Panama City Beach Area Vacation Rentals

Is Panama City Beach a Good Place to Vacation To?

About Panama City Beach, Florida 

Found in Northwest Florida, Panama City Beach is the perfect vacation spot for families, golfers, fishermen, beachgoers, with world-class dining and shopping. 

Panama City Beach is an exquisite location in Northeast Florida that boasts 27 miles of sandy white beaches facing West for the perfect sunset every day of the year. In between Pensacola and Tallahassee on the Gulf of Mexico, it is the ideal destination for those looking to visit state parks, beach, swim, scuba dive & snorkel, and fish. With a small population of 12,700 people, you are able to escape to a quaint beach town with all the amenities and attractions one could want. This beach city captivates the essence of Florida with great waterfront restaurants offering fantastic seafood, true to its name the 'seafood capital of the South'.  With an average of 320 days of sunshine per year, Panama City Beach is always the perfect vacation destination!

What are Popular Things to Do in Panama City Beach, Florida?

Highlights of Panama City Beach

• Pier Park: main shopping area and the hub for large events
• Man is In the Sea Museum: the only deepwater diving museum in the US!
• Home to one of the world's largest populations of bottlenose dolphins. Head out on a boat cruise or snorkeling adventure to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
• Shipwrecks: several ships that had previously run aground as well as those which have been placed to create beautiful reefs and habitats.
• Perfect for guys and girls getaways, Orlando boasts over 15 professional golf courses.
• Shopping is abundant! Enjoy Nearby Destin Premium Outlets, Pier Park, and lots of other shopping districts.
• There are hundreds of world-class restaurants and dining options in the Panama City Beach area, perfect for real foodies.
• Best Suited for many many types of travelers singles, couples, small and large families, reunions, sports groups, and business visitors.

Things to Do in Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is one of the most popular retreats on Florida's Emerald Coast, perfectly suited for an action-packed holiday or a relaxing beach getaway. Here’s a handy list of things to do to help you find out if it’s the perfect fit for your next vacation. 

• Visit State Parks: Kayak, fish, hike or leisurely enjoy the wildlife and nature found at one of the areas 2 state parks.
• St. Andrews State Park - has one of the few barriers with 4 habitats (ocean, dune, deciduous forest, lake)
• Camp Helen State Park
• Fishing: with one of the largest sport-fishing fleets, there are many charter companies offering deep-sea fishing (catch includes - tuna, blue marlin, red snapper, grouper, mackerel, etc.)
• Water Activities: boat rentals, parasailing, beaching, swimming
• Diving: the NOAA has mapped many of the natural reefs in the northeast Gulf but there are also many artificial and shipwreck reefs, including the new 5 super reefs made of limestone designed to create an abundance of natural aquatic growth in the area
• The Pirate Cruise: take a 2-hour cruise on the Sea Dragon for a combination of sightseeing and activities on the ship - fantastic for kids
• Shipwreck Island Waterpark
• Animal habitats and zoos
• Golfing
• Shopping (Destin Premium Outlets, Pier Park)
• Fine dining and casual restaurants

List of Panama City Beach Annual Events

Be sure to book your vacation during one of these fun and exciting events.

• New Years Eve Beach Ball Drop
• PCB Mardi Gras (late February)
• Free summer concert series
• 4th of July: largest fireworks display on the Gulf Coast
• Lobster Festival & Tournament (Mid-September)

What do I need to know to rent a vacation home rental in Panama City Beach, Florida?

Statistics about Panama City Beach

Use the search filters on Florida Rental By Owners website to look for accommodations meeting your criteria. There are currently over 57 properties in the Panama City Beach area listed for rent. There are 46 condos advertised out of 57 properties. The majority of properties listed have heated pools - 41 rentals which make this an ideal year-round destination. Many winter travelers are looking for long-term rental options, choosing the long term suitability filter renders 16 rental options for snowbirds. People loving traveling with their family members. In the Panama City Beach area, there are 50 rentals that are family-friendly vacation rentals.

Vacation Rental Price information pertaining to the Panama City Beach, Florida area

Currently, prices range from 550$ per week during the low season which typically runs from November to February. The winter months are considered low season months. You can expect to pay the highest rates during the peak season running from May to October, Spring Break and school holidays where prices of larger homes can cost over $5,750 per week. The summer months, June and July are favorite times for domestic travelers from the state of Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina to escape to the coast for cooler breezes and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.

Accommodation Types in Panama City Beach, Florida

There is an abundance of vacation rental dwelling types, the majority ranging from condos to private homes: 

• 9 rentals are listed as "house" rentals, accounting for 15.8% of the housing types
• 46 rentals are listed as "condo" rentals, are another popular rental type accounting for 80.7% of the short term rental housing types

When is the Best Time to Visit Panama City Beach, Florida?

Good Times to Visit Panama City Beach, Florida

The warm weather patterns start in April and extend to October so the summer months are the most popular times to visit Panama City Beach. Northerners will love the budget-friendly options that are in abundance from November to March just before Spring Break starts. This makes Panama City Beach a great inexpensive option for snowbirds to winter in the area when temperatures are mild and there are no crowds. Panama City Beach has a large number of festivals and events throughout the year making it a great choice to visit when one of the fishing tournaments, during Mardi Gras or when the Lobster Festival is happening.

What is the best way to Travel to Panama City Beach, Florida?

Traveling to Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach does have a major airport within 30 minutes of the downtown core as well as other larger airports close by. Whether you live in the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond you are sure to find a final destination close by. 

Traveling to Panama City Beach by Car from Major U.S. Cities

There are two airports to choose from all within 2 hours of Panama City Beach. Whether you live in the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond you are sure to find a final destination close by. 

BUS

Greyhound Bus - many lines run into PCB from surrounding areas.

CAR

For those driving in, Hwy. 98 is a direct route to Panama City Beach, but the I-10 or Hwy. 20 can be taken westbound to Hwys. 77, 79, 231. Consider driving from these closer states;

• Birmingham, AL - 280 miles

• Atlanta, GA - 297 miles

• New Orleans, LA - 305 miles

• Nashville, TN - 476 miles

• Little Rock, AR - 605 miles

• Louisville, KY - 644 miles

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is conveniently located approximately 15 minutes from the beach area, serving Delta, Silver, Southwest, and United Airlines.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS)

In the Destin area, this airport is approximately a 1.5h drive from Panama City Beach but includes additional carriers: United, American, Delta, Allegiant, Glo, and Contour Airlines.

Transportation in Panama City Beach

There is an abundance of transportation options at the major airports including Uber, taxis, shuttles, and even limousine services. Most are open 24 hours a day but we highly suggest booking transportation in advance.  There are lots of transportation shuttles available, but your own vehicle will give you much more freedom to come and go as you please. There are also lots of local restaurants to explore, not to mention the endless attractions and shopping! 

What is the average monthly Weather Temperature for Panama City Beach, Florida?