warned that the trek to the beach from the parking lot is about a half a mile without cover, and some of it is through sand....so you might not want to take that hike with small kids or anyone who isn't up for that kind of intense hike. It's a beautiful natural undeveloped beach right next to the Philips Inlet
Each summer Camp Helen State Park hosts Movies and Smores on Tuesday evenings which is a free movie screening and fun activities for kids. You can also take a tour of the Visitors Center and learn about the interesting history of Camp Helen. Take a look at some pics from our visit to Camp Helen from some years back.
Pier Park has loads of shopping, restaurants, food stands, and lively beach vacation fun activities. It's directly across from the Russell-Fields Pier and next to Aaron Bessant Park which frequently hosts concerts like the annual free Summer Concert Series and outdoor activities.
Discover the fun and weird exhibits at Ripley’s Panama City Beach. With a 7.D. Moving Theater, the Marvelous Mirror Maze, and Impossible Laser Race, there’s something for everyone at the Believe It or Not!
11. Wonder Works
WonderWorks is an amusement park for the mind with 35,000 square feet of “edu-tainment”. The attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.
12. Daniel's Shells & Thomas Donuts in Laguna Beach
Located right across from the beach in the part of Laguna Beach with the dedicated beach, these are two separate, unrelated establishments just a few doors down from each other and are both West End staples. Thomas Donuts & Snacks has all the snacks you need, not to mention the delicious donuts and the VIEW..... and Daniel's Shells has a large selection of seashells at very reasonable prices....not tourist trap prices. If you want to buy seashells to supplement the shells you collected on the beach yourself, this is the place...if you need anything else, you won't find it here, so...
Bring a blanket or chair and the whole family to enjoy some great bands in the park all summer long. Food and Drinks are available for purchase. Coolers, food and pets are welcome.
14. Have a Bonfire on the Beach
Since 2017, beach bonfires are allowed on the beach in Panama City Beach but only with a permit only available through licensed vendors. Permitting is required so that bonfires are never set up in proximity to a sea turtle nest. Bonfires are available only at specific locations, so contact the bonfire vendor directly to determine if you are in a serviceable area.
15. Take an Airboat Tour
(...Then eat at BoonDocks or Something Salty right there)
The Experience of a lifetime! Visit alligators and other animals and then HANG ON for your 1 hour tour through the creeks, marsh area’s and backwaters of West Bay with the most experienced (and craziest) airboat crew on the water. You will be looking for gators, dolphins, birds of prey and all kinds of fun stuff.
The Man in the Sea Museum is located on Back Beach Rd. on the West End of Panama City Beach. It's is a great place to explore fascinating exhibits and get acquainted with the roots of diving.
The exhibits illustrate early attempts to work underwater through interpretive drawings, dioramas and written records.
The large collection of rare diving equipment highlights Man's success in developing ways to live in underwater habitats for weeks at a time, including the famous SEALAB-1, as used by the United States Navy (U.S.A.).
17. Visit Gulf World
Enjoy all-day admission at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach. See family-friendly exhibits and interact with marine life like stingrays. Watch educational dolphin and sea lion shows.
18. Sunset & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise with Island Time
Watch dolphins frolic through coastal waters on this scenic 2-hour sunset sail. Board your comfortable catamaran, and listen to music. Cruise through Grand Lagoon, passing elegant homes and St. Andrews State Park. See pods of dolphins travel together and leap above the water. Take photos and admire incredible sunset views. Don’t miss the chance to participate in games and dance when the boat docks. 2-hour sail with stunning sunset views See dolphins in their natural habitat Dancing and games at the dock.
6. Conservation Park
12. Daniel's Shells & Thomas Donuts in Laguna Beach
