Where to Eat & Things to Do in Panama City Beach
Restaurant picks, family outings, rainy-day plans and beach adventures for your stay.
Make the most of your stay at Panama City Beach House with a great brunch, a seafood dinner overlooking the water, and activities that fit your crew. Use this guide to choose where to eat and what to do, then follow the official links for menus, reservations, tickets and current hours.
Where to eat | Family fun | Rainy-day ideas | Beach & nature | PCB with dogs
Where to Eat in Panama City Beach
Looking for the best place for your particular meal? Start with these six picks: a convenient brunch, a relaxed taco stop, two beachfront options, a special-occasion dinner and a classic waterfront seafood restaurant.
Another Broken Egg Cafe — Breakfast & Brunch
Best for: a sit-down breakfast before the beach or a leisurely brunch. The Hutchison Boulevard location serves Southern-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch, with brunch cocktails for the adults. It is a practical choice when you want a full meal rather than a quick coffee stop.
Where: 11535 Hutchison Boulevard, Suite 100. Planning tip: use the cafe's online waitlist when available, especially for a weekend brunch. Takeout ordering is also available. View the menu, hours & waitlist.
FINNS Island Style Grub — Casual Tacos & Fresh Bowls
Best for: a relaxed lunch on a day out along Thomas Drive. Look for fish tacos, burritos and ceviche; the South Thomas Barista Bar also offers coffee, smoothies and bowls. This is a useful option when the group wants something lighter than a large seafood dinner.
Planning tip: FINNS has multiple locations, so select South Thomas for the beach location and check the separate Grub and Barista Bar hours. Choose a location & see the menus.
Runaway Island — Beachfront Dining & Sunset Views
Best for: seafood with a Gulf view and a relaxed vacation atmosphere. The restaurant has two levels of indoor dining plus an outdoor deck and a boardwalk to the beach. Consider it for a family meal or an evening when the setting is part of the experience.
What to look for: seafood specialties, tacos and the current chef's specials. Planning tip: arrive ahead of sunset if a view is a priority, and ask about available deck seating. Check its event calendar for live entertainment. Menus, reservations & events.
Schooners — Casual Seafood Right on the Beach
Best for: lunch or dinner with the sand and water right beside you. Schooners is a casual beach club serving seafood and beach-style food, with live music on its calendar. The sunset cannon is a distinctive part of the experience.
Where: 5121 Gulf Drive. Planning tip: check the entertainment and event schedule before choosing your evening; festival days can have a different feel from an ordinary beach lunch. View menus & the event calendar.
Firefly — Date Night & Special Occasions
Best for: an anniversary, birthday or a dinner you want to plan ahead. Firefly offers an atmospheric indoor dining experience with sushi, seafood, steaks and a wine list. It is a strong choice for a more dressed-up evening away from the beach.
Where: 535 Richard Jackson Boulevard. Planning tip: reserve through the restaurant's official website; use its large-party inquiry option if your group needs special arrangements. Explore Firefly & make reservations.
Capt. Anderson's — A Classic Waterfront Seafood Dinner
Best for: a traditional PCB seafood evening overlooking Grand Lagoon and the fishing fleet. Menu highlights include grilled shrimp, crab fingers, stuffed flounder and steaks, with homemade desserts to finish.
Where: 5551 North Lagoon Drive. Planning tip: this is a dinner destination with seasonal operating dates; check the official schedule before heading over. Ask about current seating arrangements for a large group. Dinner menu, hours & contact details.
Menus, opening days and reservation policies can change. The official links above are the best place to check before you go. For holiday meals, confirm holiday service directly rather than relying on normal hours.
Things to Do in Panama City Beach With Kids
Shipwreck Island Waterpark — A Full Splash Day
Plan a waterpark outing with slides, pools and river attractions. Choose rides around your children's comfort levels and the park's height requirements. Check the operating calendar before buying tickets, since this is a seasonal attraction. Park calendar, rides & tickets.
Pier Park — Shopping, Food & an Easy Evening Out
Choose Pier Park when your group wants a mix of shops, restaurants and entertainment in one outing. Pair browsing with dinner and a look at the beach near Russell-Fields Pier. SkyWheel and arcade options add something for kids and teens. Explore Pier Park.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show — Dinner and Entertainment Together
At 16061 Panama City Beach Parkway, this indoor pirate production combines a live show with a four-course meal. It works well for a planned family night when you want one reservation to cover both dinner and entertainment. Book your showtime ahead and review meal options when reserving. Show details, meal information & tickets.
Rainy-Day & Indoor Activities
Rock'it Lanes — Bowling, Skating & Arcade Games
A flexible pick for mixed ages: bowl together, try roller skating or spend time in the arcade. Check current activity hours and pricing so you can choose the combination that fits your family. Plan a visit to Rock'it Lanes.
WonderWorks — Hands-On Indoor Fun
The upside-down building contains more than 100 interactive exhibits, plus activities such as laser tag and an indoor ropes course. Allow several hours if your family likes to explore. Bring closed-toe shoes and check individual activity requirements before going. Exhibits, tickets & visitor information.
Beach Days, Shell Island & Nature
St. Andrews State Park: choose this outing for beaches, nature and access to Shell Island trips. Review park conditions, entry fees and available activities on the official state park page.
Shell Island: plan this as a boat or shuttle outing, not a drive-to beach. Check the operator's departure point, return schedule and weather policy. Pack drinking water, sun protection and what your group needs for a beach outing. Shell Island trip information.
Panama City Beach With Dogs
For a beach outing with your pup, head to the designated Dog Beach west of Russell-Fields City Pier, across from Pier Park. Check posted pet rules and bring water and waste bags. For outdoor restaurant seating, call the specific restaurant before bringing your dog; an outdoor patio does not automatically mean pets are permitted. Dog Beach & pet-friendly outings.
Three Easy Ways to Plan Your Day
- Beach day: brunch at Another Broken Egg, time on the sand, then return to the house for the private pool and a relaxed evening.
- Family adventure: Shipwreck Island when it is open, downtime at the house, then a reserved Pirates Voyage dinner show on another evening if the kids need a slower pace.
- Rainy day: WonderWorks or Rock'it Lanes, followed by dinner out or a meal together in the home's kitchen.
Your Home Base for Exploring PCB
Come back to a private pool, hot tub, putting green and room for up to 11 guests. Panama City Beach House includes a complimentary six-seat golf cart and welcomes approved dogs. Choose your dates to see availability and the full direct-booking price.