Set on the Gulf of Mexico and backed by beautiful bays and languid lagoons, Panama City Beach (nicknamed PCB) is the quintessential Gulf Coast destination. Known as a spring break party town and a haven for heat-seeking retirees, the city is a healthy mix of family fun, vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and nearby nature parks. In short, it has everything. Choose a Panama City Beach vacation rental to suit your needs—near the club scene or off the beaten path—and bask in the sun and the glory of your good decision.
One thing you can count on if you book a PCB vacation rental: you'll never be bored. Museums in the area will delight any kids in tow, and they're quirky enough to fascinate grown-ups as well. The Man in the Sea Museum takes a close look at the sport of diving, and its interactive exhibits allow you to crank up an air pump, climb into a submersible, and learn how diving bells really work. WonderWorks is half museum, half amusement park, with an obstacle course, a laser-tag maze, and virtual-reality soccer matches.
The hub of Panama City Beach is the beach itself, miles of white sand that's known for being so soft, it squeaks underfoot. Pair that with the emerald green ocean waters, and well, what more could you ask for? The scene is lively and youthful, especially during spring break and summer. If you don't mind a crowd and love a club scene when the sun goes down, you'll be in heaven. If something quieter is more your style, book a sunset boat tour or take the sailing shuttle to Shell Island, a more peaceful beach destination.
PCB's subtropical climate means some wet weather during hurricane season, but don't let that cloud the facts—the city boasts 320 days of sunshine each year. Spring break is the most popular time for visitors, especially the college-age variety, so join the party or wait until May if you don't want to share your beach towel. Hot, beach-perfect weather makes summer an ideal time to visit. Just bring an umbrella for rainy days, especially in July and August. If you'd like a deal on a Panama City Beach vacation rental, book in winter and enjoy the quiet.
You might think PCB is just too busy and bustling to accommodate marine species and wetland wildlife. Fortunately, you're wrong. St. Andrews State Park, on the southeast edge of the city, is 1260 peaceful acres of nature trails, swimming spots, and habitats for foxes, coyotes, seabirds, and alligators. (Don't touch! But do swim freely in the saltwater. ‘Gators stay safely in their freshwater homes.) Head to the northwest corner of the city for another natural locale, Conservation Park. Its 2900 acres offer 24 miles of trails shaded by cypress trees.
Panama City Beach is found on the stunning Florida coastline with white-sand beaches and turquoise seas. Vacation homes are available near beaches like Panama City Beach, a long stretch of white sand and clear water with a fishing pier, and Alys Beach, a picturesque beach area with soft sand and gentle waters. Camp Helen State Park, a park with a beach near a large coastal dune lake, and Rick Seltzer Park, a swimming beach with calm waters and pavilions and picnic areas, are also great places for sun and surf.
The nearest airport is in Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (DSI), located 42.5 mi (68.4 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into Northwest Florida Beaches Intl. Airport (ECP), which is 12.3 mi (19.9 km) away.
Panama City Beach is filled with kid-friendly attractions for children of all ages. Vacation home rentals can be found near exciting places like St. Andrews State Park, a vast park with beaches, nature trails, and campsites, and Shipwreck Island Waterpark, a tropical-themed water park with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Kids will also enjoy Gulf World, a tropical garden with sea life like dolphins and sea lions, and ZooWorld Zoological and Botanical Conservatory, which houses conservation species and shows in a tropical environment.
Whatever you're looking for in a getaway, you'll find a rental property in or around Panama City Beach that suits your style. These are some of our top picks:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Panama City Beach vacation rental for you.
Nothing's better than a short break to perk you up. Pack your carry-on bag and take five at one of these appealing weekend getaways in and around Panama City Beach:
Get a taste of the culture and atmosphere of Panama City Beach from the privacy and comfort of your own studio apartment. Whether you're planning to escape on your own or have fun with a few pals, we'll help you find the perfect studio apartment in and around Panama City Beach:
There are many sights around Panama City Beach to add to your agenda. Feed your inner culture vulture and visit Fish Tales Art Gallery and Martin Theatre.
Finding a short-term rental in or near Panama City Beach won't be a problem if you only have a weekend available. Whether you're looking for a one-bedroom apartment for you alone or a property for all your family members you'll find a place to suit on Vrbo. Here are a handful of our best picks:
Nothing says "I love you" like a romantic weekend trip. If you're eager to spend a couple of evenings away with your significant other, we've got some romantic getaways in and around Panama City Beach that will get your heart racing:
You'll find some impressive mansions for rent in and around Panama City Beach. If you're on the lookout for somewhere with lots of room as well as a large dollop of wow factor, these stunners will not disappoint:
Big groups mean gigantic fun. They also mean finding a place that'll comfortably fit your entire squad. Browse our large group vacation rentals in or around Panama City Beach and get your loved ones together under the same roof:
Once in a while you just need to get away from it all … with, oh, 30 or more of your favorite people. Whether you're searching for someplace to stay with the extended family or you're planning a big bash, we have large vacation rentals in and around Panama City Beach that'll fit your whole party:
Of all the conveniences a vacation rental can have, a pool promises the most fun. Browse these houses for rent with a pool in or near Panama City Beach and spend your days splashing around. Just remember to take your flamingo floatie:
Curious what the weather's like in Panama City Beach? It has a humid subtropical climate, with average temperatures in summer ranging from 80 ºF to 90 ºF. If you're after a little more inspiration on where to stay in this epic destination, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to look through our entire selection of Panama City Beach vacation rentals.
Every get-together with the family should be one to remember. Whether you're planning a getaway with the kids or a long-overdue family reunion, Vrbo's large family vacation rentals in or near Panama City Beach offer a comfy home away from home with plenty of space for everyone:
If you want to sightsee, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions nearby to stick on your itinerary. Gulf World Marine Park, Shipwreck Island Waterpark and Frank Brown Park are good places to start.