Planning a getaway to the Sunshine State , make sure to include Panama City on your list. Panama City has a quieter, laid-back vibe that’s attractive to year-round residents, and visitors are starting to take note too. There are plenty of fun things to see and do in the city’s four historic neighborhoods that it’s worth a day trip, or a weekend stay. From nature excursions to downtown shopping, here are the best things to do in Panama City.

The Great Outdoors

Visit St. Andrews State Park

With access to the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay, this picturesque state park is a popular spot if you are looking for another alternative to Panama City Beach . In addition to the tranquil shores, there are hiking trails, a two-mile paved road for walking and biking, piers and jetty rocks for fishing, and you can even rent a kayak.

Experience Shell Island

At St. Andrews Park, you can catch a ferry to Shell Island, a seven-mile undeveloped stretch of land where you can immerse yourself in nature. In addition to hunting for shells and dolphin-spotting, the island is a fantastic place for snorkeling (you can rent gear at the Pier Store). The island is only accessible by boat, and many local companies offer transportation. The Shell Island Ferry at the park makes several trips a day and is an easy and inexpensive way to get there.

Take Historical Walking Tours

Learn about Panama City and get your steps in on a self-guided walking tour. In the St. Andrews neighborhood you can visit landmarks like the St. Andrews Church, which dates back to 1887 as well the Panama City Publishing Company Museum . Downtown is home to many historic buildings from the early 1900s, including City Hall and the courthouse. Florida Studies walking tours (a program by Florida Humanities) is an app and website that can take you through the St. Andrews neighborhood. You can also find points of interest from Destination Panama City .

Panama City Center for the Arts

Housed in a historic 1920s-era building in downtown, this is the cultural hub of Panama City. There are more than 30 art exhibits a year in the space, and admission is free. You can also take classes in a variety of mediums here.

Local Galleries

Support Panama City artists at Gallery of Art 850 , which has fine art, pottery, and sculpture. The gallery, which dates back to the 1970s, also has a calendar of exhibitions and events celebrating all mediums. The Light Room is a photography studio with a gallery to showcase work by area photographers, as well others from outside Northwest Florida. Nonprofit floriopolis , which bills itself as “St. Andrews Arts Metropolis”, is a creative space where people can make and display projects. The organization also hosts events throughout the city.

Mural Walk

While you’re strolling around, keep an eye out for murals , which are prominently displayed around the city. There are 15 large-scale paintings, by local and nationally-known artists, listed on Panama City's Mural Trail .

Do Some Shopping

Little Village

You never know what you might find at this waterfront “shopping and entertainment venue” in St. Andrews. Shop for locally made or fair trade items like accessories like jewelry and woven bags, and home goods like candles. Enjoy tacos or have a drink at Finns Island Style Grub , which has an outpost here. Then stick around for live music, which happens weekly.

Downtown Panama City

Spend an afternoon walking from store to store in this charming area. Accents Home and Gifts is filled with beautiful finds like oyster plates, jewelry by Southern makers, and original artwork. Bookish Boutique sells new and used titles, as well as funny literary-themed t-shirts and tote bags, bookmarks, and other items. Jute & Palm specializes in coastal-inspired home goods that are either “found” (collected), “made” (hand-produced), or “gathered” (mass-produced). And those are just a few of the many independently-owned businesses in the neighborhood.

Dine Around Town

Breweries

The city has its own Ale Trail that includes a variety of establishments, including dockside watering holes and an arcade bar. For locally made brews and a full menu, head to The Grocery Kitchen and Taproom or History Class Brewing Company . El Weirdo is a fun, funky spot that serves its craft beer along with tacos, nachos, and burritos in a colorful space filled with local art.

Outdoor Dining

Soak up the sunshine at a restaurant with a breezy patio or dining space with a view. Luna Muna Cafebar is a cute spot for breakfast and lunch and has a menu of breakfast sandwiches, salads, juices, and desserts. Big Mama’s on the Bayou is a local favorite for its Southern-style comfort food and gorgeous view of the water. For Italian fare, Ferrucci Ristorante has an extensive pasta menu, as well as entrees like Snapper Piccata. It’s easy to spend an entire day at Papa Joe’s Bayside , which has food trucks, live music, pickleball, and a bar situated right on St. Andrew’s Bay.

Seafood Spots

The Gulf offers a bounty of seafood, and whether you’re into fried shrimp, raw oysters, or grilled red snapper, Panama City has plenty of options to choose from. Capt’s Table has been serving dishes like stuffed grouper and smoked tuna dip with potato chips since 1963. Enjoy fried seafood baskets and po’ boys with waterfront views at Bayou Joe’s at Massalina Bayou. Gene’s Oyster Bar is an old-school favorite for bivalves both raw and cooked.