According to Tripadvisor’s 2025 Summer Travel Index, PCB leads the state as the most sought‑after Florida destination for summer travel, and it even ranks seventh among all U.S. vacation spots this year.
What is it about this beach town that makes it a top pick? Let’s dive into the reasons visitors can’t get enough of Panama City Beach this summer.
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1. Stunning Beaches & Natural Beauty
27 miles of sugar‑white sand line this stretch of Florida’s Panhandle, offering ample space for sunbathing, beach games, strolling, or simply relaxing.
These crystalline shores are part of Florida’s Emerald Coast, named for its emerald-green Gulf waters, caused by sunlight reflecting off quartz sand and sometimes enhanced by local algae.
Just off the coast lies Shell Island, a pristine, undeveloped barrier island reachable by ferry. It’s perfect for shelling, dolphin-spotting, and escaping the crowds.
2. Marine Life and Adventure
PCB is said to host one of the largest populations of bottlenose dolphins in the world — you can often spot them just off the shoreline or on dedicated dolphin-watching tours.
For those who want to explore underwater, there are over 50 offshore dive sites, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and diving adventures.
Photo Credit: Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage & Show
3. Unique Events & Entertainment
Panama City Beach offers more than just nature: it also features the largest Fourth of July fireworks display on the Gulf Coast, drawing huge crowds and patriotic excitement.
The summer concert series at Aaron Bessant Park adds live music under the stars to the summer lineup.
One standout attraction: Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, which has its only Florida location in PCB.
This action‑packed dinner theater pairs a thrilling pirate battle, aquatic stunts, mermaids, birds, and sea lions with a hearty feast, adding theatrical flair to the beach experience
4. Shopping, Culture & More
Pier Park, an expansive open-air lifestyle center, anchors the area’s retail and entertainment offerings.
With major anchors like Dillard’s, J.C. Penney, and Target, plus dozens of shops, dining venues, and planned attractions (including a future Topgolf near Pier Park East), it’s a one-stop hub for shopping and fun.
More cultural venues and shopping options are conveniently found in nearby Panama City, expanding visitor experiences beyond the beach.
5. Parks, Recreation & Events
PCB doesn’t skimp on green spaces and events. St. Andrews State Park, just east of Panama City Beach, offers 2.5 miles of beaches, camping, boating, birding, snorkeling, hiking, and picnicking—all within a protected natural area.
Frank Brown Park is a massive 200+ acre recreation center, hosting sports fields, playgrounds, an aquatic center, a festival site, and more.
It also supports big events such as the Ironman Florida, flag football championships, and sports tournaments that bring in teams from across the country.
Other events like the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, held biannually, draw tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and support local businesses across multiple venues.
6. Food, Family & Romance — Something for Everyone
As Southern Living highlights, PCB delivers for families (fun breakfasts, family dolphin tours, shopping and play at Pier Park, plus peaceful park time at St. Andrews).
For friend getaways, options include beachside brunches, quirky shopping trails (like “Decor By The Shore”), floating tiki bar cruises, and seafood restaurants like Saltwater Grill and Capt. Anderson’s.
Couples can enjoy kayaking at Camp Helen State Park, relaxing spa sessions, sunsets from Russell‑Fields City Pier, and romantic dinners at Firefly .
7. Florida Gulf’s #1 Answer to Miami?
While Miami grabs headlines for its urban glamour, travel influencers are recommending Panama City Beach as a more relaxed, family-friendly, and affordable alternative, with similar white‑sand beaches, blue waters, and lively coastal ambiance.
In one influencer’s view:
“Panama City Beach on the Gulf Coast … just as lively as Miami, but the beach bars here are laid back and family‑friendly … one of the nicest I have seen in the USA, outside of Hawaii”.
What Makes PCB the #1 Summer Pick?
Let’s recap why Panama City Beach claims the top spot in Florida:
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Beaches & Nature | 27 miles of sugar‑white sand; emerald‑green waters; Shell Island |
| Wildlife & Water Sports | Dolphin-rich coast; 50+ dive sites |
| Events & Entertainment | Huge 4th of July fireworks; summer concerts; Dolly Parton’s show |
| Shopping & Culture | Pier Park; nearby Panama City’s arts & shopping |
| Parks & Recreation | St. Andrews State Park; Frank Brown Park; sports & festivals |
| Dining & Experiences | Options for families, groups, couples |
| Laid-back, affordable alternative to major cities | Family-friendly, lively yet less commercial than Miami |
From natural beauty and marine life to entertainment, parks, dining, and events, PCB seamlessly blends outdoor wonder with comfort, making it a versatile choice for all types of travelers.
In Summary
Panama City Beach isn’t just another beach town—it’s Florida’s #1 summer destination in 2025, and 7th in the U.S.overall according to Tripadvisor’s Summer Travel Index.
Whether you’re craving white‑sand serenity, adventurous water activities, family fun, romantic sunset nights, top-notch events, or great entertainment, Panama City Beach delivers in spades.
So if you’re planning your next summer getaway, Panama City Beach should be at the top of your list.
For more to do in PCB, check out this article!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
